BLUES N'AT

It's St. Patrick's Day and Mrs. Black-N-Gold has the blues, remembering Irish bluesman Rory Gallagher today. He was born in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland on March 2, 1948. As a child, Rory and his brother inherited the music gene from their parents who encouraged their musical pursuits. Rory was a self-taught multi-instrumentalist who played both acoustic and electric guitar as well as sax, bass, mandolin and banjo. When Rory fell in love with the blues, his 1961 Fender Stratocaster, that he purchased with prize money won in a talent contest, became his primary guitar. Decades later, Fender would honor Rory with a signature model, matching the worn body style of his own Strat. Unable to afford blues records as a young man growing up in Ireland, Rory would listen to the late night signals coming from the Armed Forces Radio Network to hear the sounds of his idols like Muddy Waters, Big Bill Broonzy and Lead Belly. Rory cut his teeth playing in cover bands across Europe but yearned to play the blues. During the '60s Rory formed a band called Taste and got a "taste" of musical success as the band scored gigs opening for Cream and Blind Faith. As the '70s began so to did a productive decade of musical output for Rory as Taste broke up and he established a solo career. In 1971, Melody Maker named Rory their International Top Musician of the Year, beating out Eric Clapton. Although mainstream success eluded him, Rory wasn't interested in the commercial trappings of fame. He even turned down an opportunity to join the Rolling Stones following Mick Taylor's departure. Still, Rory continued to record and tour. He was given the chance to play with some of his childhood idols, including Muddy Waters and Jerry Lee Lewis. As his career progressed, Rory established a loyal, cult-like following that has effected music today. Artists such as The Edge of U2, Slash from Guns 'N Roses, and Queen's Brian May name Rory an influence on their playing and careers. Unfortunately, Rory's solitary life of touring and recording took their toll. In 1995, at age 47, years of drinking caught up with Rory as he received a liver transplant. Ultimately, he developed an infection and passed away on June 14 of '95. Rory's presence is still greatly felt in the musical community. His hometown honored him with a bronze statue of Rory playing his famed Strat.. They also host an annual blues festival in remembrance. And in Cork, Ireland a music library was erected in his name. Rory Gallagher loved to play the blues. Those that have had the honor of hearing him play, either live or via his tremendous catalog of work know that he loved the blues. We're lucky to have known a talent as great as Rory Gallagher. I guess it's the Luck O' the Irish. Till next time boys and girls. Keep It Bluesy!