Introduction
After reading this article, you’ll understand how Joe Bonamassa was influenced by British blues-rock artists, and American blues artist, B. B. King. You’ll also learn how British musicians were influenced by American blues artists.
Joe Bonamassa Bio
Joe Bonamassa grew up in Utica, New York. His father was an avid music fan and guitar player who played in a band on weekends. He also owned a vintage guitar shop. Bonamassa was exposed to British blues rock records by his father, which greatly inspired him. A child prodigy, he started playing guitar at age 4. By age 11, he was mentored by guitar virtuoso, Danny Gatton. At age 12, he opened 20 shows for blues legend, B. B. King. A prolific artist, Bonamassa has recorded over 40 albums and tours worldwide each year.
Bonamassa reports that the following artists, albums, and songs are among his top influences.
John Mayall Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton (the Beano Album)
The Beano Album was the first studio album by John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, and is considered to be the start of British blues rock. It consists of covers of songs by well known blues artists, such as Otis Rush, Freddie King, Robert Johnson, Memphis Slim, and Little Walter, along with originals by John Mayall and Eric Clapton. The album showcases Eric Clapton’s guitar playing on a Gibson Les Paul through a Marshall amp – a powerful combination that became the sound of blues rock.
In general, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers band was an extremely important influence for British blues rock.
The members of the band are a who’s who of British blues rock – besides Eric Clapton, alumni also include Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, and Peter Green, all of whom are also influences for Joe Bonamassa.
Eric Clapton went on to form the band Cream. Jeff Beck went on to The Yardbirds, Jimmy Page created Led Zeppelin, and Peter Green formed Fleetwood Mac. The original Fleetwood Mac was a blues band that later transitioned into its more well known pop iteration.
Eric Clapton/Beano Album – Steppin’ Out
Joe Bonamassa Version
Clapton/Beano Version
Original Memphis Slim Version
Jeff Beck Group – Let Me Love You
Joe Bonamassa Version
Jeff Beck Group Version
Original Buddy Guy Version
Jimmy Page/Led Zeppelin – How Many More Times
Joe Bonamassa Version
Jimmy Page/Led Zeppelin Version
Original Howling Wolf Version (“How Many More Years”)
B. B. King – The Thrill Is Gone
Joe Bonamassa Version
Original B.B. King Version
Conclusion
After reading this article, we hope you have a better understanding of how Joe Bonamassa was influenced by British blues rock artists, and B.B. King.
We encourage you to explore the artists that influenced Joe Bonamassa. Check out the references section below to explore further.
References
- Joe Bonamassa Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Bonamassa#:~:text=He%20elaborated%20on%20his%20influences,%E2%80%93%20Jeff%20Beck%2C%20Jimmy%20Page.
- Beano Album Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blues_Breakers_with_Eric_Clapton
- Jeff Beck Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Beck
- Jimmy Page Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_Many_More_Times
- B.B. King Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B.B._King
- Peter Green Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Green_(musician)
- Blues-Rock Star Joe Bonamassa Announces New Tour Dates For Spring 2022 https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blues-rock-star-joe-bonamassa-announces-new-tour-dates-for-spring-2022-301388979.html
- The Best of B. B. King https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-best-of-bb-king
- Joe Bonamassa – It’s Easy To Play Marginally Good Blues, Its Very Difficult To Play Great Blues https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/joe-bonamassa-its-easy-to-play-marginally-good-blues-its-very-difficult-to-play-great-blues
- 10 Guitarists That Blues Joe’s Mind https://jbonamassa.com/features/2015/10-guitarists-that-blew-joes-mind/
- Joe Bonamassa https://www.bluesguitarinsider.com/blues-guitarists/joe-bonamassa
