What is Luther Allison's full birth name, and where was he born?

Luther Allison's full birth name was Luther Sylvester Allison. He was born on August 17, 1939, in Widener, Arkansas, though some accounts suggest his birthplace might have been Mayflower, Arkansas.

What was Luther Allison's early involvement with music?

As a child, Luther Allison was interested in music and, during the late 1940s, he toured with his family in a gospel group called The Southern Travellers.

When did Luther Allison move to Chicago, and what was his educational background there?

Luther Allison moved with his family to Chicago in 1951 when he was 12 years old. He attended Farragut High School, where he was a classmate of Muddy Waters' son.

How did Luther Allison learn to play the guitar and begin his musical career?

Luther Allison taught himself to play the guitar. After moving to Chicago, he began listening extensively to blues music and, by his mid-teens, was skilled enough to join his brother's band for club performances. He later dropped out of school to pursue music more actively.

Which notable blues musicians did Luther Allison play with early in his career?

Luther Allison played with the bands of Howlin' Wolf and Freddie King, even taking over King's band when King toured nationally. He also worked with Jimmy Dawkins, Magic Sam, and Otis Rush, and provided backing for James Cotton.

What significant event marked a turning point in Luther Allison's career in 1969?

Luther Allison performed a highly acclaimed set at the 1969 Ann Arbor Blues Festival. This successful performance led to him being invited back to perform at the festival for the following three years.

What was Luther Allison's connection to Motown Records?

In 1972, Luther Allison signed with Motown Records, becoming one of the very few blues artists to be signed to the label, which was primarily known for soul and R&B music.

How did Luther Allison's career evolve in the mid-1970s?

In the mid-1970s, Luther Allison began touring Europe and eventually relocated to France in 1977. He spent a significant portion of his time performing in Europe at high-profile venues.

What were the defining characteristics of Luther Allison's live performances?

Luther Allison was known for his powerful and energetic concert performances. His shows often featured lengthy, soulful guitar solos and the memorable stage presence of him walking through the crowd while playing his Gibson Les Paul guitar.

What role did Thomas Ruf play in Luther Allison's career resurgence?

Thomas Ruf, who was Luther Allison's manager and European agent, founded Ruf Records in 1994. Allison signed with Ruf Records, which coincided with the start of his career comeback, supported by Alligator Records.

What was the nature of Luther Allison's illness and when did he pass away?

In the summer of 1997, Luther Allison was diagnosed with a lung tumor that had metastasized to his brain. He underwent radiation therapy but passed away on August 12, 1997, in Madison, Wisconsin, just five days before his 58th birthday.

What was Luther Allison's final album released before his death?

Luther Allison's final album, titled Reckless, was released approximately five months prior to his death in 1997.

Who is Bernard Allison, and what is his relationship to Luther Allison?

Bernard Allison is Luther Allison's son and was once a member of his band. Bernard has since become a solo recording artist himself, carrying on the family's musical legacy.

What posthumous honors has Luther Allison received?

Luther Allison was posthumously inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1998. The Chicago Sun-Times also referred to him as 'the Bruce Springsteen of the blues' in 2000.

Where is Luther Allison buried?

Luther Allison is buried at Washington Memory Gardens Cemetery in Homewood, Illinois.

What genres of music are associated with Luther Allison?

Luther Allison is primarily associated with the genres of Blues, Chicago blues, and electric blues.

What instruments did Luther Allison play?

Luther Allison was a vocalist and played the guitar.

What were some of the record labels Luther Allison worked with during his career?

Luther Allison recorded for several labels throughout his career, including Delmark, Motown, Rumble, Ruf Records, Alligator Records, and Blind Pig Records.

What was the name of the family gospel group Luther Allison toured with in his youth?

In his youth, Luther Allison toured with his family in a gospel group called The Southern Travellers.

What was the name of the band Luther Allison formed with his brothers in Chicago?

In 1957, Luther Allison formed a band with his brothers Ollie and Grant Allison. Initially named The Rolling Stones, it was later changed to The Four Jivers.

How did Freddie King influence Luther Allison's early career?

Freddie King took Luther Allison under his wing. After King secured a record deal, Allison took over his gig in the house band of a club on Chicago's West Side, providing him with valuable performance experience.

What was Luther Allison's debut album, and when was it released?

Luther Allison's debut album was titled Love Me Mama, and it was released in 1968 after he signed with Delmark Records in 1967.

What was the significance of Luther Allison's move to France in 1977?

Moving to France in 1977 marked a significant phase in Luther Allison's career, as he began to tour extensively in Europe and establish a strong presence in the European blues scene.

What was the name of the French rock and roll star Luther Allison performed with in 1992?

In 1992, Luther Allison performed in 18 shows in Paris with the French rock and roll star Johnny Hallyday.

What album marked Luther Allison's comeback in 1994?

Luther Allison's comeback album, released in 1994, was titled Soul Fixin' Man. This release was associated with Ruf Records and Alligator Records.

What awards did Luther Allison receive in 1994?

In 1994, Luther Allison won four W. C. Handy Awards, recognizing his significant contributions and achievements in the blues music scene.

How was Luther Allison described by the Chicago Sun-Times in 2000?

In 2000, the Chicago Sun-Times referred to Luther Allison as 'the Bruce Springsteen of the blues,' highlighting his widespread appeal and impact on the genre.

What is the significance of the table listing Luther Allison's studio and live albums?

The table detailing Luther Allison's studio and live albums serves as a chronological catalog of his recorded works, providing key information such as the year of release, album title, record label, and specific notes about each release, which helps in understanding the progression of his discography.

What does the 'See also' section of the article suggest about Luther Allison's legacy?

The 'See also' section lists related topics such as 'List of blues musicians,' 'List of Chicago blues musicians,' and 'List of electric blues musicians,' indicating Luther Allison's prominent place within the history and categorization of blues music. It also includes a link to 'List of notable brain tumor patients,' referencing his cause of death.

What external resources are provided for further information on Luther Allison?

External resources provided include links to Wikimedia Commons for related media, Find a Grave for his memorial, his official website Luther-Allison.com, a fansite mini-biography, and various authority control databases like ISNI, VIAF, GND, and MusicBrainz.

What is the 'Authority control' section, and what kind of information does it contain?

The 'Authority control' section provides links to various international and national databases that catalog information about Luther Allison. This includes identifiers from organizations like ISNI, VIAF, GND, Library of Congress, BnF, and MusicBrainz, which help uniquely identify him and connect related resources across different systems.

What is the significance of the Navbox templates at the end of the article?

The Navbox templates, such as the one for Luther Allison as a solo musical artist, serve as navigational tools. They provide quick links to his studio albums, live albums, and related templates, helping users explore his work and related content more easily.

What was Luther Allison's nickname or comparison used by the Chicago Reader?

The Chicago Reader referred to Luther Allison as 'the Jimi Hendrix of blues guitar,' drawing a parallel between his guitar prowess and that of the iconic rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix.

What was the name of the record label founded by Luther Allison's manager, Thomas Ruf?

Thomas Ruf, who managed Luther Allison and served as his European agent, founded the record label Ruf Records in 1994.

What does the discography table reveal about Luther Allison's recording career?

The discography table details Luther Allison's extensive recording career, listing his studio albums, live albums, compilations, and video releases chronologically. It provides titles, labels, catalog numbers, and notes, offering a comprehensive overview of his musical output.

What was the context of Luther Allison's performance with Johnny Hallyday?

In 1992, Luther Allison performed alongside French rock star Johnny Hallyday in 18 shows in Paris, contributing his electric guitar skills to one track on Hallyday's live album recorded at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy.

What was the name of Luther Allison's band formed with his brothers, and what was its later name?

Luther Allison formed a band with his brothers Ollie and Grant Allison in 1957. Initially called The Rolling Stones, the band was later renamed The Four Jivers.

What is mentioned about Luther Allison's family structure?

Luther Allison was one of 15 children born to his parents.

What was the name of the album reissued as 'South Side Safari'?

The album Gonna Be a Live One in Here Tonight!, recorded live in Peoria, Illinois, in 1979, was later reissued as South Side Safari.

What does the reference to 'Metastasis' in the text signify regarding Luther Allison's illness?

The mention of metastasis indicates that the tumor discovered on Luther Allison's lung had spread to other parts of his body, specifically his brain, which was a critical factor in his declining health and eventual death.

What is the significance of the 'Live in Montreux: Where Have You Been?' album?

The album 'Live in Montreux: Where Have You Been?' released by Ruf Records, compiles recordings from various years between 1976 and 1994, showcasing Luther Allison's performances at the renowned Montreux Jazz Festival over a significant period.

What does the inclusion of 'Songs from the Road' on both CD and DVD suggest about its content?

The release of 'Songs from the Road' as both a CD and a DVD, recorded in Montreal in 1997, indicates that it captures a live performance, likely offering both audio and visual elements of Luther Allison's performance.

What was the context of Luther Allison's recording for the album 'Bercy 92'?

Luther Allison contributed electric guitar to one track on Johnny Hallyday's album 'Bercy 92,' which was recorded live at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy.

What does the note 'Acoustic' signify for the album 'Hand Me Down My Moonshine'?

The note 'Acoustic' for the album 'Hand Me Down My Moonshine' indicates that this particular recording features Luther Allison performing primarily with acoustic instruments, offering a different sonic texture compared to his electric blues work.

What is the meaning of the 'Years active' field in the infobox?

The 'Years active' field, listed as 1957–1997 for Luther Allison, denotes the span of time during which he was professionally engaged in making and performing music.

What does the 'Genres' field in the infobox specify about Luther Allison's music?

The 'Genres' field indicates that Luther Allison's music falls into the categories of Blues, Chicago blues, and electric blues, defining the primary styles he performed.

What does the 'Occupation' field state about Luther Allison?

The 'Occupation' field clearly states that Luther Allison's profession was that of a musician.

What information is provided in the 'Notes' column of the discography tables?

The 'Notes' column in the discography tables provides supplementary details about the albums, such as recording locations, specific reissue information, the nature of the recording (e.g., live, acoustic), or collaborations.

What does the 'Infobox-caption' refer to in the image information?

The 'Infobox-caption' associated with the image of Luther Allison states 'Allison in 1996,' providing context that the photograph was taken in that specific year.

Luther Allison Wiki: Luther Allison: The Soul of the Blues

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Biography

Origins and Early Life

Luther Sylvester Allison, born August 17, 1939, in Widener, Arkansas, emerged as a pivotal figure in the blues genre. While some accounts place his birth in Mayflower, Arkansas, his roots are firmly planted in the American South. As the fourteenth of fifteen children, Allison's early exposure to music was through his family's gospel group, The Southern Travellers. This foundational experience in vocal harmony and performance undoubtedly shaped his later musical sensibilities.

Migration to Chicago

In 1951, the Allison family relocated to Chicago, a city renowned for its vibrant blues scene. It was here that Luther's musical journey truly began to accelerate. He attended Farragut High School, where he encountered peers connected to blues royalty, such as the son of Muddy Waters. Self-taught on the guitar, Allison immersed himself in the rich blues heritage of Chicago, spending his formative years frequenting clubs and absorbing the sounds that would define his career.

Career Trajectory

Early Influences and Gigs

By his mid-teens, Allison was proficient enough to join his brother Ollie's band, The Ollie Lee Allison Band, on stage. This early immersion led to the formation of his own bands, including The Rolling Stones (later The Four Jivers), performing across Chicago's blues circuit. His talent quickly gained recognition, leading to pivotal encounters with blues legends. Howlin' Wolf invited him to perform, and Freddie King, recognizing Allison's potential, took him under his wing. When King toured nationally, Allison often stepped in to lead King's band, honing his skills in high-pressure environments.

International Acclaim and Comeback

Allison's career saw significant milestones, including a year spent in California collaborating with artists like Shakey Jake Harris and Sunnyland Slim. His first single was recorded in 1965, followed by his debut album, Love Me Mama, on Delmark Records in 1968. His electrifying performance at the 1969 Ann Arbor Blues Festival cemented his reputation, leading to subsequent invitations. Signing with Motown Records in 1972, he became one of the label's few blues artists. The mid-1970s marked the beginning of extensive European tours, culminating in his move to France in 1977. Despite facing personal health challenges, Allison experienced a remarkable comeback in the early 1990s, signing with Ruf Records and collaborating with Alligator Records, which brought him renewed recognition and critical acclaim, including multiple W.C. Handy Awards.

Performance and Sound

The Virtuoso Guitarist

Luther Allison was celebrated for his intensely powerful and soulful live performances. His signature style featured lengthy, searing guitar solos, often delivered with a raw, emotive intensity that captivated audiences. He was known for his dynamic stage presence, famously engaging with the crowd by walking among them while playing his Gibson Les Paul guitar. This combination of technical prowess and passionate delivery earned him comparisons to guitar legends, with the Chicago Reader dubbing him "the Jimi Hendrix of blues guitar."

Critical Recognition

Allison's contributions to blues music were widely acknowledged. He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including multiple W.C. Handy Awards (now the Blues Music Awards) for his recordings and performances. Publications like Living Blues featured him on their covers, highlighting his growing influence. Posthumously, he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1998, and the Chicago Sun-Times recognized his impact by calling him "the Bruce Springsteen of the blues" in 2000, underscoring his broad appeal and storytelling prowess within the genre.

Discography

Studio and Live Albums

Luther Allison's extensive recording career spanned several decades and labels, capturing his evolving sound and electrifying live energy. Below is a comprehensive listing of his primary studio and live album releases.

Year	Title	Label	Number	Notes
1969	Love Me Mama	Delmark	625
1972	Bad News Is Coming	Motown/Gordy	964
1974	Luther's Blues	Motown/Gordy	967
1976	Night Life	Motown/Gordy	974
1977	Love Me Papa	Black & Blue	33.524	Reissued as Estudio Eldorado 524 (Brazil) and Evidence CD 26015 (U.S.)
1979	Gonna Be a Live One in Here Tonight!	Rumble	1001	Recorded live in Peoria, Illinois, on April 18–19, 1979; reissued as South Side Safari, Red Lightnin' 0036
1979	Power Wire Blues	Rumble	1004	Part 2 of the Peoria concert; reissued 1985 as Charly 1105
1979	Live in Paris	Paris Album/Buda	2-28501	Recorded in Paris, La Chapelle Des Lombards, 1979; also issued as Ruf 1354, Free Bird 209/FLY06, Pläne 88295, Platinum 161354
1979	Live	Blue Silver	3001/3321	Part 2 of the 1979 Paris concert; also on Blue Sky/Buda
1980	Time	Paris Album/Buda	2-28505
1984	Let's Have a Natural Ball	JSP	1077
1984	Life Is a Bitch	Encore!/Melodie	131	Blind Pig 2287 (1987) in the U.S., retitled Serious
1985	Here I Come	Encore!/Melodie	133
1987	Rich Man	Ruf	8001	Also RFR 1005, Charly CRB 1227, Orbis BLU NC 044 (plus 3 bonus tracks)
1991	More from Berlin	East West	LACD 1991-2	Live, 1989
1992	Hand Me Down My Moonshine	Inak/Ruf	1047	Acoustic
1992	Bercy 92 (Johnny Hallyday)	Philips	514 400	Electric guitar on one title; recorded live at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy
1994	Soul Fixin' Man	Alligator	4820	Ruf 1021 in Europe, retitled Bad Love
1995	Blue Streak	Alligator	4834	Ruf 7712 in Europe
1996	Live ’89: Let's Try It Again	Ruf	1028	Recorded in Berlin, May 1989
1996	Live in Montreux: Where Have You Been?	Ruf	1008	Recorded 1976–1994
1997	Reckless	Alligator	4849	Ruf 1012 in Europe
1999	Live in Chicago	Alligator	4869	Ruf 1042 in Europe, recorded 1995–1997, 2-disc set
1999	Standing at the Crossroad	Black & Blue	421.1	Recorded 1977 in Paris; also Night & Day 210, Blues Reference
2002	Pay It Forward	Ruf	1060	Recorded 1984–1994
2007	Underground	Ruf	1132	Recorded c. 1958
2009	Songs from the Road	Ruf	1157	CD and DVD recorded in Montreal, 1997

Compilations and Video

Beyond his primary releases, several compilation albums have been curated to showcase Luther Allison's significant body of work. Additionally, visual recordings capture his legendary live performances.

Compilations

Year	Title	Label	Number	Notes
1995	Sweet Home Chicago	Charly	BM-37
1996	The Motown Years, 1972–1976	Motown/Universal

Video

Year	Title	Label	Number	Notes
1998	Live in Paradise	Ruf	VHS	Recorded on La Reunion Island, April 1997; also released on DVD (2001)
2009	Songs from the Road	Ruf	1157	CD and DVD recorded in Montreal, 1997

Enduring Legacy

Illness and Passing

Tragically, Luther Allison's life was cut short by illness. During a tour in the summer of 1997, he was hospitalized and diagnosed with a lung tumor that had metastasized to his brain. Despite undergoing radiation therapy, his condition deteriorated, and he passed away on August 12, 1997, just five days before his 58th birthday, in Madison, Wisconsin. His final album, Reckless, was released only five months prior, leaving behind a powerful final statement of his artistry.

Family and Influence

Luther Allison's musical legacy continues through his son, Bernard Allison, who was a member of his band and has since forged his own successful solo career in blues music. Bernard, the youngest of Luther's nine children, was deeply influenced by his father's music and career. Luther Allison's profound impact extends to numerous younger blues guitarists, including Chris Beard and Reggie Sears, who cite him as a significant inspiration. His dedication to the blues and his unforgettable stage presence have cemented his place in music history.

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References

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Luther Allison: The Soul of the Blues

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Biography ℹ️

📍 Origins and Early Life

🏙️ Migration to Chicago

Career Trajectory 🚀

🎤 Early Influences and Gigs

🌍 International Acclaim and Comeback

Performance and Sound 🎶

🔥 The Virtuoso Guitarist

🏆 Critical Recognition

Discography 💽

🎵 Studio and Live Albums

📦 Compilations and Video

Compilations

Video

Enduring Legacy 🌟

⚰️ Illness and Passing

👨‍👦 Family and Influence

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

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References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biography

Origins and Early Life

Migration to Chicago

Career Trajectory

Early Influences and Gigs

International Acclaim and Comeback

Performance and Sound

The Virtuoso Guitarist

Critical Recognition

Discography

Studio and Live Albums

Compilations and Video

Enduring Legacy

Illness and Passing

Family and Influence

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice