LONG JOHN BALDRY - IT AIN'T EASY 2005

Long John Baldry is the definitive British Blues legend. Nicknamed 'Long John' because of his 6'7' height, he's credited with having been one of the main forces in British Blues in the 1960's. Long John has performed and recorded with many of Rock n' Rolls most famous artists. Their names, (as is his) are footnotes in the history of Blues, Rock & Pop music. The list of musicians who have played in LJB's band read like the membership roster of the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Jimmy Paige, Jack Bruce, Rod Stewart and Elton John, are among the far-reaching musical tree Long John Baldry has claim to. Undeniably, Long John was one of the founding Fathers of British Rock n' Roll. Since 1964 Long John has released over 40 albums, exploring a variety of musical styles, but always returning to his Blues roots. Now with the release of his landmark recordings (produced by Rod Stewart and Elton John), 'It Ain't Easy' and 'Everything Stops for Tea', LJB will tour extensively in 2005 in support of these long awaited sessions, featuring his signature 'Don't try to Lay no Boogie Woogie on the King of Rock n' Roll'.

"For me, just shaking his hand - knowing all the great musicians whose hand he'd shaken before - was mind-blowing. But so was John. Picture this elegant man with a proper English accent, never without a tie, a towering six-foot-seven. I was a huge fan and I was intimidated by his offer. Rod Stewart wasn't in demand in those days; no one was interested. I immediately said yes. John had a knack for discovering talent. Ginger Baker, Jeff Beck and Brian Jones all worked with him early on. Elton John played piano in one of his bands, other Rolling Stones too - Charlie, Ron Wood, and Keith. In 1962, when the Rolling Stones were just getting started, they opened for him in London. Eric Clapton has said many times that John was one of the musicians that inspired him to play the Blues. And for their internationally televised special in 1964, the Beatles invited John to perform his version of 'I Got My Mojo Working'. In those days the only music we fell in love with was the Blues, and John was the first white guy singing it, in his wonderful voice. It was the true Blues and everyone looked up to him."

-excerpt from The Making of a Legend by Rod Stewart/ Readers Digest Dec./04