Buddy Guy is one of the most talented living blues players, and his influence on the genre (especially the Chicago blues) has left a mark that is still felt today. It’s not surprising all that newer, younger audiences are catching on to his gorgeous body of work. If you’re a member of that audience, give these three essential Buddy Guy songs a listen.
“DJ Play My Blues”
This one’s a real gem. “DJ Play My Blues” shows Guy lamenting the sad state of blues music in the 1980s. It’s a lovely little crossover of eras, and Guy proved he still had some incredible recording talents well into his career. If you’re a blues fan that often feels bummed out about the genre’s bygone era, this tune might make you feel seen. The album of the same name is essential listening as well, in my opinion.
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“Mr. DJ, I wonder why you don’t play much blues anymore.”
“Keep It To Myself”
This is one of Buddy Guy’s richest arrangements, and it hails back to the golden era of music in the 1960s, particularly in terms of soul music. “Keep It To Myself” was beautifully produced, but not overproduced. It’s still an authentic Buddy Guy song, and I’d say it is one of the most influential tracks to come out of Motown’s golden era of stellar music.
“The Blues Is Alive And Well”
The Buddy Guy song “The Blues Is Alive And Well” could be seen as a follow-up to “DJ Play My Blues”. In that tune, Guy bemoaned the lack of love that the blues got as the 20th century came to a close. “The Blues Is Alive And Well”, however, takes on a much more optimistic tone decades later. And that horn arrangement is really show-stopping.
Guy recorded this song (and its similar incredible album) in 2018 when he was 80 years old. He is still a powerhouse musician to this day. If anything, the blues is alive and well because masters like Guy are keeping it afloat.
The album of the same name also features a few famous names, including The Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, and Jeff Beck.
Photo by Paul Natkin / RCA Records
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