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History of British Blues

Recommended British Blues History Books
 

Here is a bibliography of blues books concerning the history of British Blues.

 

 

'Blowing The Blues: A Personal History of British Blues' by Dick Heckstall-Smith and Pete Grant

Dick - the king of British blues saxophone - describes the revolutionary founding years of British R&B with wonderful anecdotes about Ginger Baker, Alexis Korner, Charlie Watts and the unforgettable Graham Bond.

Publishers: Clear Press (2004)

ISBN: 978-1904555049

 

'Blues In Britain' by Bob Brunning (ex Fleetwood Mac / Savoy Brown)

The history of blues and R n'B in Britain from the tentative days on the 1950s to the thriving scene of the 1990s.

Publishers: Blandford (1995)

ISBN: 0-7137-2457-9

 

 

'The Blues Revival' by Bob Groom (Studio Vista Series Edited by Paul Oliver)

Bob Groom surveys the expanding popularity of the blues, from skiffle through rock n' roll to the current interest in both old-time and modern forms, describing research, rediscoveries and recordings.

Publishers: Studio Vista (1971)

ISBN: 289-701-48-1

 

 

'Blues: The British Connection' by Bob Brunning (ex Fleetwood Mac / Savoy Brown)

Brunning’s book charts how London blues shows by US Bluesmen like Muddy Waters and Johnny Lee Hooker – then all but forgotten in their homeland - influenced a whole generation of British musicians from The Stones and The Animals to The Bluesbreakers and The Yardbirds.

Publishers: Blandford (1986)

ISBN: 978-0713718362

 

'First Time We Met The Blues: A Journey of Discovery with Jimmy Page, Brian Jones, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards' by David Williams

David Williams grew up in Epsom, Surrey and was a childhood friend of future Led Zeppelin guitar legend, Jimmy Page. Together they discovered what was for them an intriguing and very different kind of music: the blues. As their interest grew into a passion, they befriended other teenage enthusiasts - among them Brian Jones, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards - becoming part of a movement that ultimately brought about the '60s rock revolution. Part-biography, part-history, "The First Time We Met The Blues" is packed full of great anecdotes and unique insights into the early British blues scene, Page's formative years as a musician, the beginnings of the Rolling Stones, and much more besides.

Publishers: Music Mentor Books (2009)

ISBN: 978-0954706814 

 

 

'Hoggin' The Page - Groundhogs: The Classic Years' by Martyn Hanson

The story of The Groundhogs spans the most exciting British rock will ever enjoy. Springing from the same early 1960s roots as the Animals, Pretty Things and Rolling Stones, they first made a reputation as a blues band backing the likes of John Lee Hooker on his tours of England.

Publishers: Northdown Publishing (2005)

ISBN: 1-900711-16-8

 

 

'It Ain't Easy: Long John Baldry and the Birth of the British Blues' by Paul Myers

Drawing on intimate anecdotes from Baldry's legendary friends, lovers, and peers, author Paul Myers uncovers the man behind the mythic persona. An entire generation of British rock legends flourished under Baldry's tutelage, and It Ain't Easy features exclusive personal recollections.

Publishers: Greystone Books (2007)

ISBN: 978-1553652007

 

'Mothers (1968 - 1971) The Home of Good Sounds' by Kevin Duffy (Forward by John Peel)

From 1968 - 1971 Mothers Club, Birmingham carved a niche in the history of rock music , being voted number one venue in the world by America's Billboard Magazine. This book captures the spirit of the club, telling the story of its rise to fame as the mecca of the 'underground' music scene.

Publishers: Birmingham Library Services (1997)

ISBN: 0-7093-0217-7

 

 

 

'Strange Brew: Eric Clapton and the British Blues Boom 1965-1970' by Christopher Hjort (Forward by John Mayall)

This is the day-by-day story of the 60s British blues boom, centering on key guitarists Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor and the groups that they played in from 1965 to 1970 - John's Mayall's Blues breakers, Cream, Fleetwood Mac, Blind Faith, The Rolling Stones, Delaney & Bonnie, and more.

Publishers: Jawbone (2007)

ISBN: 978-1906002008

 


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