Three of my favorite guitarists have November 3rd birthdays. Let’s start with the one who, sadly, is no longer with us, the inimitable Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Stevie almost single-handedly made the blues popular again in the 1980s. He was the only guitarist I’ve ever heard who played as if his life depended on it. And, maybe it did because he was a recovering hardcore alcoholic who recognized that only his music could save him.
One of the other things I really loved about Stevie and I love about the blues is they are music that isn’t desperate for our approval. The blues doesn’t need its ego stroked or fancy clothes or even a decent venue. It simply tells its truth (that’s why Jeff Beck named his seminal album Truth) and moves on.
The second guitarist with a birthday today is Kevin Moore, commonly known as Keb’ Mo’. Keb’ is also a bluesman but his gift is in composing stories into song. And if you’ve never seen one of the Playing for Change videos, stop reading this right now and go watch (starting with Everyday People, Listen To the Music, and The Weight). You can thank me later.
The third guitarist with a birthday today is criminally underrated IMO. Lindsey Buckingham is like a savant on the guitar. Again, if you’ve never seen him play Big Love live from The Dance DVD, don’t wait go now and watch what I believe is in the top five best all-around acoustic guitar performances captured live.
How unique was Lindsey? After his death, an interview was unearthed of George Harrison where he said that he had wanted Lindsey to replace Roy Orbison in The Traveling Wilburys. Of all the guitarists on the planet, George wanted Lindsey Buckingham.
Happy birthday to three of the people who’ve brought us music to cherish.
