LUTHER ALLISON

It’s blues with a touch of soul this month, as David Gerrish explores the dynamic, expressive style of an often overlooked Chicago bluesman.

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on an unsung hero of blues: Luther Allison. Known for his electrifying performances and soulful intensity, Allison left an indelible mark on the blues scene, despite never achieving the mainstream success he deserved over his four-decade career.

Born in 1939 in Widener, Arkansas, Allison moved to Chicago as a teenager, where he immersed himself in the city’s vibrant blues scene. Influenced by legends like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, he developed a fierce, soulful style on both guitar and vocals. By his early 20s, Allison was performing regularly in Chicago’s West

Side clubs, where his raw energy and emotionally charged performances quickly set him apart. His blend of gritty, hardhitting blues with soulful R&B elements became his signature sound.