July 29, 2024

This blog was going to be part 2 of the Indy Cars at Road America last June but that will have to wait until the next blog.

Reason being, we just lost one of the most influential musicians ever with the passing of John Mayall on July 23, 2024 at 90 years old. He was still touring and playing but passed away at home in California.

He got into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of fame as a musical influencer this year. My photos of him have been submitted for his induction.

John started in the early 1960's and his lineup of fellow musicians through the years is amazing. Without John we wouldn't have a lot of musicians that he hired and discovered.

Some of them are Eric Clapton, Peter Green, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Mick Taylor, Harvey Mandel, Keef Hartley, Jack Bruce, Sugarcane Harris, Jon Mark and Johnny Almond. That's just a few and he really brought to us a lot of great musicians in his John Mayall and his Bluesbreakers band.

John was a great guitar player but also an amazing harmonica and keyboard player.

I first met John in 1971 doing an interview for the Bugle American newspaper and photographing his show. He was a very nice and talented man.

I also photographed him in 1975 and 1978.

Enjoy some old photos of the master and notice his very cool harmonica holder and unique guitar.

Gonna miss you John and thanks for all you did.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

May 6, 2024

John Mayall turned 90 a few weeks ago and is being awarded the Rock'n Roll Hall of Fame Musical Influence Award in 2024. About time he gets put into the Hall of Fame after so many musicians he helped start out are in there after being part of the John Mayall and his Bluesbreakers band.

Had the pleasure of photographing John and many of the musicians he had with him in his band in the early 1970's several times.

We can thank John for bringing us Mick Fleetwood who would then do his own band Fleetwood Mac with another Bluesbreakers musician John McVie.

Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce who would form Cream. Keef Hartley the drummer seen below, Mick Taylor, Harvey Mandel, John Almond and so many others I could mention but John Mayall really influenced the blues and music starting in 1963 and still going!

The photos here are all from Milwaukee in 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1975 when I was working for the Bugle American newspaper and had my photo studio.

John Mayall influenced my taste of music greatly I believe starting with his most famous tune "Room to Move".

His harmonica and guitar playing are really, really good and checkout the harmonica holder he wears and his guitar full of holes. Very cool plus he always seemed to have a Fox tail hanging around his belt!

Enjoy a look at the master and influencer WAY before there were influencers.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

February 22, 2021

This week we take a peak at Buddy Guy playing at Summerfest here in Milwaukee in 2009.

I've seen Buddy Guy play 3 times and he is classic bluesman who is so good!

He was born in 1936 and continues to play and tour.  Every January, he takes a break from touring the world and just plays at his club, Buddy Guy's Legends, in Chicago.

Buddy has influenced so many people but a couple major artists are Eric Clapton, Keith Richards and Jeff Beck.

Born in Louisiana he came up to Chicago in 1957 and tried to get his music going in the right direction, which is the blues. A lot of people didn't care for his music because it had supposedly too much of a rock influence. They would say that it was a bit too harsh.

His big voice has helped him in his solo career. Before going solo he was getting experience with Muddy Waters and the Chicago club scene.

In 1958, a guitar competition in Chicago with Otis Rush and Magic Sam gave him his first record contract for winning the competition. Buddy can play guitar with the best of them and win.

Keith Richards and the Rolling Stones love to tour with Buddy and have even come to his club in Chicago to play with him.

Jeff Beck and Buddy have become very good friends and have played together on a few Buddy Guy records.

Enjoy a look at Buddy Guy at Summerfest in 2009 when he brought a great band as usual. The other guitar player you will see is Ric "Jazz Guitar" Hall who can spin is guitar 360 degrees while playing! The only other person I've seen do that is Billy Gibbons of Z Z Top.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

Buddy Guy having fun at Summerfest in 2009! One of the best ever bluesmen!!

March 23, 2020

On March 8, 2020 a very nice memorial tribute was held at Anodyne Coffee in Milwaukee to honor the Mighty Stokes who passed away several weeks earlier. Stokes was a major blues man in Milwaukee who influenced many people.

The last time I saw Stokes was at The Up and Under club on Brady Street about 25 years ago! Sad to say I never photographed him.

He influenced all the performers at this tribute for sure.

We stayed for a good portion of the night and got to see and hear some great music.

My good old high school mates Leroy Airmaster performed with Steve Cohen, Bill Stone, Marc Wilson and Dave Kasik doing some great music as usual.

Jim Liban and his blues combo played some rockin' blues with Perry Weber and Kurt Koenig. Milwaukee Slim even joined them for a while!

Stokes was smiling upstairs for sure.

Enjoy a look at the evening.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

July 8, 2019

On Monday, July 1, 2019, at Kochanski's Bar in Milwaukee, we celebrated Junior Brantley Day! Proclamation was even given to Junior from the city as the photos show.

A lot of musicians showed up to celebrate the night with Junior Brantley and it was fun.

Shortstuff, Leroy Airmaster and more came to celebrate!!! Some of these guys I grew up with and went to high school with!! They were a huge influence on my music tastes.

I will let the photos do the talking now. Enjoy

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

Jammin' with Junior! An evening with Junior Brantley and a lot of friends on July 1, 2019 at Kochanski's.

September 3, 2018

The Wilson Center here in Brookfield, Wisconsin has an annual guitar festival. There is a lot happenig both outside and inside the Wilson Center. The photo of this little girl having fun is cute I think! She was listening to the band outside and having fun.

This year for the main act, the Elvin Bishop Big Fun Trio performed to a full house.

I've photographed and met Elvin a few times since 1977.  Always a great show and an amazing guitar player. Could listen to his stories and slide guitar forever!

The Big Fun Trio consists of Elvin, Bob Welsh and Willy Jordan.

Bob Welsh played both keyboards and guitar. Not sure which he is better at but his guitar playing is awesome!

Willy Jordan hand played a Peruvian drumbox and it was a great sound to hear. Who needs a drum set with this talented guy!

Enjoy some photos of a great night at a beautiful festival just a couple of miles from my home!

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

Elvin Bishop and his Big Fun Trio at the Wilson Center Guitar Festival on August 17,2018.

November 13, 2013

On a cold December night in Milwaukee, Luther Allison warmed up the house with his blues.

It was December 2, 1972 at the basement club ,Humpin Hanna's.

This show is still one of my favorites at that club!

Enjoy a look at Luther.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann