Rock and Roll History

[Id_Jit]

Long John Baldry – 1941 to 2005

JOHN WILLIAM BALDRY - 1941 to 2005 - Long John Baldry passed away at the Vancouver General Hospital, July 21 at 10:30 pm after fighting a severe chest infection for the passed 4 months. He was surrounded by friends and loved ones and is now at peace. John Baldry will be remembered by his music and the love he generously gave to all those who came in contact with him. Our world is a lesser place without him, for John was a person that enhanced this world with his enormous presence and talent. John Baldry walks with God. - Frank Garcia

Long John Baldry is the definitive British Blues legend. He's been living and working in Canada for most of the last 25 years (residing now in Vancouver). LJB continues to tour and record for his international audience. Be it traditional or Electric, Pop ballads or Rock n' Roll, he is the deep Blues. LJB's earliest influences were Big Joe Turner, Leadbelly, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Willie Dixon, Jimmy Witherspoon, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry and Bobby Blue Bland. Nicknamed 'Long John' because of his 6'7' height, he's credited to have been one of the main forces in British Blues, Rock & Pop music in the 1960's. Long John has performed and recorded with many of Rock n' Rolls most famous artists. The musicians who have played in LJB's band read like the roster of the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Jimmy Paige, Jack Bruce, Rod Stewart and Elton John, are among the far reaching musical tree Long John Baldry has claim to.

The Making of a Legend by Rod Stewart (Reader’s Digest/Dec/2004)
"For me, just shaking his hand – knowing all the great musicians whose hand he’d shaken before –was mind-blowing. But so was John. Picture this elegant man with a proper English accent, never without a tie, a towering six-foot-seven. I was a huge fan and I was intimidated by his offer. Rod Stewart wasn’t in demand in those days; no one was interested. I immediately said yes. John had a knack for discovering talent. Ginger Baker, Jeff Beck and Brian Jones all worked with him early on. Elton John played piano in one of his bands, other Rolling Stones too – Charlie, Ron Wood, and Keith. In 1962, when the Rolling Stones were just getting started, they opened for him in London. Eric Clapton has said many times that John was one of the musicians that inspired him to play the Blues. And for their internationally televised special in 1964, the Beatles invited John to perform his version of 'I Got My Mojo Working'. In those days the only music we fell in love with was the Blues, and John was the first white guy singing it, in his wonderful voice. It was the true Blues and everyone looked up to him." -The Making of a Legend by Rod Stewart/ Readers Digest

Since 1964 Long John has released over 40 albums, exploring a variety of musical styles, but always returning to his Blues roots. Now with the pending release of his landmark recordings, (produced by Rod Stewart and Elton John), 'It Ain't Easy' and 'Everything Stops for Tea', LJB will tour extensively in 2005 in support of these long awaited sessions, featuring his signature 'Don't try to Lay no Boogie Woogie on the King of Rock n' Roll'.

http://www.johnbaldry.com/index1.asp

Id