Search - Luther Allison :: Sweet Home Chicago

Luther lives on

C. C. Eisenhart | God's Country | 03/30/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Thisa one of the few pieces by Luther that I don't have. In December of 1969, I was producing a show at the U of R. My final one, before handing over the reins to 'new blood'. That show was to headline with Magic Sam, Big Mama Thornton, John Littlejohn and Lucky Peterson. One week before the show, I got the news that Magic Sam had died of a heart at age 32! Big Mama crapped out, and Willie Dixon gave me Koko Taylor (with Otis Spann, Matt Murphy, Luther Tucker and S.P. Leary in the band.) But enough of that.

Dick Waterman called me and said he had a guy who wanted to do a tribute to Sam. That guy was Luther Allison. All I can say is he was electrifying!

And I guess he was impressed with the way I put together the show, as he asked me to be his personal manager! I couldn't, but I did bail the guy out when the motor on his wagon died (still have the cancelled check.)

I saw Luther one more time when he played at Rochester the next year...with a surprise visit by Buddy Guy. By then, Luther had matured even more. Even better playing and vocal.

While he has been dead for quite a few years, I'll never forget his energy on stage."

Fine Live Recording from 1976.

René Ask Rasmussen | Odense, Denmark | 01/06/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Fine Live Album that shows Luther Allisons never ending energy.
Not always the most harmonious arrangements, but rocking energy and soulful singing."