Luther Allison Concerts

Experience Luther Allison

Luther Allison (August 17, 1939 – August 12, 1997) was a highly influential American blues guitarist and singer, often considered a bridge between the Chicago blues tradition and a more rock-influenced style. Born in Mississippi, he began performing professionally in his teens, eventually relocating to Chicago in 1960. While initially recording for smaller labels like Mel London’s Chief Records, Allison struggled for mainstream recognition despite consistently delivering powerful performances.

His breakthrough came with a move to Setrakian Records in the late 1960s, yielding albums like *Luther Allison and His Chicago Blues Band*. Throughout the 70s & 80s, he toured extensively, building a dedicated European fanbase where he achieved greater commercial success than in the US. He signed with Alligator Records in 1990, releasing critically acclaimed albums like *Soul of the Blues* which earned him a W.C. Handy Award.

Allison’s dynamic stage presence and fiery guitar playing distinguished him; he blended traditional blues structures with elements of soul and rock, influencing artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan.