Long John Baldry

Blues singer Long John Baldry died in Vancouver on Thursday night. Although known today more for his musical connections than the actual music itself, Baldry was a seminal figure in early British rock'n'roll. Born in 1941, he was a contemporary of the British Invasion musicians, but his own success remained primarily in the UK. His first band, Blues Incorporated, which is reputed to be the first British electric blues band, included Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, and Jack Bruce as members. Later bands featured Jimmy Page, Rod Stewart, and Nicky Hopkins. Eric Clapton has said watching Baldry perform was his inspiration to take up the guitar and the life of a musician. Another band from the mid-60s, Bluesology, featured Baldry on vocals, Elton Dean on saxophone, and Reg Dwight at the piano. Taking inspiration from (and the two first names of) his bandmates, Dwight reinvented himself as Elton John. Baldry remained close to Elton John and, according to rumor, was the Someone from "Someone Saved My Life Tonight."

Baldry later immigrated to Canada, where he continued his musical career but also branched out to other activities. I didn't know, for instance, that he had a successful voiceover career. Fans of Sonic the Hedgehog will recognize him as the voice of Dr. Ivo Robotnik. He also performed voices for ReBoot and Bucky O’Hare. You can visit Baldry's Website (which also features a musical tree that details his bands and personnel). NME offers a very short obit, and you can find longer remembrances from the BBC or CTV.