When I Left Home

One of the finest narrated bios I have ever read. It's like you're sitting in your chair, and BG is telling his life story to you personally. Kudos to the co-writer for keeping BG's words true and the vernacular accurate. Wish it went a little further into his still-active career in the 2010s and beyond, but that's the stuff of a revised edition. Not much attention is given to BG, and this is by far the best place to get to know him in blues and rock n roll history. Five solid stars across the board. PS I don't know why, but the title at the top of the cover was missing from my copy.

Simply put, Buddy Guy is awesome. I am sure I had heard his name before, but didn’t know much about him. Before reading this book I wouldn’t have known him from BB King. Despite getting a bunch of Grammys in his 50s, he was really overlooked. For various reasons, he never really found a mass audience, although as a live act he was electric and always a cloud pleaser.He knew and worked with all the original bluesmen, and influenced countless others. Without him, there would be no Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughn.His storytelling style is humble and engaging, and he comes across as a hardworking guy, dedicated to his playing and entertaining. He never feels sorry for himself despite having plenty of reasons to do so, from the racism of the era, to the bad deals with record companies, etc. He always had gratitude for those who he worked with and whose paths he crossed, and rarely has a bad word to say about anybody.Reading about his early years, I was struck by the similarities to biographies of Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. They were all born in the south during the depression, dirt poor, working in the fields, hearing music in church, and looking for any possible way out. Guy and Lewis were both born in Louisanna, and the musical influences of the area influenced them both greatly.If you like this biography, you might enjoy those as well. If you are not familiar with Buddy Guy, go find some of his videos on YouTube – you won’t regret it. Or check him out at his Chicago club before it is too late.

Buddy Guy really struck a note with this biography. For me, it stands right up there with the autobiography of Miles Davis because it gives you a complete view of the Chicago Blues scene as Davis did with the jazz scene. I have always been a blues fan. However, I didn't realize the prominent role that Buddy Guy played in the Blues world. In fact, what really comes through in the book is Buddy's sense of respect and humility for the blues and the great blues men. He never promoted himself as a star. He just played the blues with style, flash and love for the art form.He ranked himself behind Guitar Slim, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters and to some degree Junior Wells. This manifested itself in his willingness to settle for being a side man to these blues players. In addition, he did not push the issue when Leonard Chess never allowed him to attain full expression as a solo blues artist.As with so many greats from that era, he did not receive the financial awards commensurate with his ability and his musical genius. However, he harbors no obvious bitterness toward the music industry. He merely rolled with the flow and waited his turn.The book put you right there in the depth of the blues lifestyle... the drinking, the gambling, the fighting and the womanizing. Though quite human, Buddy never let the blues culture destroy him as it did so many others. He was "out there on the road", but he longed for a family life that would provide roots. His early family life on the farm embedded within him an anchorage that provided stability and common sense to a life that was filled with potential dangers. He never forgot his beginnings that consisted of a strong mother and father despite the trials of sharecropping. Because of his self-control, he is now rewarded with a long life and good health. He eventually received the recognition that he always deserved, and he even owns a fantastic blues club (I will visit there on my next trip to Chicago).Anybody who has a love for the blues must read this book. Since I've read it, I've gone out and purchased some additional Buddy Guy for my music collection. What a man, what a guitarist, what a legend. Damn Right, he's got the blues!

Buddy's book is a wonderful read. Instead of being polished by an educated ghost writer, it's written as if Buddy's sitting with us as he tells his stories... in his own way. This makes the book believable and enjoyable. When it comes to autobiographies, I want the book to be honest. I want to read about the mistakes, failures, etc. and Buddy doesn't hold back. Even if you're not a blues fan, Buddy's story is interesting as he explains how he went from the cotton fields to the stage. He played with several legends and I appreciate Buddy describing their musical gifts and his experiences with them, since it helps to keep their names and accomplishments alive. I also appreciate the respect Buddy gives these individuals, who weren't perfect, but he doesn't judge them.I saw Buddy perform six years ago (the day before his 70th birthday in Paso Robles, CA). It was a free show at the mid state fair. My wife and I showed up early anticipating that there would be several blues fans who knew what we knew about Buddy's performances and that the place would be packed... it was. Buddy's show was incredible. I had lowered expectation because after all, he was turning 70... we all slow down at some point... but not Buddy. He had more energy than performers one third his age. He played like this was his last show. He loves to entertain the audience and he whipped us all into a frenzy. At one point he came into the audience and ended up jamming right in front of my wife and me. It takes a special performer to be on all the time like this. This was one of my favorite all time shows... and it was free! If I ever get back to Chicago, you can count on me going to Buddy's bar. Hopefully it'll be a slow day for business and Buddy will be compelled to play in an effort to drum up business. Do I have the blues? Damn Right I have the Blues!

Great book coving Buddy Guy career and life for growing up and working on the farm. Plus how he became the musician he is today

Amazing book!! I finished it in 5 days because I couldn't stop reading. Very funny anecdotes and interesting facts if you are passionate about the blues. I recommend 100%.

I always had Bud on the top shelf, something that I couldn't explain, reading this amazing book let me know how is important to keep on track when you really love something, with friendship, respect, and sensibility to hear and get the best from every tune collected from the old great cats. Buddy is definetely one of the responsables to keep the BLUES alive. Great Book!!!!'

I'm researching the blues for years now and as journalist you have to dig deep. If you're into the blues and into Buddy Guy, this is THE book through which you'll enter a real world into the blues. Very good written, nothing unnecessary like who he shagged or who was on which drugs .. this is the book about his very interesting life and about the blues .. you'll love it! ;)

J'aime la musique de Buddy Guy et je voulais en savoir plus sur le bonhomme : il nous raconte son enfance, son départ de la maison familiale, ses espoirs, ses coups de chance et de malchance, ses influences, un paquet d'anecdotes de musiciens, le travail acharné pour se faire un nom parmi les grands, l'évolution du blues et de son public... C'est instructif, marrant, hallucinant!Si vous vous intéressez à Buddy Guy en particulier ou tout simplement au blues, je vous conseille ce livre.