Elmore James
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Year:
1992
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Inducted by:
Robbie Robertson (The Band)
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Category:
Early Influences
Introduction
Everyone who puts a slide on their guitar owes a debt to Elmore James.
Raw, stimulating electric—his was the lick that basically defines blues rock.
Hall of Fame Essay
1992
Some blues musicians carve out their own stylistic trademarks: Bo Diddley has his syncopated rhythm riff, Howling Wolf his full-bodied falsetto swoop, Jimmy Reed his repetitive walking bass lines.
Elmore James’ signature was his thundering full-octave slide guitar opening.
Though borrowed from fellow Mississippi bluesman Robert Johnson, that “Dust My Broom” riff laid the foundation for an eleven-year recording career, with nearly 80 titles released on some seven different labels.
