Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson

Leader, singer and primary composer of Canned Heat

Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson was an American musician born on July 4, 1943, in Arlington, Massachusetts. He co-founded, led, and served as the primary composer and co-lead singer of the blues band Canned Heat. Wilson's nickname, "Blind Owl," came from his deep knowledge of blues music and his distinctive high-pitched singing voice.

Wilson's musical journey began during his teenage years when he was drawn to traditional New Orleans jazz and later classical European and Indian music. He formed a jazz ensemble called Crescent City Hot Five with other musically inclined friends. However, after discovering blues artists such as Muddy Waters, Little Walter, and Skip James, Wilson became captivated by the genre and began teaching himself to play harmonica and guitar.

By 1962, Wilson met fellow blues enthusiast David Evans in a record store, forming a partnership that would lead them around the Cambridge coffeehouse folk-blues circuit. Wilson's unique, high-pitched singing style was heavily influenced by Skip James. In the early 1960s, there was a resurgence of interest in pre-war blues artists, with figures such as Mississippi John Hurt and Son House being rediscovered. Wilson had the opportunity to accompany John Hurt on harmonica during one of his performances in Cambridge. This experience further solidified Wilson's passion for blues music and his determination to make a career out of it.

Canned Heat was officially formed in 1965, and the band quickly gained popularity with their unique blend of Chicago blues, Swamp blues, and psychedelic rock. Wilson's primary contributions to Canned Heat were as the lead singer on their two biggest U.S. hits: "On the Road Again" and "Going Up the Country." The band's music was characterized by its raw, gritty sound and intense energy, resonating with audiences during the counterculture era of the late 1960s.

Wilson's legacy extends beyond his work with Canned Heat. He is remembered for his dedication to preserving and sharing the blues tradition with a new generation of fans. His influence can be seen in artists such as Gregg Allman, Mick Jagger, and Chris Robinson, who have all cited Wilson as an inspiration for their own musical careers. Furthermore, Wilson's commitment to learning from the masters of the genre, such as Skip James and Son House, helped ensure that the blues remained a vibrant and evolving art form.

In summary, Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson was a pioneering figure in the world of blues music. Born into a musical family and inspired by the great blues artists of his time, Wilson co-founded Canned Heat and became known for his distinctive high-pitched singing voice. He played a pivotal role in the "rediscovery" of pre-war blues artists during the 1960s and remains an influential figure in the world of blues music to this day.