Alvin Sykes (a.k.a. “The Blues Doctor”) is one of those rare, awesome talents who, after seeing and/or hearing him for the first time, one can only wonder: “Why isn’t this guy a Superstar?” He was without a doubt THE REAL DEAL!!!!
Born in Houston Texas in 1940 to an extended family of musicians that include the late Jonny “Guitar” Watson and Charles Brown, Alvin lived and breathed music his entire life. Alvin started playing drums at age five at St. Johns Baptist Church in Houston and by the age of twelve he was playing drums for cousin Cab Calloway.
Alvin’s association with Cab Calloway led to touring work with Percy Mayfield and his first recording date with cousin Charles Brown. That session resulted in producing Charles Brown’s biggest hit: “Merry Christmas Baby”. From there Alvin went on to tour and record with the biggest names in show business.
Alvin’s musical resume reads like a who’s who of jazz, soul, pop and blues music in the 20th century. He has played with the likes of: B.B King, Albert King, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton and The Jackson Five to name just a few. Just before hisdeath,Alvin was playing drums with bluesmen Jimmy McKracklin and Alvon Johnson when he was not performing with his own band.
Alvin was not only a world-class drummer, but also a dynamic singer and entertainer. Anyone who has heard and seen Mr. Sykes perform will agree that the time for Alvin to “step out front” and take the spot light has been long overdue.
Tragically, Alvin lost his life in an automobile accident on September 17,2006 on his way to perform in Sacramento -just 3 months after the release of his current and best c.d. “Better Than Your Used To Be" (WHIP RECORDS 9040-2).
None the less,his musical legacy lives on through his 2 solo cds and countless session work he did over the years.
To his many fans around the world, Alvin's music lives on. It is our hope that he will now be recognized for the tremendous artist that he was.
Hi, Alvin Sykes... just wanted to let you know that I added a fifth song from the new CD up on my profile: "Pure Imagination" from Charlie & The Chocolate Factory!!!
Also a reminder that you can purchase tracks individually or the entire album right here on myspace thanks to the guys at musicblaster.com. Of course, you can always purchase your copy here in Houston at any of my live shows, online @ CDBaby, at All Records on Gray or Soundwaves on Montrose (in Houston) as well as digstation.com& (in the next few weeks it'll be up on ITunes woo hoo!) Thanks again for your support and for being my friend!
I was really shocked to hear that Alvin had passed. He was always a great guy to be around, although it was a little scary calling him at the morgue when he worked there. I glad to see Alvin finally got a Cd out there too bad he couldn't be here to enjoy the success it would bring him.
Thanks for the add, Alvin! Bad Neighbours loves ya! Please stop by our site here, if you get a chance, check out the tunes, etc, and leave us a comment. Peace!
