Chicago-based Alligator records started operations 50 years ago with a Houndog Taylor release. It was an inauspicious beginning, but with the dedication of Bruce Iglauer, the label prospered with Son Seals, Lonnie Brooks, Professor Longhair, Koko Taylor, Albert Collins and Shemekia Copeland releases marking blues time into the 21st Century. Hats off to Bruce for keeping the music alive and rockin’.
At age 23, Mr. Iglauer…recorded [Houdog] Taylor and company, ran this new label from his apartment, and before long was looking for other Black performers on the scene who could appeal to rock-raised Boomer blues enthusiasts in similar ways. “Genuine Houserockin’ Music” became the official company slogan.
Chicago blues great Koko Taylor
Catch Alligator artist Janiva Magness talking about Alligator in BCI #8
Janiva Magness traces her career and New Orleans inspirations in the Blues Center interview with Ric Stewart. She gets started as an engineer, then a background singer for soulman Herman Jones. Later she cuts three attention grabbing releases for Alligator. She talks country and blues sources Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Tex Ritter and Leroy Carr & Scrapper Blackwell. With powerful stage performances of “Long As I Can See The Light” “Moth to a Flame” and more.
Janiva Magness traces her career and New Orleans inspirations in the Blues Center interview with Ric Stewart. She gets started as an engineer, then a background singer for soulman Herman Jones. Later she cuts three attention grabbing releases for Alligator. She talks country and blues sources Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Tex Ritter and Leroy Carr & Scrapper Blackwell. With powerful stage performances of “Long As I Can See The Light” “Moth to a Flame” and more.
Chicago-based Alligator records started operations 50 years ago with a Houndog Taylor release. It was an inauspicious beginning, but with the dedication of Bruce Iglauer, the label prospered with Son Seals, Lonnie Brooks, Professor Longhair, Koko Taylor, Albert Collins and Shemekia Copeland releases marking blues time into the 21st Century. Hats off to Bruce for keeping the music alive and rockin’.