In the 1950s, the blues profoundly impacted mainstream music, especially in the United Kingdom. It marked the arrival of a new, raw genre that wasn’t driven by commercial interest but by the sheer emotional power of the music itself. This wave of blues laid the foundation for the careers of legendary artists such as The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton.
During this time, youth culture was undergoing significant transformation. The trauma of World War II was slowly fading, the economy was steadily improving, and young people were coming of age in an era filled with both challenges and opportunities. Music played a crucial role in this cultural shift. In the United Kingdom, mainstream charts were dominated by artists like Perry Como and occasional glimpses of Nat King Cole. However, it was during this period that Clapton first discovered the transformative power of blues music.
In a 1990 BBC Radio One interview, Clapton recalled how he was introduced to the genre that would change his life. He explained that he first encountered blues when he saw Big Bill Broonzy perform on television. The performance, which was filmed in black and white at a French nightclub, left an indelible mark on the young Clapton. He described the atmosphere as “very, very interesting,” noting the smoky, seedy environment that contrasted sharply with the polished, mainstream music he was accustomed to. The performance, which showcased Broonzy playing several songs, was unlike anything Clapton had ever seen, and it captivated him completely.
Clapton’s reaction to the blues was deeply personal. In the same interview, he reflected on the mystery of the music, particularly the unique tuning and style that seemed to emerge from nowhere. He was fascinated by the raw emotion and authenticity of the music, which seemed to have deep roots in American history. For Clapton, this was a revelation, and it sparked his lifelong passion for the blues.
At the time, the British music charts were largely dominated by artists who were far removed from the gritty, soulful world of the blues. A look at a 1955 singles chart reveals that only one Black artist, Eartha Kitt, appeared in the top 20. Kitt, however, was a glamorous figure of Hollywood fame, a far cry from the rough, heartfelt sound that Broonzy represented. This stark contrast made Broonzy’s music even more compelling to Clapton and his peers. The authenticity of Broonzy’s performance, coupled with the gritty setting of the nightclub, made a lasting impression on Clapton, who later described it as an experience that “really, it turned me on.”
The influence of Broonzy was not limited to Clapton. Many other prominent English rock musicians from that era were equally captivated by the blues legend. Keith Richards, for example, admired Broonzy’s music deeply, stating that he “encapsulated everything I wanted to be.” Ray Davies of The Kinks described Broonzy as coming from a “mythical world,” while Tom Jones, in a notable appearance on Desert Island Discs, included a Broonzy song on his list of favorite tracks. Even Ronnie Wood, another guitar great, cited Broonzy as one of his favorite guitar players.
More than half a century after his passing, the power of Big Bill Broonzy’s music continues to resonate, shaping generations of musicians and inspiring artists like Clapton, who remain deeply moved by the blues to this day.
Related Topics
- Frank Zappa’s “Ouija Board” Solos: The Instinct-Driven Genius Behind His Iconic Guitar Sound
- Fred Tackett Reflects on Tom Waits’ Experimental Genius and Bob Seger’s Straightforward Approach
- Adelaide Guitar Festival 2025 Kicks Off with Zeppelin Tribute and Classical Masterpieces
