“THE ULTIMATE BOOK OF BLUES GUITAR LEGENDS: THE PLAYERS AND GUITARS THAT SHAPED THE MUSIC” promises to be an authoritative and visually captivating volume. The book, filled with more than 150 profiles of the most influential figures in blues music from the prewar era to the contemporary scene, is an essential read for any blues enthusiast.
The Ultimate Book of Blues Guitar Legends
This meticulously curated collection spans the rich history of blues music, featuring legendary pioneers such as Robert Johnson, Son House, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and Memphis Minnie, as well as modern-day virtuosos like Derek Trucks, Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., and Samantha Fish. “The Ultimate Book of Blues Guitar Legends” offers readers an in-depth exploration of the instruments and musicians that have made blues an integral part of American culture and the bedrock of rock and roll. Renowned guitar journalist Pete Prown expertly presents each artist by era and subgenre, covering early acoustic and country blues, Chicago blues, the British Invasion, blues rock, and more.
Prown’s insightful commentary delves into the iconic guitars that each player is known for, along with the effects pedals, amplifiers, and other gear that defined their sound. The book also provides comprehensive career overviews, including personal anecdotes and revelations from the musicians themselves. Richly illustrated with dynamic photos of the guitarists in action, the volume also includes informative sidebars on key influencers in various blues styles and subgenres, techniques such as slide guitar, blues terminology, and the impactful women who have shaped the genre.
This authoritative journey through the world of blues guitar features a stellar lineup of artists, including Duane Allman, Jeff Beck, Dickey Betts, Michael Bloomfield, Joe Bonamassa, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Roy Buchanan, Eric Clapton, Gary Clark Jr., Albert Collins, Robert Cray, Rory Gallagher, Lowell George, Billy F. Gibbons, Peter Green, Buddy Guy, Warren Haynes, Jimi Hendrix, John Lee Hooker, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Mississippi John Hurt, Christone Ingram, Robert Johnson, Brian Jones, B.B. King, Freddie King, Albert King, Sonny Landreth, Jonny Lang, Alvin Lee, Gary Moore, Jimmy Page, Bonnie Raitt, Keith Richards, Otis Rush, Carlos Santana, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Mick Taylor, Robin Trower, Derek Trucks, Jimmie Vaughan, Stevie Ray Vaughan, T-Bone Walker, Muddy Waters, Johnny Winter, and Howlin’ Wolf.
About the Author
Pete Prown has been a prominent voice in guitar journalism since 1985. Currently a regular contributor and music editor at Vintage Guitar magazine, Prown’s work has appeared in prestigious publications such as Guitar Player, Guitar for the Practicing Musician, Guitar One, and Car Stereo Review. His extensive bibliography includes several influential guitar books, including “Legends of Rock Guitar” (with HP Newquist, 1997), “Modal Riffs for Rock Guitar” (1995), “Gear Secrets of the Guitar Legends” (with Lisa Sharken, 2003), “Shred! The Ultimate Guide to Warp-Speed Guitar” (with Rich Maloof, 2006), “Ultimate Heavy Metal Guitars” (2023), and now, “The Ultimate Book of Blues Guitar Legends” (2024).
