Buddy Guy was born in Louisiana in 1936.  He was self-taught on the guitar, using a home made 2-string “diddley bow” guitar.  He was so naturally good that he started playing with bands in Baton Rouge in the 1950s and learned how to play the blues by the likes of Muddy Waters.

Early on, Guy began to record with such labels as Chess Records.  He would later claim that such labels actually held him back from playing his signature style which was passionate and electrifying, often with dazzling guitar solos.  His record labels thought he was just noisy.  Eventually he broke free from these restraints and came to be the performer that we know today- full of life.

Buddy Guy was eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame particularly for his signature style, which influenced many musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and Rod Stewart.  Guy and Hendrix became friends and hung out together during the 60s.  Hendrix would even leave his own shows early so that he could go catch Guy performing at a club.  He would record his performances so he could study them and learn from them.

Although Buddy Guy is in his 70s, he still delivers high-energy shows.  He is known for wandering around stage during his shows.  He even will wander into the restroom doing a guitar solo and visit with guests.  He is known for playing his guitar with things such as drumsticks and beer bottles.  He would play the guitar behind his back, or even while tied up by his ankles in the rafters.

Buddy Guy owns a popular club in Chicago; Buddy Guy’s Legends.  He is known to still show up from time to time.  He loves to find and promote up and coming talent.

Chicago has become famous over the years for many different things.  Chicago hot dogs, the electrifying Chicago Bears, the incredible post season debacle of the Cubs, and who can look past the outstanding museums that call Chicago home.

Aside from all these iconic pillars Chicago has to offer, there is one staple that has become as equally impressive in the Windy City, and that is the style of Blues Music that has birthed from such a magnificent city. Under this vibrant cities spot light, many artists have come and gone, always leaving their remarkable impression on the cities nightlife.

Artist such as the “Queen of Blues” – Koko Taylor who belted out such hits as Wang Dang Doodle, Piece of Man or Hard Pill To Swallow.

Then you have Otis rush who so electrified the stage with his unique sound. Sharing his amazing talent in hits like “I Can’t Quit You Baby, Love That Women and Keep On Lovin’ Me Baby,

And of course there was Buddy Guy who always brought a uncanny flavor of life to the stage working his magic with hits like First Time I Met The Blues, Best Damn Fool and Every Time I Sing The Blues.

Just like Chicago to hold near and dear some of it’s greatest traditions, the blues will always find that there is no sweeter place to call home… “Sweet Home Chicago”.

If you come to find your way to Chicago, you simply must take in the Chicago Blues Festival that usually takes place at some point in June down at Grant Park.

This Festival as it’s called is more like a three day party featuring some of the greatest blues music ever to be produced as well as some new fresh flavorful talent surrounded by the love of the city, it’s food and the amazing Chicago skyline. Just make sure that you plan to sweat, eat and have a good old time.