CHICAGO (CelebrityAccess) Bruce Iglauer, founder of Alligator Records, along with Patrick A. Roberts have written a book called “Bitten by the Blues, The Alligator Records Story.”
The book is a memoir of Iglauer and his efforts to run an independent blues label. The story begins with him first hearing Hound Dog Taylor at Florence’s Lounge in Chicago and takes the reader through a 50-year history of the label wrapping with how it became “the biggest blues label in the world.”
“We wanted to paint vivid pictures of the charismatic blues immortals that I knew so well, like Hound Dog Taylor, Son Seals, Koko Taylor and Albert Collins, as well as to give insight into the creative process of planning and recording some of their classic albums,” Iglauer said in a statement. “And we wanted to give the readers a close-up look at the exciting and visionary artists who are carrying the Alligator tradition into the future, like Marcia Ball, Shemekia Copeland, Selwyn Birchwood and Toronzo Cannon. It’s also an insider’s look at how the independent record business has changed over the last 50 years, and how those changes have impacted the artists who create the music.”
Lauren Salas, Senior Promotions Manager with The University of Chicago Press, says, “Bitten By The Blues is the story of an iconic company and its relentless founder…it’s the story of the blues business, of building a company based on a passion for the blues, and the highs and lows of running an indie label. It’s the story of blues in Chicago and around the world.”
More information is available at www.ALLIGATOR.com
Some quotes regarding the book:
“I wouldn’t be in this business if Bruce hadn’t released those first two Hound Dog Taylor records. The fire Bruce captured on those records is the magic place I’m reaching for every time I’m in my studio.”
–Dan Auerbach, The Black Keys
“Bruce and his history with Alligator Records encompass so much of the richest and most exciting eras of urban blues. All the fascinating stories and behind the scenes intrigues are here, and the indelible legacy of his commitment to this music and the artists he cares so passionately about makes this a terrific, important read.”
–Bonnie Raitt
“Bruce is a true friend of the blues and independent music.”
–Mavis Staples
