Two years ago, Bill Wyman published a superbly researched history of the blues. Now bearing the same name comes an unmissable visual companion to the book. The commentary is instructive, and Wyman’s knowledge and passion for his subject is palpable. But the real thrill lies in the archive footage. There’s Leadbelly and Bessie Smith, John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson and Jimmy Reed and lots of evocative footage of the Delta. There are separate chapters on the history of Sun Records and Chess, some early footage of the Stones and interviews with the likes of BB King and Sam Phillips, whose memories of Howlin’ Wolf and others are fascinating.
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