From The Late in The Day Dept.: Today is the 82nd birthday of ROY GAINES. Born in Texas, where he played Houston nightclubs w/ the likes of Johnny Copeland and his hero, T-Bone Walker, before relocating to Los Angeles. He had a long association with Chuck “King Of The Stroll” Willis.
Gaines’ backing work appeared on recordings by Bobby Bland, Junior Parker and Big Mama Thornton. Roy Milton, Chuck Willis, and T-Bone Walker. In the ’60s, he was part of Ray Charles’ band. He also did session work w/ The Everly Brothers, The Supremes, Bobby Darin, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and more. He is one of those “underneath it all” artists. While originally known as a sideman, he has many recordings under his own name from the 50’s to the present and has made some killer CDs recently. A “guitar players guitar player” his live shows are real deal great.
HBD Mr. Gaines!! (pic from Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise 10/14)