Buddy Guy, 90, Still Fuels Blues Fire on Tour

Ninety-year-old blues icon Buddy Guy is currently on his 'Buddy Guy 90' tour, which began in Toronto in July and continues across the continental U.S. until September. This extensive tour underscores Guy's commitment to preserving the blues, a genre he feels is increasingly overlooked by mainstream radio.

Guy expresses concern that younger generations are not exposed to blues artists like Muddy Waters or Little Walter as frequently as in the past. He notes that while satellite radio offers some blues content, it's a significant decrease from previous decades. He sees his tour as a vital effort to keep the genre from being forgotten.

Reflecting on his nearly 75-year career, Guy's journey began in rural Louisiana, where he learned music by ear and saw it as a path to a better life. His move to Chicago in 1957 exposed him to the realities of the music industry, including financial exploitation by early producers and record companies.

Despite his age and the challenges of the industry, Guy's passion remains undimmed. He has influenced generations of guitarists, including Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. The film 'Sinners' (2025) also introduced his music to a new, younger audience, highlighting the enduring impact of his legacy.