The Story of Blues Label Alligator Records & Conversation with Buddy Guy
This week, Jim and Greg explore the history and legacy of the almost 50-year-old Chicago blues label, Alligator Records, with its founder Bruce Iglauer. They'll talk to him about his new book Bitten By the Blues: The Alligator Records Story and discuss some of the landmark artists who came through, from Koko Taylor to Albert Collins. Jim and Greg will also revisit an interview they did with Chicago blues legend Buddy Guy.
Alligator Records’ Bruce Iglauer
Alligator Records is a Chicago blues label that's been around for almost 50 years. While not necessarily a household name, Alligator Records has captured some of the most potent artists Chicago has offered since 1970, and has always championed a raw and unvarnished sound - not unlike punk in that way.
In 1970, 23-year-old Bruce Iglauer came to Chicago to work for the jazz and blues label Delmark Records, but quickly decided to stake out on his own. At a time when the blues was waning in popularity and prominence, Iglauer recognized that there was an audience of young rock fans who were interested in expanding their musical tastes. So, this young white guy assembles a roster of some of the most iconic artists of the genre, people like Albert Collins and Koko Taylor, and gets people excited about the music again. In his recent book Bitten By the Blues: The Alligator Records Story, Bruce Iglauer, along with co-writer Patrick A. Roberts, tells the story of the evolution of Alligator, its landmark artists and its importance in music history.
Buddy Guy
Blues legend and fellow Chicagoan Buddy Guy visited the show back in 2007.
One thing that makes Buddy Guy's music so unique is his sense of melody. He explains how he will listen to spiritual and gospel music on the radio as inspiration. As Greg states: he's trying to imitate the voices. He learned this from B.B. King. Another musician who inspired Buddy was Guitar Slim. Before seeing Slim play, Buddy didn't know how far he could go with a "strat." Now he is known for his violent, high-energy style. This style wasn't appreciated by his former label Chess Records, but was adored and emulated by British blues fans like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Andy Summers. This week, we revisit the 2007 interview and are also treated to a rare, acoustic performance from Guy and his bandmember at the time, Rick Hall. Listen to the whole interview, featuring two aditional songs, here.
Featured Songs
- Koko Taylor, "I'm A Woman," The Earthshaker, Alligator , 1978
- Albert Collins, "Honey Hush! (Talking Woman Blues)," Ice Pickin', Alligator , 1978
- Mississippi Fred McDowell, "You Got to Move," You Gotta Move, Arhoolie, 1965
- Hound Dog Taylor & The Houserockers, "Walking the Ceiling," Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers, Alligator , 1971
- Hound Dog Taylor & The Houserockers, "Give Me Back My Wig," Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers, Alligator , 1971
- Hound Dog Taylor & The Houserockers, "Phillips' Theme," Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers, Alligator , 1971
- B.B. King, "The Thrill Is Gone," Completely Well, Alligator , 1969
- Hound Dog Taylor & The Houserockers, "Wild About You Baby," Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers, Alligator , 1971
- Koko Taylor, "Wang Dang Doodle," Wang Dang Doodle (Single), Chess, 1966
- Koko Taylor, "That's Why I'm Crying," I Got What It Takes, Alligator , 1975
- Koko Taylor, "I Got What It Takes," I Got What It Takes, Alligator , 1975
- Albert Collins, "I Ain't Drunk," Cold Snap, Alligator , 1986
- Albert Collins, Johnny Copeland, Robert Cray, "The Moon Is Full," Showdown!, Alligator , 1985
- Toronzo Cannon, "Walk It Off," The Chicago Way, Alligator , 2016
- Toronzo Cannon, "Bad Contract," The Chicago Way, Alligator , 2016
- Shemekia Copeland, "Would You Take My Blood," America's Child, Alligator , 2018
- Shemekia Copeland, "Ain't Got Time For Hate," America's Child, Alligator , 2018
- A.C. Reed, "She's Fine (feat. Bonnie Raitt)," I'm In the Wrong Business!, Alligator , 1987
- Buddy Guy, "Baby Please Don't Leave Me," Sweet Tea, Silvertone, 2001
- B.B. King, "Don't Answer the Door," Don't Answer The Door (single), ABC, 1966
- Buddy Guy, "Good Morning Schoolgirl," Hoodoo Blues Man (Live On Sound Opinions), Delmark, 2007
- Cream, "Strange Brew," Strange Brew (single), Reaction, 1967
- Buddy Guy, "First Time I Met The Blues," I Got My Eyes On You (single), Chess, 1960
- Shawnna, "Can't Break Me (feat. Buddy Guy)," Block Music, Disturbing Tha Peace, 2006
- Buddy Guy, "I've Got Dreams to Remember," Bring 'Em In (Live On Sound Opinions), Silvertone, 2007
- The Stooges, "Down on the Street," Fun House, Elektra, 1970
- Fats Domino, "I've Been Calling," What A Party, Imperial, 1961
- Quintron & Miss Pussycat, "Swamp Buggy Badass," Swamp Tech, Tigerbeat6, 2005
- The Troggs, "Wild Thing," Wild Thing (single), Fontana, 1966
- The Cure, "Killing an Arab," Killing an Arab (single), Small Wonder, 1978
- Peter Gabriel, "Mercy Street," So, Geffen, 1986
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