Died On This Date (August 14, 1988) Roy Buchanan / Electric Blues Great
themusicsover Roy Buchanan
September 23, 1939 – August 14, 1988
Roy Buchanan was a respected blues guitarist who rose to prominence in the late ’50s thanks in part to his prowess on the Telecaster. Rolling Stone placed him at #57 in their list of The 100 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time. He got his professional start early, playing with Johnny Otis at just 15. In the early ’60s, Buchanan began working with Ronnie Hawkins alongside Robbie Robertson who he reportedly tutored on the guitar. In the early ’80s, Buchanan was the subject of a documentary entitled The Best Unknown Guitarist In The World, an opinion evidently shared by the likes of John Lennon and Eric Clapton. He was soon offered a record deal with Polydor Records who released his first solo album in 1972. Except for a four-year break beginning in 1981, Buchanan continued to record and perform until his death in 1988. Buchanan struggled with substance abuse for many years and on August 14, 1988, he was arrested and placed in a Virginia jail for public drunkenness. Some hours later, his lifeless body was found hanging by his shirt in his cell. His death was officially ruled a homicide, but his family and friends have claimed there was evidence to the contrary. He was 48 at the time of his death.
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