Alvin Lee
Alvin Lee: The Legendary Voice of Ten Years After
Full Name and Common Aliases
Alvin Royston "Alvin" Lee was the stage name of a British singer-songwriter, guitarist, and harmonica player. He is commonly known as The Voice due to his powerful and distinctive vocal style.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on December 19, 1944, in Nottingham, England, Alvin Lee passed away on March 6, 2013, at the age of 68.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Lee was a British musician, singer-songwriter, and guitarist. He is best known for his work with the influential blues-rock band Ten Years After.
Early Life and Background
Alvin Lee grew up in Nottingham, England, during World War II. His early life was marked by music, as he learned to play the harmonica at a young age. He began playing guitar at 14 and soon formed his first band with friends from school. After completing his education, Lee moved to London to pursue a career in music.
Major Accomplishments
Lee's major accomplishments include:
Founding member of Ten Years After (1966), one of the most influential blues-rock bands of the 1960s and 1970s.
Singer-songwriter and guitarist for Ten Years After, known for his powerful vocals, virtuosic guitar playing, and energetic live performances.
Instrumental in shaping the sound of the band with hits like "Love Like a Man," "I'm Going Home," and "Someday Baby."
Collaborated with other notable musicians, including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and John Mayall.
Notable Works or Actions
Lee's notable works include:
Recording and touring with Ten Years After, releasing 11 studio albums between 1967 and 1975.
Performing at the iconic Woodstock festival in 1969, which helped cement the band's reputation as one of the greatest live acts of all time.
* Experimenting with different musical styles, from blues-rock to jazz-funk, on albums like "A Space in Time" (1971) and "Positive Vibrations" (1974).
Impact and Legacy
Alvin Lee's impact on rock music is immeasurable. He was an influential figure in the development of blues-rock, helping shape the sound of countless bands that followed in his footsteps. His powerful vocals and virtuosic guitar playing raised the bar for musicians worldwide.
Lee's legacy extends beyond his music to inspire a generation of musicians, including many who have credited him as an influence. He remains one of the greatest singer-songwriters and guitarists of all time, celebrated by fans around the world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Alvin Lee is widely quoted and remembered for his incredible talent, innovative style, and enduring legacy in rock music. As a member of Ten Years After, he helped create some of the most iconic songs of the 1960s and 1970s, solidifying his place as one of the greatest musicians of all time.
As a solo artist and collaborator, Lee continued to push boundaries, experimenting with different styles while maintaining his commitment to excellence. His impact on rock music is undeniable, inspiring countless musicians and fans alike.
Quotes by Alvin Lee
It was by listening to Goodman’s band, that I began to notice the guitarist Charlie Christian, who was one of the first musicians to play solos in a big band set-up.
I started off playing the clarinet, after I was inspired by listening to my dad’s Benny Goodman records.
I just play to the people I can see. So it’s almost like you are playing to the first few rows of the crowd. You can see the faces of the first hundred people, but then it becomes a blur as the crowds disappear over the hill.
I just couldn’t take school seriously: I had this guitar neck with four frets which I kept hidden under the desk. It had strings on it so I would practice my chord shapes under the desk and that’s about all I did at school.
I think a lot of modern day guitarists start off playing like Eddie van Halen, and they don’t take the time to learn the basics.
The chances of a reunion now are less likely. I was thinking of having a 40th anniversary of the band, but now they are really another band, so it’s all a bit weird.
George Harrison was also a pleasure to work with. He was one of the most famous people I’ve ever known, but in spite of that fame, he was such a nice and friendly guy.
They have decided to tour under the name of Ten Years After which I don’t think is very cool. To be honest, they have had to do that as it’s the only way they can get any work.
So if you see Ten Years After, it’s not me anymore. I’m very happy with what I am doing now.