1960s British Blues Boom

Alexis Korner and John Mayall are the Godfathers of British blues and moreover, many upcoming musicians played with them in the 1960s British blues boom.

Following stints in Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated or John Mayall’s a host of British blues and R&B luminaries went on to for some of the greatest UK bands. The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Cream, Manfred Mann and so many more all have their roots with Mayall and Korner.

Derek Shelmerdine, author of Rock’n’Roll Unravelled
is one of the guests on Tony Higginson’s Book Club.

Live on Facebook and Zoom
Facebook – Beyond Books Media Ltd
…7.30 to 10.30 pm (UK) Monday 21 March

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1960s British Blues Boom

The 1960s Blues Boom

Alexis Korner and John Mayall are the Godfathers of British blues. This show looks at both Korner and Mayall and the host of artists who served their musical apprenticeships in their bands, Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated or John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. Some artists such as future Cream bass player, Jack Bruce, played in both bands.

Jack Bruce (bass) and Mick Jagger (vocals), with Alexis Korner (guitar) c. 1962

For example, all the future Rolling Stones, with the sole exception of bassist Bill Wyman, played at some time with Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated.

Cream, on the other hand, has its roots in both bands. Jack Bruce played with drummer Ginger Baker in Blues Incorporated, before he played alongside guitarist Eric Clapton in the Bluesbreakers.

Mick Fleetwood and John McVie both played with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, before forming Fleetwood Mac.

Free is another band with multiple touch points with both Korner and Mayall. Alexis Korner recommended bassist Andy Fraser to John Mayall. When Andy Fraser teamed up with guitarist Paul Kossoff, singer Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirk to form Free, they took the band name from an old Alexis Korner band name, Free at Last. Not just that but their first gig was at birthday bash for Alexis Korner.

Derek Shelmerdine presents the outline of the story, with Tony and his other guests adding their own comments and memories. Plus, live music, poetry readings and some very lively conversation.

Tony Higginson’s Beyond Books Book Club

Every week Tony Higginson hosts his Beyond Books Book Club, which goes out live on Zoom and Facebook at 7.30 to 10.30 pm (UK) on Monday Evenings.
If you are watching the show live on Facebook you can certainly join in the conversation.

Author of Rock’n’Roll Unravelled, Derek Shelmerdine is a regular monthly guest on the Beyond Books Book Club.

The Book Club has a regular panel of writers, poets, musicians and book-lovers in general. Consequently, the discussion is wide ranging with readings, poetry recitals and live performances from the musicians.