One of my favorite inspirations was the bigger than life Texas guitarist and songwriter, Freddie King. While recording The Bluesberries album with Buddy Miles, Texas Cannonball, was written to honor the master, Please join me in celebrating Freddie King’s birthday and enjoy this musical tribute from The Bluesberries album recorded with Buddy Miles and Double Trouble in 2002 with Jim Gaines producing the magic. Happy Birthday, Freddie King! Play it LOUD! #TexasStyle
Experiencing The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show changed my life and an entire generation of musicians were born. Their influence was immediate and long lasting. This recording of PAPERBACK WRITER is a tribute created by myself on guitar and bass with Walter Watson adding all the vocal tracks and drums. Photograph includes my personal collection of Beatle dolls and 1966 Epiphone Casino. Long live the Beatles!
Most of you know that I am a Beatle collector and I went so far as to record this tribute using my 1966 Epiphone Casino for rhythm work and 1965 Gibson SG for the lead and my vintage Hofner Beatle Bass! I had a blast recording this!
Jessica and I having a blast attending the Paul McCartney concert! One of the best shows ever!
At 86, the British blues legend, John Mayall, is planning to return to touring next year! Let's all wish him a very happy birthday with many more to come. During my time with John, we created some magic musical moments. A Special Life was particularly personal for John and I Just Got To Know is one of my favorite tracks from that session. Enjoy!
John was generous with his time when we were together
Growing up Nantucket Sleigh Ride and Mountain Climbing by Leslie West were two albums that I completely wore out on the turntable. He was my favorite guitar player when it came to rock blues and I couldn’t get enough of his tone and vibrato. I think his influence can be heard in my playing and I just had to pay tribute to him by recording Mississippi Queen as a bonus track for The Essential series. If you want to celebrate Leslie’s birthday in style, all you have to do it play it LOUD! Happy Birthday, Leslie!
Buddy Miles was an amazing musician with many historic music experiences that he joyfully shared. The collaboration with Buddy Miles on the Bluesberries album with Double Trouble in 2002 produced many timeless tracks but on this track, Rock and Roll the Blues, Buddy tells a biographical story the way only the Buddy Miles could do it. Play it LOUD while you enjoy watching rock history and smile! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BUDDY! Thank you for sharing your gift!
The Bluesberries Album was Rocky's introduction to Jim Gaines, the Grammy Award winning producer for Santana, Steve Miller, Stevie Ray Vaughan and many others. After this meeting, Rocky and Jim became life long friends and Jim produced Rocky's solo albums.
At home with Jim Gaines and his wife, Sandy Carroll.
