The Legendary Blues Band
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
| Products | Blues music albums |
The Legendary Blues Band emerged as a Chicago blues ensemble in 1980, formed after the dissolution of Muddy Waters' backing group.
Biography
In June 1980, a disagreement over compensation led to the departure of several members from Waters' band: Willie "Big Eyes" Smith (drums), Pinetop Perkins (piano), Calvin "Fuzz" Jones (bass), Luther Johnson (Guitar Junior) (guitar), Bob Margolin (guitar), and Jerry Portnoy (harmonica). The year prior, Smith, Jones, Johnson, and Perkins had appeared supporting John Lee Hooker and Big Walter Horton in the movie The Blues Brothers, delivering a live rendition of "Boom Boom". In 1981, Portnoy, Jones, Smith, and Perkins established the Legendary Blues Band, choosing a name previously used by Muddy Waters when introducing them during performances. Guitarist Margolin opted not to join and instead created his own group; he was succeeded by Louis Myers, who contributed on harmonica and guitar. Their initial release, Life of Ease, came out under Rounder Records. The band's sophomore album, Red Hot 'n' Blue, featured guest appearances by Duke Robillard.
From 1981 through 1993, the Legendary Blues Band produced seven albums: Life of Ease, Red Hot 'n' Blue, Woke Up with the Blues—which earned a nomination for a W.C. Handy Award—Keepin' the Blues Alive, U B Da Judge, Prime Time Blues, and Money Talks. Throughout their career, they toured alongside prominent artists such as Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton.
Subsequent lineups incorporated musicians like Billy Flynn, Little Smokey Smothers, Tony O. Melio, Nick Moss, and Madison Slim. However, the rhythm section comprising Jones and Smith remained consistent until the band's final album release in 1993.