Guitar Slim Things I Used To Do: The Complete Specialty Releases

Release date:
August 9, 2024
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Eddie Guitar Slim Jones was no ordinary bluesman... A major inspiration for Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy, Frank Zappa, Earl King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and many more, Slim brought a new level of raw energy and electric intensity to guitar playing never witnessed before. Born in 1926 and raised in the blues heartlands of the Mississippi Delta, he plied his trade in the clubs of New Orleans after serving in WWII. His incendiary approach, vehement vocals and flamboyant theatrics made him the hottest ticket in town and his rockin' ways became the stuff of legend. His performances were loud, not content with turning his amp to 10, he would often plug straight into the PA system, creating an overdriven distortion that hadn't been heard before. In his short career he only recorded 30 sides and sadly his stage exploits were never captured on film. This collection features all his A & B sides released on the Specialty label from 1953-56 including the groundbreaking R&B No.1 The Things That I Used To Do, a track that features in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock 'n' Roll. He was an artist way ahead of his time, and a man who lived life as hard and fast as the most iconic contemporary rockers, becoming a huge influence for generations of blues and rock guitarists.