The Chicago Blues: Buddy Guy & Alligator Records
This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore the history and legacy of the 50+ year-old Chicago blues label, Alligator Records, with its founder Bruce Iglauer. They’ll talk to him about his new book Bitten By the Blues: The Alligator Records Story and discuss some of the landmark artists who came through, from Koko Taylor to Albert Collins. They also revisit a conversation and live performance with Buddy Guy.
Alligator Records
Jim and Greg talk to Alligator Records founder Bruce Iglauer. They’ll talk to him about his book Bitten By the Blues: The Alligator Records Story, and discuss some of the landmark artists who’ve recorded for the label over its nearly 50 years of existence, from Koko Taylor to Albert Collins.
Buddy Guy
Jim and Greg will also revisit their 2007 interview with Chicago blues legend Buddy Guy. He’s known for his violent, high-energy style. This style wasn’t appreciated by his former label Chess Records, but was adored and emulated by British blues fans like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Andy Summers. Buddy also performs a rare acoustic set.
Featured Songs:
- Koko Taylor, "I'm A Woman," The Earthshaker, Alligator , 1978
- The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club, Parlophone, 1967
- Albert Collins, "Honey Hush! (Talking Woman Blues)," Ice Pickin', Alligator , 1978
- Mississippi Fred McDowell, "You Got to Move," You Gotta Move, Arhoolie, 1965
- Hound Dog Taylor & The Houserockers, "Walking the Ceiling," Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers, Alligator , 1971
- Hound Dog Taylor & The Houserockers, "Give Me Back My Wig," Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers, Alligator, 1971
- Hound Dog Taylor & The Houserockers, "Phillips' Theme," Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers, Alligator, 1971
- B.B. King, "The Thrill Is Gone," Completely Well, Alligator, 1969
- Hound Dog Taylor & The Houserockers, "Wild About You Baby," Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers, Alligator, 1971
- Koko Taylor, "Wang Dang Doodle," Wang Dang Doodle (Single), Chess, 1966
- Koko Taylor, "That's Why I'm Crying," I Got What It Takes, Alligator, 1975
- Koko Taylor, "I Got What It Takes," I Got What It Takes, Alligator, 1975
- Albert Collins, "I Ain't Drunk," Cold Snap, Alligator, 1986
- Albert Collins, Johnny Copeland, Robert Cray, "The Moon Is Full," Showdown!, Alligator, 1985
- Toronzo Cannon, "Walk It Off," The Chicago Way, Alligator, 2016
- Toronzo Cannon, "Bad Contract," The Chicago Way, Alligator, 2016
- Shemekia Copeland, "Would You Take My Blood," America's Child, Alligator, 2018
- Shemekia Copeland, "Ain't Got Time For Hate," America's Child, Alligator, 2018
- A.C. Reed, "She's Fine (feat. Bonnie Raitt)," I'm In the Wrong Business!, Alligator, 1987
- Buddy Guy, "Baby Please Don't Leave Me," Sweet Tea, Silvertone, 2001
- B.B. King, "Don't Answer the Door," Don't Answer The Door (single), ABC, 1966
- Buddy Guy, "Good Morning Schoolgirl," Hoodoo Blues Man (Live On Sound Opinions), Delmark, 2007
- Cream, "Strange Brew," Strange Brew (single), Reaction, 1967
- Buddy Guy, "First Time I Met The Blues," I Got My Eyes On You (single), Chess, 1960
- Shawnna, "Can't Break Me (feat. Buddy Guy)," Block Music, Disturbing Tha Peace, 2006
- Buddy Guy, "I've Got Dreams to Remember," Bring 'Em In (Live On Sound Opinions), Silvertone, 2007
- Lou Reed, "Coney Island Baby," Coney Island Baby, RCA Victor, 1976
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