Elvin Bishop – My Dog

Getting Funky with Elvin Bishop: My Rockin’ Road Through the Blues

There’s a moment I’ll never forget: I was in the back of a smoky bar sometime in the late ’70s, cheap beer in hand, when Elvin Bishop and his band kicked into “Travelin’ Shoes.” That first riff hit like a jolt, and by the time the horns came in and Elvin let out one of his goofy grins, I knew I was in for the ride of my life. Funky, loose, loud, and real—Elvin Bishop didn’t play the blues by the book. He made his own book, scribbled all over the margins, and turned every show into a party.

And I’ve been riding that groove ever since.

From Tulsa to the Fillmore: The Making of a Bluesman

Elvin Bishop wasn’t born in the Delta—he came from Tulsa, Oklahoma—but that didn’t stop him from soaking up the blues like a sponge. He made his way to Chicago in the early ’60s and plugged himself straight into the heart of the electric blues scene. While most of us were fumbling through college, Elvin was playing with Little Walter and Howlin’ Wolf—and oh yeah, he just happened to end up in the Butterfield Blues Band alongside Mike Bloomfield.

That lineup changed American music. Period.

The Butterfield band was my introduction to Elvin. He wasn’t the flashiest player on those records, but there was something about his style—loose, rhythmic, joyful. He didn’t play like he was trying to prove something. He played like he loved it.

When He Took the Lead—and Took Off

When Elvin struck out on his own in the early ’70s, that’s when things really got cooking. His solo work was more playful, more Southern-fried, more him. Songs like “Stealin’ Watermelons,” “Sure Feels Good,” and “Travelin’ Shoes” became staples in my house—and still are. It wasn’t just blues. It was swampy, funky, soulful joy.

And then, of course, there’s that song.

In 1976, Elvin released “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” with Mickey Thomas on vocals, and suddenly the whole world was listening. That tune still gets airplay to this day—and yeah, it’s smoother than most of his catalog, but that’s the magic of Elvin. He could do heartache just as well as humor. It was all part of the same human story.

Seeing Elvin Live: The Church of the Groove

If you’ve never seen Elvin Bishop live, do yourself a favor and fix that. I’ve seen him more times than I can count, and each show feels like a backyard barbecue where everybody’s invited. He comes out with that big ol’ red Gibson, cracks a few jokes, kicks into a groove, and suddenly you’re part of the band.

He doesn’t just play for the crowd—he plays with the crowd. Between songs, he tells stories. Half the time you’re laughing so hard you almost forget he’s about to melt your face with a slide solo. And when he does let it rip, it’s all feel. No ego, no flash—just straight-from-the-heart blues.

Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio: The Second Wind

Just when you think a guy might slow down, Elvin pulls out something like Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio. Launched in the late 2010s with Bob Welsh and Willy Jordan, this stripped-down combo brought all the groove, grit, and humor of Elvin’s early days—but tighter and deeper.

Songs like “Can’t Even Do Wrong Right” and “Southside Slide” are instant classics. And the trio’s chemistry? Off the charts. I caught them at a small venue a few years ago, and it felt like a masterclass in keeping the blues fresh without ever selling it out.

Why Elvin Still Matters

Some blues guys play with fire. Some play with pain. Elvin Bishop plays with life. He makes the blues fun without ever watering it down. He can make you laugh, dance, cry, and reflect—all within the same set. He’s never needed to chase trends or act like a guitar god. He just is who he is. And that authenticity shines through every note.

He respects the blues tradition but refuses to be boxed in by it. That’s why Elvin Bishop still matters—and always will.

Where to Start If You’re New

Start with Struttin’ My Stuff (1975)—you’ll get the hits and the vibe. Then dig into Big Fun and Don’t Let the Bossman Get You Down!. If you’re in the mood for the raw stuff, go back to those Butterfield Blues Band records (East-West is a classic). And don’t miss anything from the Big Fun Trio—they’re living proof that you can age and evolve in the blues.

More on Elvin’s current tours and music can be found at elvinbishopmusic.com.

Elvin Bishop once said, “The blues is the truth.” And the truth is—nobody serves it up with more joy, grit, and personality than he does. Long live the groove.

Thank you

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.