Carryin’ the Torch, Blazing His Own Trail: How Bernard Allison Keeps the Blues in Motion
The first time I heard Bernard Allison, I didn’t even know he was Luther Allison’s son. I just knew that what I was hearing was soulful, electric, and undeniably alive. It was the track “The Otherside”—smoke curling out of every note, vocals soaked in passion, and a guitar tone that cut through the noise and hit me right in the heart.
Then I found out about his lineage. And suddenly, it all made sense. Bernard wasn’t just born into the blues—he was raised in it, baptized in it, and now he’s helping to carry it into the future.
Born Into the Blues (Literally)
Born in Chicago in 1965, Bernard Allison grew up surrounded by some of the biggest names in blues. His father, the great Luther Allison, was already a legend by the time Bernard was in grade school. But he didn’t just rest in the family shadow—he studied, he worked, and he earned every inch of his place in the blues world.
He picked up the guitar at age 12, toured with Koko Taylor as a teen, and by his early 20s, he was already playing with his father and carving out his own voice.
The Sound: Funky, Fiery, Fearless
Bernard Allison is not a carbon copy of his father—and that’s exactly what makes him special. He blends blues, funk, rock, soul, and even a bit of R&B swagger into something fresh, modern, and undeniably his own.
His guitar playing is expressive, sharp-edged, and deeply rooted in feel. He can shred when he wants, but he’s never trying to show off. Every lick is played with purpose.
His vocals? Smooth, gritty, confident. You can hear the road in his voice—and the soul too.
And his shows? High energy, full of groove, and overflowing with love for the music and the people. Bernard doesn’t just perform—he connects.
Albums That Turned Me Into a Lifelong Fan
If you’re new to Bernard, here’s where to jump in:
- 🎸 The Otherside (1995) – A heartfelt tribute to his father, with soul and swagger.
- 💥 Times Are Changing (1999) – Funky, fiery, and full of groove. A statement of independence.
- 🔥 Higher Power (2002) – One of his most confident and cohesive records. Powerful songwriting.
- 🎶 Let It Go (2018) – Polished, mature, and packed with emotion. Features standout tracks like “Cruisin’ for a Bluesin’.”
- 🎤 Songs from the Road (2019) – A live album that captures all the electricity of Bernard on stage.
- 🕊️ Highs & Lows (2022) – Raw and reflective. A pandemic-era record with real emotional punch.
And don’t skip his collaborations with Luther Allison—father and son, side by side, trading solos and smiles.
Seeing Him Live: The Gospel of Groove
I had the chance to see Bernard Allison live, and it was like going to a revival meeting where the preacher’s strapped with a Strat. The crowd was moving, the solos were singing, and Bernard looked like he was having the time of his life.
He played some of his own hits, some of Luther’s classics, and made every single note his own. You could feel the love—for the blues, for the crowd, for the family legacy. It was electric and deeply human.
Why Bernard Allison Matters Now More Than Ever
There’s something powerful about a legacy artist who doesn’t coast. Bernard Allison could’ve just leaned into his last name. Instead, he’s evolved, grown, and innovated.
He honors his father’s spirit but blazes his own path—and in doing so, he shows what the modern blues can be: rich in tradition but unafraid to push forward.
He’s also one of the most accessible, generous musicians I’ve ever seen—always engaging fans, always lifting up others, and always playing like he means every note.
Where to Start If You’re New
Start here, and get ready to move:
- 🎧 Let It Go – Polished and powerful.
- 💿 Times Are Changing – Funky and fiery.
- 🔥 Highs & Lows – Deep and personal.
- 📺 YouTube: Search “Bernard Allison live 2023” or “Bernard Allison Luther Allison tribute” to see him light it up.
More at bernardallison.com
Bernard Allison isn’t just keeping the blues alive—he’s making sure it grows, swings, and shines. He’s got the soul of the past, the fire of the present, and a sound all his own. If you believe in the blues, you better believe in Bernard.
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