Buddy Guy Gives Virtual Tour of Chicago's Music History

by Staff.

Among the places associated with the history of the blues, few resonate with the heart, soul and story deeper than Chicago, Illinois. Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Hubert Sumlin, Son Seals - the list of blues artists associated with The Windy City are important chapters in every contemporary player's blues bible, and, of course, that list includes today's most notable Chicago blues ambassador, Buddy Guy. "This is the place where people just like myself came from the South to create new lives and a new kind of music," says Guy. "The generation just before mine came up here playing folk music. But soon they traded in their acoustic guitars for electric instruments. And when they plugged them in, they created a new, urban sound, that we call Chicago blues."

Blues lovers around the world can now take a virtual tour of Chicago's contribution to the blues through a 50-minute audio-visual presentation produced by the city's Office of Tourism and narrated by Buddy Guy: The Chicago Blues Audio Tour. The presentation is available for online viewing and listening (recommended) at www.downloadchicagotours.com or offline iPoding via the same website or iTunes. The experience is free, includes an interactive map, tour stop directions, archival photos, video, music clips, and interviews, and is available in English, Mandarin, German, Japanese and Spanish.

According to Chicago's Office of Tourism:

Through Buddy Guy’s insider perspective and interviews with blues musicians and historians, visitors experience the Chicago blues historic and societal relevance, the worldwide impact on music and culture, and the city’s contemporary scene. Incorporating archival photos, music clips, and video, the tour highlights ten historic locations including Maxwell Street, Chess Records, and Muddy Water’s former home. Listeners, from blues club aficionados to those less familiar with the Chicago blues sound, will discover something new from the explanation of Chicago blues and profiles of five Chicago blues innovators: Jimmy Yancey, Tampa Red, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, and Koko Taylor.

In addition, the tour illustrates how Chicago continues to influence the international blues sound. Visitors can experience “Sweet Home Chicago” at the city’s many music clubs, including Buddy Guy’s Legends. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this June 5-8, 2008, the annual Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free blues festival in the world and draws over 800,000 visitors. Also, the Chicago Blues Archives at the city’s Harold Washington Library preserves archival recordings of performances unavailable anywhere else.

The Chicago Blues Audio Tour is an on or offline experience you don't want to miss.

Related Links
Buddy Guy Interview (2005)
The Chicago Blues Audio Tour Website
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs

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