Greg Guy isn’t just any Guy Playing Guitar; he’s a vital force in keeping the blues alive. As the son of the legendary Buddy Guy, blues music is in his blood, his DNA. But Greg Guy is far from simply riding on his father’s coattails. He’s a Chicago Blues Hall of Fame inductee (Honorary Master of Blues in 2014) and a formidable guitarist in his own right, drawing influence from artists like Prince while forging his own unique path in the blues world.
Growing up immersed in the Chicago blues scene, Greg Guy’s journey with the guitar began early. Though surrounded by music his entire life, it was in 2009 that he first stepped onto the stage at Buddy Guy’s Legends, his father’s iconic club, during Buddy’s January Residency shows. This marked the start of his public performance career, a moment of courage that propelled him into the spotlight. Since then, Greg has toured extensively with his father, bringing his guitar playing to audiences across the globe, from Brazil to various states throughout the US.
Greg Guy passionately playing blues guitar on stage. Photo by Jake Warkel.
Greg Guy’s talent has led to collaborations with notable musicians across diverse genres. In 2019 alone, he contributed his guitar work to recordings by Kenny “Beedy-Eyes” Smith, Irish traditional music star Sharon Shannon, Dave Weld and The Imperial Flames, and Chris Wragg and Greg Copeland. These collaborations demonstrate his versatility and appeal across musical boundaries. Furthermore, his involvement in Kenny “Beedy-Eyes” Smith’s critically acclaimed album “Drop The Hammer” highlights his deep roots within the Chicago blues community.
Beyond Chicago, Greg Guy has expanded his musical horizons internationally, building connections in Rome and London. These experiences have undoubtedly enriched his guitar playing and broadened his musical perspective. Back in Chicago, you can often find Greg Guy performing with The Robert Fetzer Band at local blues venues, a testament to his commitment to the local scene and the tradition of “Keeping the Blues Alive.”
When asked about the influence of blues and soul/funk music on his life, Greg Guy eloquently states, “If there was a way to inject music into people, there would be a cure for cancer.” This powerful statement underscores his belief in the profound impact of music. For him personally, music, particularly listening to Prince, has been a guiding force, keeping him focused and out of trouble.
Describing his musical style, Greg Guy coins the term “soulisticaly blues funk with a twist of hip,” emphasizing the personal and genre-bending nature of his sound. He attributes his creative drive to a natural gift, an open mind, and an open heart, suggesting a deeply intuitive and spiritual connection to his music.
Buddy Guy and Greg Guy performing together, a legacy of blues guitar playing. Photo by Constantin Ciocan.
Looking towards the future of blues, Greg Guy expresses a desire to see the genre receive more airplay and media coverage, especially in the United States. He fears that the contributions of original blues musicians may be overshadowed in the age of social media, where viral trends can sometimes eclipse genuine artistry and history. However, he remains dedicated to “keeping the blues alive,” viewing it as his culture and legacy. He emphasizes that blues music isn’t just a relic of the past, stating, “Blues is life, music is life.” He points out the timeless appeal of blues, noting its continued presence on the radio across generations, a universality unmatched by many other genres.
Greg Guy believes that the Chicago blues scene is characterized by dedicated artists who are serious about their craft and deeply connected to their community. He highlights the strong local support system, particularly evident during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ultimately, Greg Guy wants his music to uplift people. Echoing his father’s sentiment, he believes “blues chases the blues away,” aiming to bring happiness and joy to his audience through his guitar playing. For Greg Guy, being a “guy playing guitar” is more than just a description; it’s a mission to preserve and evolve the blues tradition, carrying it forward for future generations.
Greg Guy performing with intensity, embodying the spirit of blues guitar. Photo by Vicky Guy.
One of the most important lessons Greg Guy has learned throughout his musical journey is to “know more about it, be aware of your surroundings, don’t take anyone for granted, keep moving forward, stay positive, and play more blues.” This encapsulates his approach to music and life, a blend of continuous learning, mindful presence, gratitude, perseverance, optimism, and unwavering dedication to the blues.
To discover more about Greg Guy and his music, visit his website: Greg Guy Music – Home.
