From Guitar World · · 1m
Buddy Guy on underrated blues guitarist Earl Hooker
Buddy Guy reveals how Earl Hooker's slide guitar mastery went unnoticed.
In brief
Buddy Guy reveals how Earl Hooker's slide guitar mastery went unnoticed. Buddy Guy says Earl Hooker's slide guitar work was overlooked despite his impact on blues music. Originally reported by Guitar World.
Buddy Guy's early guitar journey
Buddy Guy learned rhythm by playing with drummer Fred Below in Chicago in 1957.
The rhythm challenge
Guy said junior wells called him 'you can play, but you ain't got no time' in 1957.
“you can play, but you ain't got no time”
Old recordings' authenticity
Guy believes old blues recordings sound warm because they were recorded with just guitar, amp, and mic.
The slide guitar mystery
Guy heard a melody at a club and asked 'who is that singing?' when told 'no-one, that's hooker playing slide'.
“who is that singing? no-one that's hooker playing slide”
Earl Hooker's impact
Guy gave hooker a slide guitar after hearing his unique style at a club in 1957.
Vanguard Records period
Guy felt he had more freedom at vanguard records but still faced constraints from the label.
What it means
Buddy Guy says Earl Hooker's slide guitar work was overlooked despite his impact on blues music.
