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Tag: Elvin Bishop

  • Elvin Bishop – Got To Be New Orleans

    Elvin Bishop – Got To Be New Orleans

    Elvin Bishop – Got To Be New Orleans

    Elvin Bishop – The Slide Guitar Hero Who Made the Blues Fun Again

    If you’re into blues, chances are you’ve heard Elvin Bishop—even if you don’t know you’ve heard him.

    Maybe it was that slippery slide solo on “Fooled Around and Fell in Love”, or maybe you caught his gritty blues-funk with the Elvin Bishop Band, or more recently, his powerhouse trio with Bob Welsh and Willy Jordan. Wherever it was, once you hear that tone—that greasy, joyful slide guitar—you know you’ve just met someone special.

    For me, Elvin Bishop was the guy who taught me that the blues could be heavy and hilarious, soulful and playful.
    The blues don’t always have to hurt—sometimes they can just groove.

    Who Is Elvin Bishop?

    Born in Glendale, California in 1942 and raised in Oklahoma, Elvin Bishop didn’t come from the Delta, but the blues definitely came to him.

    He first made a name for himself in the early ’60s as a founding member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. That group smashed barriers—literally—as one of the first integrated blues-rock bands to break out of Chicago and hit the national scene. Elvin played right alongside Mike Bloomfield, learning from legends like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Little Walter.

    But once he went solo?
    That’s when he really let loose—mixing blues, R&B, Southern rock, funk, and his own wicked sense of humor.

    The Sound: Slippery Slide, Deep Groove, and Big Smiles

    Elvin’s signature slide guitar is anything but subtle—and that’s exactly what makes it so fun.

    • 🎸 It’s greasy, swampy, and full of bounce.
    • 🎤 His vocals are laid-back, storytelling style, often sounding like a friend telling you a joke over a beer.
    • 🎶 The music? A mix of down-home blues, funky grooves, and Southern rock energy.

    But don’t let the humor fool you—Elvin Bishop can play.
    He’s a slide guitar master, and when he locks into a groove, it’s like a freight train of feel-good blues rolling downhill.

    Albums That Made Me a Fan for Life

    There’s a lot of Elvin Bishop out there, but these are the albums that truly hit home for me:

    • 🎧 Let It Flow (1974) – Includes the classic “Travelin’ Shoes” and plenty of rootsy blues-rock goodness.
    • 💿 Struttin’ My Stuff (1975) – Home to “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” featuring Mickey Thomas on vocals. A radio hit, but still deeply soulful.
    • 🎶 Red Dog Speaks (2010) – Elvin at his funkiest, backed by some killer musicians and his beloved Gibson ES-345 “Red Dog.”
    • 🔥 Can’t Even Do Wrong Right (2014) – A mature, confident set that proves he’s still at the top of his game.
    • 💥 Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio (2017) – Stripped down, rootsy, and ridiculously fun. The chemistry with Bob Welsh and Willy Jordan is real magic.

    Seeing Him Live: A Front-Porch Party with a Slide Guitar

    I got the chance to see Elvin Bishop live a few years ago, and it was like stepping into someone’s backyard barbecue—with one of the greatest slide players in the world leading the jam.

    He cracked jokes between songs, told stories about the old Chicago days, and laughed louder than anyone in the crowd. But when he played…
    Man, did he play.

    It was blues with soul and swagger.
    No ego, no flash—just pure, rootsy joy.

    Why Elvin Bishop Still Matters

    In a blues world full of heavy emotion and deep struggle, Elvin Bishop brings something refreshing—lightness, fun, and groove, without losing an ounce of authenticity.

    He’s lived the blues. He’s played with the legends.
    But what makes him special is that he makes the blues accessible, joyful, and real.

    He’s the guy who reminds you that a good laugh and a great solo aren’t that different—they both make you feel alive.

    Where to Start If You’re New

    Here’s your Elvin Bishop starter pack:

    • 🎸 Struttin’ My Stuff – The hit record.
    • 🔥 Red Dog Speaks – A modern classic.
    • 💿 Big Fun Trio – Stripped down and funky.
    • 📺 YouTube: Search “Elvin Bishop live,” “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” or “Elvin Bishop slide solo” to see why he’s so beloved.

    Visit elvinbishopmusic.com for tour dates and discography.

    Elvin Bishop is a living reminder that the blues doesn’t have to break your heart—it can lift your spirit, make you dance, and keep you smiling all night long.
    And for that, I’ll always be grateful.

    🎸💙😄

    Video

    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.

  • Elvin Bishop – Something Smells Funky ‘Round Here

    Elvin Bishop – Something Smells Funky ‘Round Here

    How Elvin Bishop Made the Blues Fun Again (and Still Does)

    The first time I heard Elvin Bishop, it wasn’t from a dusty old blues album—it was “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” on the car radio. That buttery vocal, that smooth, melodic guitar solo… it felt like the sound of summer romance. But when I dug deeper, I realized something big:

    Elvin Bishop is a bluesman who never forgot how to have fun. He’s a guitar-slingin’, slide-happy, story-tellin’ soul with deep blues roots—and a mischievous grin that never quits.

    From the Cotton Fields to Chicago’s South Side

    Elvin was born in Glendale, California in 1942, but it was Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he got his first taste of R&B and gospel. Then he got a scholarship to the University of Chicago, and the real transformation began—because that’s where he met Paul Butterfield, and together they helped kick the doors wide open for white musicians in the Black Chicago blues scene.

    By the mid-1960s, Elvin was playing alongside Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, and Otis Rush. He wasn’t faking it—he was living it, soaking up the Chicago sound firsthand. That authenticity, that street-level feel, has stayed in his music ever since.

    The Sound: Slide Guitar and Smiles for Miles

    Elvin Bishop’s guitar playing is instantly recognizable: greasy slide licks, fat tone, swampy grooves, and a feel that’s loose but laser-true. He makes that guitar talk, laugh, and cry—all while sounding like he’s having the time of his life.

    His slide guitar style owes a debt to guys like Hound Dog Taylor and Earl Hooker, but it’s got its own twangy swagger. He’ll throw in country licks, gospel runs, funk stabs, and a little “Oops!” just for flavor.

    Vocally? Elvin isn’t a belter—he’s a storyteller. His voice has a laid-back, slightly nasal charm that makes you lean in for the punchline. And man, can he spin a tale.

    The Albums That Keep Me Coming Back

    Elvin’s catalog is fun, funky, and full of feeling. Here’s where to start if you want to ride the Bishop express:

    • 🎸 The Elvin Bishop Group (1969) – His first solo record after the Butterfield Blues Band. Raw, loose, and funky.
    • 🎤 Struttin’ My Stuff (1975) – This one has the mega-hit “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” (with Mickey Thomas on vocals). Pure gold.
    • 💥 Raisin’ Hell (1977, Live) – One of the most joyful, raucous live blues albums ever. Slide guitar heaven.
    • 🎶 Can’t Even Do Wrong Right (2014) – Later-era brilliance with all the wit and warmth you’d expect.
    • 🧡 Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite – 100 Years of Blues (2020) – Two legends, stripped down, swampy, and wise.

    And if you like to laugh while you boogie, check out songs like “My Dog Is Bigger Than Your Dog,” “What the Hell is Goin’ On,” and “Juke Joint Jump.”

    Seeing Him Live: It’s a Party, Not a Show

    I saw Elvin live once, years ago, and I’ve never smiled so much at a blues gig. It was like a backyard barbecue with a world-class band—stories, slide solos, laughs, and deep grooves.

    He doesn’t take himself too seriously, but he takes the music seriously. You feel the history in every lick, and the joy in every grin. He invites the crowd in, cracks jokes, and never lets the energy dip.

    It’s not just a concert—it’s a celebration of the life in the blues.

    Why Elvin Bishop Still Matters (and Always Will)

    Elvin’s one of those rare cats who’s stayed true to the blues without losing his personality. He’s authentic but not self-important, skilled but not flashy, and funny without being silly. That balance? It’s rare.

    He’s also a connector—a guy who’s jammed with everyone from Butterfield to B.B. King to Warren Haynes. And through it all, he’s carried the torch for slide guitar, storytelling, and soulful grooves.

    In short: Elvin Bishop makes the blues feel good.

    Where to Start If You’re New

    Ready for a ride with Elvin? Here’s your starter pack:

    • 🎧 Struttin’ My Stuff – Classic era, undeniable fun.
    • 💿 Raisin’ Hell (Live) – Essential party blues.
    • 🔥 Can’t Even Do Wrong Right – Later-era slide brilliance.
    • 📺 YouTube: Search “Elvin Bishop live Fooled Around” or “Elvin Bishop What the Hell is Goin’ On” to catch the man in full charm mode.

    More at elvinbishopmusic.com

    Elvin Bishop doesn’t need a crown or a spotlight. He’s just here to keep the blues funky, joyful, and real. And when I need to remember that the blues isn’t just about pain—but about living through it with a smile—I reach for Elvin every time.

  • Elvin Bishop – My Dog

    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.

  • Elvin Bishop – Everybody’s In The Same Boat

    Elvin Bishop – Everybody’s In The Same Boat

    Elvin Bishop: The Blues Guitarist Who Brings the Laughs

    Elvin Bishop is a name that resonates with blues enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. Known for his masterful guitar skills and infectious sense of humor, Bishop has carved a unique niche in the music world. From his early days with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band to his solo career, Bishop’s blend of soulful blues and witty storytelling has captivated audiences for decades.

    Early Life and Musical Beginnings

    Born on October 21, 1942, in Glendale, California, Elvin Bishop spent his formative years on a farm near Elliott, Iowa, before moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of ten. His passion for music ignited during his teenage years, leading him to the University of Chicago in 1960, where he majored in physics. However, the vibrant Chicago blues scene soon became his true calling.

    In 1963, Bishop met harmonica player Paul Butterfield, and together they formed the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. As the band’s lead guitarist, Bishop contributed to their distinctive sound, blending traditional blues with rock influences. His tenure with the band lasted until 1968, after which he embarked on a solo career.

    A Solo Career Filled with Humor and Soul

    Elvin Bishop’s solo career showcased his ability to infuse humor into his music without compromising its emotional depth. His 1975 hit, “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” featuring vocalist Mickey Thomas, reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remains a classic to this day. This song exemplifies Bishop’s knack for storytelling and his ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.

    Throughout his career, Bishop has released numerous albums that highlight his playful lyricism and bluesy guitar riffs. His 2014 album, “Can’t Even Do Wrong Right,” received critical acclaim for its blend of humor and traditional blues elements. Tracks like the title song showcase his witty take on life’s misadventures, solidifying his reputation as a bluesman who doesn’t take himself too seriously.

    Collaborations and Accolades

    Elvin Bishop’s contributions to music have not gone unnoticed. In 2015, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. The following year, he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame as a solo artist. These honors reflect his impact on the blues genre and his influence on generations of musicians.

    Bishop has collaborated with a plethora of renowned artists, including B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, and Clifton Chenier. His work with Charlie Musselwhite on the album “100 Years of Blues” earned a Grammy nomination, further cementing his legacy as a blues icon.

    The Man Behind the Music

    Beyond his musical talents, Elvin Bishop is known for his down-to-earth personality and quick wit. His stage presence is characterized by engaging storytelling and a genuine connection with his audience. Whether he’s sharing anecdotes from his life or delivering punchlines between songs, Bishop’s performances are as entertaining as they are musically impressive.

    Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of his daughter and ex-wife in 2000, Bishop has continued to bring joy to his fans through his music. His resilience and ability to find humor amidst hardship are testaments to his character and dedication to his craft.

    Conclusion

    Elvin Bishop’s fusion of blues guitar mastery and comedic flair has made him a standout figure in the music industry. His contributions have not only enriched the blues genre but have also brought smiles to countless faces. As he continues to perform and share his stories, Bishop remains a beloved artist whose legacy is defined by both his musical prowess and his hearty laughter.

    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.

  • Elvin Bishop – Got To Be New Orleans

    Elvin Bishop – Got To Be New Orleans

    Elvin Bishop – The Slide Guitar Hero Who Made the Blues Fun Again

    If you’re into blues, chances are you’ve heard Elvin Bishop—even if you don’t know you’ve heard him.

    Maybe it was that slippery slide solo on “Fooled Around and Fell in Love”, or maybe you caught his gritty blues-funk with the Elvin Bishop Band, or more recently, his powerhouse trio with Bob Welsh and Willy Jordan. Wherever it was, once you hear that tone—that greasy, joyful slide guitar—you know you’ve just met someone special.

    For me, Elvin Bishop was the guy who taught me that the blues could be heavy and hilarious, soulful and playful.
    The blues don’t always have to hurt—sometimes they can just groove.

    Who Is Elvin Bishop?

    Born in Glendale, California in 1942 and raised in Oklahoma, Elvin Bishop didn’t come from the Delta, but the blues definitely came to him.

    He first made a name for himself in the early ’60s as a founding member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. That group smashed barriers—literally—as one of the first integrated blues-rock bands to break out of Chicago and hit the national scene. Elvin played right alongside Mike Bloomfield, learning from legends like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Little Walter.

    But once he went solo?
    That’s when he really let loose—mixing blues, R&B, Southern rock, funk, and his own wicked sense of humor.

    The Sound: Slippery Slide, Deep Groove, and Big Smiles

    Elvin’s signature slide guitar is anything but subtle—and that’s exactly what makes it so fun.

    • 🎸 It’s greasy, swampy, and full of bounce.
    • 🎤 His vocals are laid-back, storytelling style, often sounding like a friend telling you a joke over a beer.
    • 🎶 The music? A mix of down-home blues, funky grooves, and Southern rock energy.

    But don’t let the humor fool you—Elvin Bishop can play.
    He’s a slide guitar master, and when he locks into a groove, it’s like a freight train of feel-good blues rolling downhill.

    Albums That Made Me a Fan for Life

    There’s a lot of Elvin Bishop out there, but these are the albums that truly hit home for me:

    • 🎧 Let It Flow (1974) – Includes the classic “Travelin’ Shoes” and plenty of rootsy blues-rock goodness.
    • 💿 Struttin’ My Stuff (1975) – Home to “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” featuring Mickey Thomas on vocals. A radio hit, but still deeply soulful.
    • 🎶 Red Dog Speaks (2010) – Elvin at his funkiest, backed by some killer musicians and his beloved Gibson ES-345 “Red Dog.”
    • 🔥 Can’t Even Do Wrong Right (2014) – A mature, confident set that proves he’s still at the top of his game.
    • 💥 Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio (2017) – Stripped down, rootsy, and ridiculously fun. The chemistry with Bob Welsh and Willy Jordan is real magic.

    Seeing Him Live: A Front-Porch Party with a Slide Guitar

    I got the chance to see Elvin Bishop live a few years ago, and it was like stepping into someone’s backyard barbecue—with one of the greatest slide players in the world leading the jam.

    He cracked jokes between songs, told stories about the old Chicago days, and laughed louder than anyone in the crowd. But when he played…
    Man, did he play.

    It was blues with soul and swagger.
    No ego, no flash—just pure, rootsy joy.

    Why Elvin Bishop Still Matters

    In a blues world full of heavy emotion and deep struggle, Elvin Bishop brings something refreshing—lightness, fun, and groove, without losing an ounce of authenticity.

    He’s lived the blues. He’s played with the legends.
    But what makes him special is that he makes the blues accessible, joyful, and real.

    He’s the guy who reminds you that a good laugh and a great solo aren’t that different—they both make you feel alive.

    Where to Start If You’re New

    Here’s your Elvin Bishop starter pack:

    • 🎸 Struttin’ My Stuff – The hit record.
    • 🔥 Red Dog Speaks – A modern classic.
    • 💿 Big Fun Trio – Stripped down and funky.
    • 📺 YouTube: Search “Elvin Bishop live,” “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” or “Elvin Bishop slide solo” to see why he’s so beloved.

    Visit elvinbishopmusic.com for tour dates and discography.

    Elvin Bishop is a living reminder that the blues doesn’t have to break your heart—it can lift your spirit, make you dance, and keep you smiling all night long.
    And for that, I’ll always be grateful.

    🎸💙😄

    Video

    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.

  • Elvin Bishop – Lockdown

    Elvin Bishop – Lockdown

    Message from Elvin Bishop:

    Well, we’re all kind of stuck at home in “lockdown” because of the pandemic and this crazy virus. Usually I bounce ideas off my band to see what they think. So I had an idea for a groove…with social distancing and all, I passed it along to my pal Bob Welsh…in the lo-tech way I operate 🙂

    Next thing I knew Kid was in the loop and it just kept rolling on from there! Come on and join us for our “Lockdown” jam. Thanks of course to my band mates, Bob Welsh and Willy Jordan, and to Kid Andersen and D’Mar for joining in on the big fun!

    Elvin Bishop

    Elvin Bishop began his musical career in the 1960s when he joined Butterfield’s blues band. For five years he was the guitarist of this band, initially alone and then together with Mike Bloomfield. Together with this band, Elvin recorded such albums as “The Resurrection of Pigboy Crabshaw” and “In My Own Dream”

    In 1968, Elvin began a solo career with his own band the Elvin Bishop Group. For some time, the band toured with The Allman Brothers Band.
    The most famous hit in the career of Elvin Bishop is the song “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” which reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The song also appeared in many movies, including Guardians of the Galaxy, Friday Night Lights, The Family Stone.