Along with CREAM and LED ZEPPELIN, FREE stands as one of the most influential bands of the late 1960's British blues boom. Formed in London during the spring of 1968, Free's original lineup included drummer Simon Kirke, bassist Andy Fraser, lead vocalist Paul Rodgers and guitarist Paul Kossoff. Kirke and Kossoff were heavily influenced by American blues artists and, as teenagers, joined in R&B band called Black Cat Bones. Despite their youth, Kirke and Kossoff were seasoned musicians with a strong and growing reputation among the London blues scene. "Kossoff," explains Kirke, "while only 17, was a serious student of music."
Kossoff's background had been classical and he had studied for years. But he also loved all of those great soul and blues records from America. Veteran producer Mike Vernon best known for his work with John Mayall enlisted Black Cat Bones to back Champion Jack Dupreee on the legendary pianists ..When you feel the feeling Album for Blue Horizon. Apart from their celebrated session with Dupree, Kirke and Kossoff grew restless and disbanded the group.
While scouting for a vocalist to front their new band, Kossoff and Kirke visited the Fickle Pickle, an R&B club in London's Finsbury Park. It was here that the two first heard Paul Rodgers, a young vocalist then performing with Brown Sugar. Kirke and Kossoff were immediately impressed with Rodger?s expressive voice and charismatic style, and recruited him for their group. "Paul owed a great deal to Otis Redding," recalls Kirke, "his voice had power and presence. We knew that he was - and still is - unique."
With Rodgers in the fold, Kossoff and Kirke, to round out their new ensemble, turned to one of their mentors, British blues legend Alexis Korner. "Korner was a big help to us," says Kirke simply. "Kossoff had been very friendly with him and Alexis recommended Andy Fraser to us. Though Andy was only 15, he had played with John Mayall?s Bluesbreakers, which really won our respect.When we first saw him play, he was sitting in with Alexis Band, wearing these flared trousers and ruffled shirts with rough collars."
"We thought, bloody hell, who is this little punk! But when he started playing we knew that he was really quite good. Impressed with Fraser?s abilities, Korner helped arrange an set up at the Nag?s Head Pub in Battersea," remembers Kirke. "It was great, a very fertile meeting. In fact, at that initial get together, we wrote six blues based songs. About five or six hours in, Alexis came down and stood in the wings watching. He not only gave us his seal of approval, he also gave us our the name: FREE."
July 4th Holiday weekend usually marks a deep decline in giving over the summer months.
This years looks especially difficult as the giving drop off began a month earlier.
Join our VETUNES Annual Veterans 4th of July Giving Drive and be a hero for a hero today!
Don't be one of the many that turns a Blind Eye & Deaf Ear on Our US-UK Veterans!
American Veterans Aid Fund & VETUNES ® ( http://americanveteransaidfund.com/ ) A nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, to assist veterans and their families in obtaining and maintaining the respect, dignity, and honor earned through their service and sacrifice. AVAF has a relationship with veterans, their families, and veteran organizations based upon mutual regard and shared visions for a better tomorrow as well as common interests and values.
Hi, who is the happiest woman on the Earth today? Ah? Certainly you! Happy birthday! I with you health and happiness. All the best to your family. Hugs, Sasha :)
As well as gaining discounted entry to many tourist attractions in Great Britain and beyond, you have put yourself in the esteemed position of being one of the many we direct our marvellous comments to regarding gigs, releases and general chitchat!
Hello! thanks for the add. Great honor for me. Your music is a big influence & inspiration 4 me. Friendly from Buenos Aires (Argentina) Ricky (Drummer till the end of times...)
Alright now, baby it's all right now. Thanks for the add. Take a listen to our Garage Demos. Give us some feedback. New CD and Page comin soon...Rock on!!!
Hello there my lovely friend, and a good day to you as well.... They say it's your birthday, well happy birthday to you.... :) I hope many smiles are finding your direction, ~Nick~
