Alexis Korner
Alexis Korner
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Alexis Korner was born as Alexis Magdala Korner on April 19, 1921, in Hammersmith, London, England. He is often referred to as the "Father of British Blues."
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: April 19, 1921
Died: January 1, 1984
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Alexis Korner was a British blues musician, singer, songwriter, radio presenter, and musicologist. He played the harmonica, piano, guitar, and double bass.
Early Life and Background
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Korner's father was a Dutch-born Jewish merchant who had moved to England before World War I. His mother was an Englishwoman of Polish ancestry. Korner grew up in a musical household; his parents were both enthusiastic amateur musicians. He began playing the piano at age five and later took up other instruments, including the harmonica.
As a teenager, Korner attended Stowe School in Buckinghamshire, where he formed his first band with fellow students. After completing his education, Korner moved to Paris to study art, but eventually returned to England to pursue music full-time.
Major Accomplishments
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Founding member of the Blues Incorporated: Korner co-founded this influential British blues band in 1959 with Cyril Davies.
Influence on British rock and roll: Korner's work helped shape the sound of early British rock and roll, influencing artists such as The Rolling Stones and The Who.
Radio presenter: Korner hosted his own radio show, "Rhythm and Blues," on BBC Radio from 1957 to 1960.Notable Works or Actions
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Korner released several albums throughout his career, including "A Step Closer" (1964), "Jazz Time" (1965), and "Rockin' the Blues" (1973). He also contributed to various compilations and soundtracks. Korner was an accomplished arranger and producer, working with artists such as Georgie Fame and Long John Baldry.
Impact and Legacy
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Korner's impact on British music is immeasurable. As a musician, radio presenter, and advocate for blues and R&B, he helped introduce these styles to a wider audience in the UK. Korner's influence can be heard in the work of countless British musicians who followed in his footsteps.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Alexis Korner is widely quoted or remembered for his:
Pioneering role: As one of the first white musicians to popularize blues music in Britain, Korner helped pave the way for future generations.
Tireless advocacy: Korner's dedication to promoting blues and R&B earned him a reputation as a passionate advocate for these genres.
Influence on British rock: Korner's work with Blues Incorporated and his collaborations with other artists significantly shaped the sound of early British rock and roll.
Quotes by Alexis Korner
Every musical movement that is big enough has to produce some good musicians who wouldn’t have had the incentive to start playing without it.
I had always intended to make a living out of playing blues. But I never admitted it to myself. I don’t suppose I could have given a logical reason for it ever becoming possible to do so.
I’m a compulsive musician, but it’s also a bloody good way out of having to do anything else.
If the same phrase in the same place created the right effect, I was perfectly prepared to use it every time. I wasn’t worried that I wasn’t improvising.
I must have been heavily schizophrenic all my life. The me who hears what the other me can’t play is the dominant one.
In 1940 I came across a record by Jimmy Yancey. I can’t say how important that record is. From then on, all I wanted to do was play the blues.
I can’t explain why one wants to pass a particular sort of pain onto other people, but you do.
