|
|
|
Louisiana
Red
It’s
long been said that you have to live the blues in order to play them.
It would be difficult to argue that anyone performing on the blues
scene today has felt the blues more than Louisiana Red. Born Iverson
Minter in Bessemer, Alabama on March 23, 1932, Red has overcome
adversity at every step of his life. His songs are powerful, passionate
reflections on both his tragic childhood and life struggles.
Red’s
mother died from pneumonia when he was only seven days
old. When he was five, the KKK murdered his father. From then on, he
was shuffled between family members who abused him and an orphanage,
where he suffered further abuse. Throughout these difficult times, he
found solace in music. Making his first instrument at age nine out of
an old cigar box and rubber bands, he was encouraged by his
grandfather, a self-taught bottleneck guitarist who gave Red his first
real guitar – an old Kay acoustic that he still has. While
living in Pittsburgh, he became a protégé of
local guitarist Crit Walters, and received encouragement from John Lee
“Sonny Boy” Williamson,” who gave Red a
Hohner Old Standby harmonica.
At
the age of sixteen, he lied about his age and joined the army,
serving in Korea. After his honorable discharge, he recorded a few
tracks for the Chicago’s Checker label, a subsidiary of Chess
Records (featuring Little Walter on harmonica and Muddy Waters
assisting on guitar). This experience allowed Red to hit the thriving
Southside blues joints, where he played with Jimmy Rogers, Otis Spann,
and Baby Face Leroy, learning from them, and helping to develop their
styles. Perhaps his greatest inspiration, however, came when he moved
to Detroit and played with John Lee Hooker, the final piece of the
puzzle that would make up Red’s style.
Since
moving to Germany in 1982, he has toured worldwide. He now has
more than a dozen albums under his belt, and continues to record and
write new material. A master of slide guitar, he plays both traditional
acoustic and urban electric styles, with, lyrics both honest and often
remarkably personal. He continues to connect with audiences throughout
the world, and as he puts it, “Plays the blues…
hard.”
Quotes
“…the
blues
don’t get any better than this.” –Jazz
& Blues
Report
“From
stone Delta blues to Funk, this guitarist can play it
all.” –Living
Blues
“…few
can match his fusion of musical precision
and uncompromising honesty.” –Chicago
Reader
Recognition
1983 - W.C.
Handy Award - Best Traditional Blues Artist
|
Albums |
 |
 |
 |
|
