Luther Allison
Luther Allison Original House of Blues Cambridge MA November 1996
Luther Allison San Fransisco Blues Festival
Luther Allison 1995 San Francisco Blues Festival Fort Mason Park September 1995
I can't recall the first time I saw Luther Allison playing. I know it was in the 1990s, probably at the House of Blues in Cambridge, MA. But I do recall the first time he rode in my car.... that's right. I drove him to a show in my car. That was in November of 1995, I had been seeing him a lot that year; in fact I saw him headline four festivals. Chicago Blues Festival (June); Waterfront Blues Festival (July); San Francisco Blues Festival (September) and King Biscuit Blues Festival (October). He was scheduled to play at the Harvard Square House of Blues. At the time I was driving an Olds Delta 88. Teo called from and asked if I had a big car. I told him I did and that it seated 5 comfortably. Then he asked if I would be willing to drive Luther to the show. Teo knew how crazy I was about Luther, I had already mentioned that I saw him at least four times that year. Teo's approach to our conversation was light, even casual... but my insides were jelly. I agreed and when the time came the band loaded into my car and we drove the 5 or so miles to the venue. Teo used to be in Luther's band, and during the whole ride they were talking about experiences that had had that I knew nothing about and they were giggling like little kids. And me? I drove that car as carefully as I could all the while checking out the rear view mirror. Man, there was Luther Allison!!
