Bob Hite
February 26, 1943 – April 6, 1981
Just the fact that he worked in a record store as a teen is enough for Bob Hite to get honored here, but he was also the lead singer of blues rock band, Canned Heat. In the early ’60’s, “The Bear” and fellow record junkie Alan Wilson got together and formed a band to play an electrified boogie version of the great blues albums they had collected. Canned Heat endeared themselves to both the psychedelic rock fans and the blues crowd by not only kicking ass at Woodstock AND Monterey, but by producing and recording with John Lee Hooker. The result was Hooker ‘n’ Heat. Although he was an intimidating hulk of a man, Hite couldn’t be nicer to his friends, fans and strangers. He had absolutely no problem with fans coming up to him on the street and sometimes even made the first move toward them to say hello. And that good-heartedness carried on to the stage as well, making Canned Heat concerts some of the most fun during the ’60s and ’70s. Hite suffered a fatal heart attack just before a show on April 6, 1981.
What You Should Own
Thanks for remembering the blues-rock of Canned Heat! If you like their music you may want to check out my bio of founder Alan “Blind Owl” Wilson … visit the site at blindowlbio.com.
Bob Hite and Alan Wilson two gifted musicians.
Alan Wilson most certainly had a very unique style on harmonica I’ve yet to hear surpassed.
Jerry
RIP Bob Hite.
Sorely missed. You can tell by his “presence” in studio and especially live that he loved what he was doing and was a master at it. Can you imagine the jams “the bear” and “the blind owl” are enjoying, now they are together again? I can’t wait to get there. Much respect, thanks, peace and love.
Sorely missed is right. Canned Heat is one of my favorite bands of all time. The energy and talent is through the roof. I wish music was still this powerful in this day and age. RIP Bear and Blind Owl.
Canned Heat was one of the most unique bands of their time. ZZ Top considered them a great influence. It’s a shame they are not in the RR Hall of Fame considering all the crap that has been elected. RIP Blind Owl and Sunflower and the Bear.
I’ll never forget when my brother took me to a Canned Heat concert. He really had no choice because my parents were out of town. Anyhow, after the concert was over The Bear was still on stage and I decided to walk up for his autograph. I didn’t get his autograph when I asked for it, instead he asked where I was siting, and if it was okay to come on down and TALK TO ME AND MY FRIENDS WHO WERE WITH ME!!!! We got to talk awhile and even go out for a few beers. The rest is a beautiful history!!!!!!!!