The group initially performed under several names before settling on “The Yardbirds,” reportedly inspired by the writings of author Jack Kerouac, who used the slang term “yardbird” to describe a drifter or someone living on the margins of society.
The Yardbirds emerged from the vibrant rhythm and blues scene that flourished in London during the early 1960s, becoming one of the most influential British bands of the decade. Although they would later gain worldwide recognition for helping launch the careers of three legendary guitarists—Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page—
A song often of lamentation characterized by usually 12-bar phrases, 3-line stanzas in which the words of the second line usually repeat those of the first, and continual occurrence of blue notes in melody and harmony. – Merriam-Webster
Rock musicians have long been influenced by blues artists recording from the 20s through the 60s. In these posts, I’ll investigate some of my favorite tunes. They were famously covered, the licks got borrowed, or they schooled the rockers in style and attitude. Many of the most influential blues songs reverberate to this day.
