Birdlegg Pittman JOINS The Bling Sisters LIVE!

About Sonny Boy Williamson I

John Lee Curtis "Sonny Boy" Williamson was an American blues harmonica player and singer-songwriter. He is often regarded as the pioneer of the blues harp as a solo instrument. He played on hundreds of recordings by many pre–World War II blues artists. Under his own name, he was one of the most recorded blues musicians of the 1930s and 1940s and is closely associated with Chicago producer Lester Melrose and Bluebird Records. His popular songs, original or adapted, include "Good Morning, School G...

About This Footage

The 1974 clip "Birdlegg Pittman JOINS The Bling Sisters LIVE!" is a rare and captivating piece of live music footage that offers a unique glimpse into the world of blues harmonica players in the 1970s. At its center is Gene "Birdlegg" Pittman, an American blues harmonicist, singer, and songwriter who was heavily influenced by two of the greatest early postwar and country blues harmonica players: Sonny Boy Williamson II and Sonny Terry.

Pittman's style, which diverged from that of his contemporaries, including Little Walter, is characterized by its emphasis on the playing and styling of Williamson and Terry. This clip provides a fascinating opportunity to witness Pittman in action, performing alongside The Bling Sisters, an ensemble that also features notable blues musicians such as Sonny Rhodes.

The presence of these legendary artists adds significant value to this footage, making it a must-watch for blues enthusiasts and historians alike. The fact that the clip was recorded live in 1974 further underscores its rarity and importance. With a duration of 56:31, this video offers an extended look at Pittman's performance, allowing viewers to appreciate his skills and style in detail.

It is also worth noting that the clip features a diverse range of blues musicians, each with their own unique contributions to the genre. The inclusion of Sonny Rhodes, who was nominated for 15 Blues Music Awards and won in the category 'Instrumentalist – Other' in 2011, adds an extra layer of significance to this footage.

The influence of Williamson and Terry on Pittman's style is a recurring theme throughout his career. As he himself notes, he was inspired by their harmonica playing and styling, which has had a lasting impact on the blues genre as a whole. This clip serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of these pioneering artists, whose innovative approaches to the harmonica continue to shape the sound of blues music today.

The fact that this footage is available for public viewing is a significant addition to the archive of rare and live performances by blues musicians. It provides an invaluable resource for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts seeking to understand the evolution of the genre and its most influential figures.

Overall, the "Birdlegg Pittman JOINS The Bling Sisters LIVE!" clip is a remarkable piece of music history that offers a unique perspective on the world of blues harmonica players in the 1970s. Its rarity, coupled with the presence of notable artists such as Sonny Rhodes and the influence of Williamson and Terry, make it an essential watch for anyone interested in the blues genre.

Curated from public records and music databases.