“Lazarus” is a captivating song sung by The Boo Radleys, a British alternative rock band known for their distinctive and eclectic sound. The track is featured on their album “C’mon Kids” released in 1996. Opening with a burst of energetic guitars and driving rhythms, the song immediately grabs the listener’s attention with its infectious energy. The Boo Radleys’ lead vocalist delivers powerful and emotive vocals, complemented by thought-provoking lyrics that explore themes of resilience, rebirth, and personal transformation. “Lazarus” combines elements of Britpop and alternative rock, featuring dynamic melodies, catchy hooks, and an anthemic chorus. The song’s infectious energy, introspective lyrics, and powerful instrumentation make it a standout in The Boo Radleys’ discography, showcasing their ability to create captivating and emotionally charged music.
1. Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson, a blues legend from the early 20th century, is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His unique picking style and emotive vocals have influenced countless musicians since his tragically short career. Despite recording only a few dozen songs, Johnson's impact on American music can still be felt today.
Johnson's talent was matched by his mysterious life, with rumors persisting that he sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads to perfect his craft. This mythological aspect of Johnson's persona only adds to his status as a cultural icon and further emphasizes the importance of his contributions to blues music.
In addition to being an inspiration to numerous artists across genres, Johnson paved the way for future generations of guitar players with his innovative techniques and complex chord progressions. Even casual listeners will recognize many of his iconic riffs and melodies, which continue to resonate with audiences nearly a century later.
For those looking to improve their own guitar playing, studying Johnson's work is essential. From mastering finger-picking patterns to experimenting with open tunings, there are countless lessons that can be learned from analyzing the techniques and arrangements found in Robert Johnson's recordings.
If Libba Cotten played guitar as well as she spun yarn, we'd have one heck of a musical sweater by now.
2. Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten
Elizabeth "Libba" Cotten, an American folk and blues musician, has been recognized as one of the most prominent guitar players in history. With her exclusive fingerpicking style, she created an extraordinary sound that was highly regarded by many musicians.
Cotten's guitar playing often included a distinctive picking pattern, the alternating bass thumb roll, which became associated with her personal identity. She played left-handed on an inverted right-handed guitar while fretting with her dominant hand over the top of the guitar neck.
Cotten's musical talents were discovered late in life after working as a domestic servant for many years and expressing her love for music through songwriting and composing rather than performing. However, when a young Peggy Seeger happened upon Cotten playing guitar for the children of her employers, she convinced Cotten to perform on stage and record albums where she gained worldwide recognition.
Her notable contribution to folk music history is significant due to the trailblazing sounds she absolved during a time women in particular were not seen as significant musicians or performers.
Throughout her career Elizabeth "Libba" Cotten toured with legendary folksingers such as Seeger where they both pushed boundaries; working towards equality within their industry solely based on talent and skillset.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe didn't just play the guitar, she made love to it with her fingers.
3. Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a black gospel singer with her guitar skills mesmerized the world in the 1930s. Her influence extends to the rock and roll legends of today. With a flawless technique of bending notes and a talent for blending blues licks with gospel chords, she crafted a unique sound that earned her recognition both by religious and secular audiences. Her musical legacy won't be forgotten, as it continues to inspire new generations of guitar players.
Tharpe's groundbreaking efforts started during an era where women barely feature as guitarists in the music industry. But with her captivating voice and groove-charged riffs, she led the way for other female musicians to break barriers and flourish. Tharpe was recognized for her incredible showmanship and innovation, making improvisation on stage feel easy; a feat that very few musicians had done before or after her time.
It's not all about technical proficiency; Tharpe's authenticity as an artist made her stand out among other musicians. She continued to stay true to herself by injecting originality while reflecting the essence of gospel music into every melody she played. Her impact will remain vividly present forever as fans continue to emulate her sound.
Experience Sister Rosetta Tharpe's genius for yourself by listening to some of her popular recordings like "Strange Things Happening Every Day" and "Up Above My Head." Get inspired by this legendary performer who paved the way for many others.
Don't miss out on discovering more about Sister Rosetta Tharpe – one of the most underrated musicians ever known!
Lead Belly: proving that you don't need a flashy guitar to make beautiful music, just a voice that can move mountains.
4. Lead Belly
Lead Belly, a blues folk musician and singer known for his unique vocal style, distinct guitar picking techniques and extensive repertoire of traditional American music, marks the fourth position on the list of 15 best guitar players of all time. Born in Louisiana in the late 1800s, Lead Belly's influence on different genres such as folk, country and blues is unparalleled. He was inspired by African American work songs, spirituals and field hollers which he incorporated into his musical repertoire. His innovative use of a twelve-string guitar added to his distinctive sound that continues to inspire generations of musicians today.
In addition to his musical prowess, Lead Belly's life story is equally fascinating. He spent time in prison for various offenses but continued to play music throughout his sentence. In fact, it was while serving time in a southern prison that he first gained national recognition after being discovered by renowned folklorists John and Alan Lomax during their documentation of prison worksongs.
Lead Belly's contribution to music remains significant several decades after his passing and for good reason – there simply isn't anyone quite like him.
Mississippi John Hurt may have only had a few hits, but in the guitar world, he's a Mississippi monster who could make you weep just by the sound of his strings.
5. Mississippi John Hurt
Mississippi John Hurt, the fifth greatest guitar player of all time, had an influential style that blended blues and folk. His soft fingerpicking technique allowed for intricate melodies on his acoustic guitar. He recorded in the 1920s but gained widespread popularity with a rediscovery in the 1960s. In addition to playing guitar, he had a soothing voice that echoed his gentle demeanor. Fans continue to study his timeless recordings for inspiration.
Interestingly, despite being born in Mississippi, Hurt's surname came from his grandfather's former owner. Unlike many blues musicians who played songs about hardship, Hurt often performed cheerful tunes resulting in him being sometimes referred to as "Happy" John Hurt.
His dedication to music even led him to turn out-of-tune guitars viable by simply retuning them differently than usual standard tuning techniques used by most musicians of that era.
Hurt's life was not just about music; he worked as a sharecropper for several years before focusing fully on recording. Nonetheless, he quickly became known among locals and earned enough to support himself and his families.
"Muddy Waters didn't just play the blues, he gave them a hug and a kiss and made them feel loved."
6. Muddy Waters
American blues musician, Muddy Waters, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his distinct style and influence on future generations. Here are six pivotal points that define his legacy:
- Waters is considered the "father of modern Chicago blues," thanks to his migration from Mississippi to Chicago in 1943.
- He is known for his signature slide guitar playing, which he learned from fellow blues guitarist Robert Johnson.
- Waters spent a significant portion of his career at Chess Records, where he recorded hits like "Mannish Boy" and "Hoochie Coochie Man."
- His influence on rock and roll is undeniable; The Rolling Stones adopted their name from one of Waters' songs and covered many of his tracks.
- Waters won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992 for his contributions to music.
- In 1987, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In addition to these notable accomplishments, it's worth mentioning that Waters also faced adversity as a Black man in the Jim Crow era. Despite this, he persevered and created music that reached beyond race and time.
One tale recounts how Waters once turned down a gig because the venue's owner wouldn't allow him to bring along his drummer, who happened to be white. This bold move helped pave the way for integration in the music industry.
Merle Travis played the guitar so well, he could make a cow shed a tear and a chicken lay an egg.
7. Merle Travis
One of the greatest guitar players of all time, Merle Travis, revolutionized country music with his fingerstyle technique. He was a master of the thumb-picking style and is known for hits such as "Sixteen Tons" and "Dark as a Dungeon". His unique blend of jazz and country influences has inspired countless musicians over the years. Another interesting fact about Merle Travis is that he played a custom-made guitar with two necks, allowing him to seamlessly switch between lead and rhythm playing. Truly one of a kind, Merle Travis will forever be remembered for his innovative contributions to music.
It's not just his technical skill that sets him apart, but his ability to tell stories through his music. Each song feels like a journey, taking the listener on a heartfelt ride through the ups and downs of life. His influence can be heard in many different genres, from modern country to rock and roll. Despite passing away over 30 years ago, Merle Travis' legacy lives on through his incredible body of work.
Fun Fact: Merle Travis was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame posthumously.
Who needs all ten fingers to shred on a guitar? Not Django Reinhardt, that's for sure.
8. Django Reinhardt
Django Reinhardt is renowned for his exceptional guitar playing skills and unique improvisations. The pioneer of gypsy jazz, Reinhardt was a true artist who blended traditional Roma music with contemporary swing styles. His expressive and emotive performances continue to inspire generations of musicians worldwide. With only two functional fingers on his left hand, Reinhardt developed an innovative technique that allowed him to play at incredible speeds and with remarkable precision. His legacy lives through his extensive discography, including collaborations with Stéphane Grappelli as part of the Quintette du Hot Club de France.
T-Bone Walker made the guitar sing like a canary in a coal mine, and it was beautiful…unless you were that canary.
9. T-Bone Walker
A pioneer of electric guitar, the virtuoso T-Bone Walker fused jazz and blues to create his unique style. The Texan's signature vibrato and impeccable timing influenced a generation of guitarists like B.B. King and Eric Clapton. Known for his showmanship, he played with his teeth and behind his head, elevating blues to a new level of entertainment.
Walker's career and discography spanned several decades, leaving a lasting legacy in American music history. Fun fact: Jimi Hendrix was inspired by T-Bone Walker's playing and covered his song "Stormy Monday" in his debut album.
Before Chuck Berry, playing guitar was like trying to drive an old clunker on a bumpy road. After Chuck Berry, it was like driving a sleek sports car on a freshly paved highway.
10. Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry is widely regarded as one of the legendary guitarists of all time. His music has significantly influenced rock and roll, inspiring generations of future musicians to take up the genre. Berry was known for his distinctive fusion of blues and swing-style melodies with a unique rhythm and electrifying stage persona.
Berry's iconic riffs, such as "Johnny B. Goode," have become synonymous with rock and roll history, earning him immense popularity and critical acclaim throughout his career. He also paved the way for other great guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Eddie Van Halen.
In addition to his guitar skills, Chuck Berry's songwriting talent is unmatched. Many of his lyrics capture themes of teenage angst, love, and growing up in America during the 1950s-1960s.
Overall, Chuck Berry remains a monumental figure in music history due to his creativity, technicality as a guitarist and influence on future generations.
If BB King played any smoother, he'd be a slip n' slide made of guitar strings.
11. BB King
He was born into a sharecropping family in Mississippi and rose to fame with his innovative guitar techniques and soulful singing voice. He influenced countless musicians with his signature vibrato sound played on his trusty Gibson guitar, "Lucille".
King's career spanned over seven decades and earned him numerous accolades, including induction into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Blues Hall of Fame. We celebrate BB King's legacy as one of the most influential guitarists in music history.
Freddie King could make his guitar sing like no other, but I guess we'll never know what a duet between him and Lucille (B.B. King's guitar) would have sounded like.
12. Freddie King
One of the greatest guitar players in history is Freddie King, known for his soulful and bluesy style. He was a pioneer of electric blues guitar in the 1960s, blending traditional blues with elements of rock and funk. His use of string-bending techniques gave him a unique sound that inspired many subsequent guitarists.
King's music career started with his recordings for Federal Records in the early 1960s. His breakout success came with the single "Hide Away," which became a hit both domestically and internationally. He played with other legendary musicians such as Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck throughout his career.
One unique detail about King's playing style is his use of unconventional fingerpicking techniques, which he developed due to an injury that limited mobility in his right hand. Despite this limitation, King continued to play with incredible speed and accuracy throughout his career.
If you want to learn from Freddie King's playing style, try emulating his string-bending techniques or mastering alternate fingerpicking patterns. You can also study his use of dynamics and phrasing to add depth to your own playing.
"Jimi Hendrix didn't just play the guitar, he made love to it… with his fingers."
13. Jimi Hendrix
This guitar virtuoso's accolades need no introduction – widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of all time, Jimi Hendrix's skill set an unprecedented standard in both technique and innovation. His unique sound was a result of infusing blues and rock with his signature brand of psychedelic flare, constantly pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible on the instrument.
Hendrix pioneered the use of feedback, distortion and wah-wah pedals to create sounds never heard before. He often used unconventional guitar playing techniques like finger-tapping, which became a staple for heavy metal musicians later on. His unparalleled showmanship electrified audiences worldwide and cemented his status as one of rock music's most iconic figures.
One interesting fact about Hendrix is that he first gained fame in England rather than the US; a performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 catapulted him to superstardom, but he had already established himself as a household name among British music fans after touring extensively there throughout that same year.
Keith Richards is proof that even if your face looks like it's been through a blender, you can still rock out like a god.
14. Keith Richards
One of the world's best guitar players is a member of The Rolling Stones, widely recognized for his innovative and distinct style in rock music. Keith Richards, known for his gritty rhythm guitar playing and sharp hooks, played a vital role in the band's success. He co-wrote many of their hit songs and influenced other artists with his musical style. He also paved the way for open tuning on electric guitars, which added to the unique sound of the Stones.
Richards was born into a musical family and became interested in blues at an early age. His love for blues music transferred into his playing style as he incorporated it into rock music, creating a new sound that has inspired generations of musicians. Richards also had a significant influence on fashion during the 1960s with his iconic look that included long hair, scarfs, and rings.
Apart from being an accomplished guitarist, Richards is known for his songwriting skills and has co-written some of the Stones' greatest songs like "Satisfaction," "Brown Sugar," "Start Me Up," among others. A testament to his impact on rock music was when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice: once as part of The Rolling Stones and again as a solo artist.
To learn how to play guitar like Keith Richards, it is recommended to study up on open tuning techniques that he popularized or experiment with incorporating blues elements into your playing style. By doing this, you can tap into some of Richard's genius and put your spin on it to create something new.
Jimmy Page's fingers move so fast on the guitar, they blur more than my vision after a night of heavy drinking.
15. Jimmy Page
One of the most iconic and influential guitarists of all time, this musician's innovative techniques and compositions have stood the test of time. Hailing from London, England, his contributions to rock music are immeasurable. From his early work with The Yardbirds to his groundbreaking career as a member of Led Zeppelin, he has inspired countless musicians across multiple genres.
His unique sound was cultivated through the use of various guitar effects like distortion and feedback. He also incorporated diverse influences ranging from blues to folk into his music. With his intricate fingerpicking style and soaring solos, he quickly became a master of his craft.
Beyond his technical abilities, this artist is also known for his creative vision and collaboration with other artists. From co-writing songs to producing albums, he played an integral role in shaping some of the most timeless records in history.
Even after decades in the industry, this guitarist continues to inspire new generations with his music. His impact will undoubtedly continue for years to come.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
