Alvin Lee (Born Graham Barnes)
December 19, 1944 – March 6, 2013
Alvin Lee was an English rock musician who is best remembered as founder and lead singer of the influential blues rock band, Ten Years After. Considered one of rock’s greatest guitarists, Lee began playing at age 13. In 1962, he formed his first band, the Jaybirds, who haunted the same Hamburg clubs that had recently hosted the pre-fame Beatles. By the late ’60s, the Jaybirds morphed into Ten Years After who quickly built a sizable following throughout Europe and scored a record deal with Deram Records. Finding their way to the San Francisco airwaves, songs from their self-titled debut caught the ear of Bill Graham who invited them to tour the US in 1968. The following year, they played the Woodstock Festival and appeared in the iconic film documentary of the event. Soon, the band found themselves playing arenas and stadiums all over the world, and Lee’s remarkable talent as a guitarist could not be denied. After recording 10 albums with the group, Lee decided to move on in 1974. What followed were a series of solo albums and collaborations with the likes of George Harrison, Mylon LFevre, Bo Diddley, and Jerry Lee Lewis. He reunited with Ten Years After for a couple of albums and tours during the late ’70s. Lee continued recording and touring until the release of his final album, 2012’s Still On The Road To Freedom. Alvin Lee died unexpectedly on March 6, 2013. According to a post on his website, he “unexpectedly passed away early this morning after unforseen complications following a routine surgical procedure.” He was 68.
Thanks to David Plastik of eRockPhotos for the assist.
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