The remarkable story of an underappreciated legend of the British Blues.

When Long John Baldry passed away, in July 2005, he was mourned not only by friends and family but also by discerning music fans from around the world. As a founding father of the '60s British Blues movement of the early 1960's, this gentle giant from Haddon, England, had cast a huge shadow over the music industry. A true original, Baldry lived a life as colourful and flamboyant as any Blues legend, and his story reads like a who's who of modern music. In addition to recording over 40 albums, Long John Baldry personally launched the careers of both Rod Stewart and Elton John and blazed a trail for white, English bluesmen that would directly inspired English acts like the Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page. Even The Beatles bowed to Baldry. His passing, at age 64 in his adoptive home of Vancouver, Canada, was more than just the end of a remarkable life in music: it was the end of an era. Drawing on intimate anecdotes from Baldry's legendary friends, lovers and professional acquaintances, author Paul Myers uncovers the man behind the mythic persona. An entire generation of British rock legends flourished under Baldry's tutelage, and It Ain't Easy features exclusive personal recollections from artists such as Sir Elton John, Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, Sir Paul McCartney, John Mayall and Mick Fleetwood, as well as interviews with renowned music industry insiders like songwriter/producer Tony Macaulay, Yardbirds manager Giorgio Gomelsky, ex-Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, filmmaker Cameron Crowe and celebrated English jazzman Chris Barber. Extensively researched, It Ain't Easy traces Baldry's extraordinary life; from his birth in the midst of the London Blitz, his discovery of Black American music, the sexual revolution, and the musical and social upheaval of the 1960's and '70's to his ultimate discovery of happiness and tranquility on the Pacific coast of Canada.

A rollercoaster ride of big breaks and heartaches, this is more than just the story of a man. It is a comprehensive bluesology that establishes Long John Baldry as a vital link in the history of contemporary music.

An entire generation of British rock legends owed their careers to Baldry's tutelage, and for the first time in one book, star pupils like Rod Stewart and Elton John testify to their mentor's lasting influence. Elsewhere Clapton and McCartney share exclusive memories of Baldry's impact on their own careers.

"Long John Baldry was definitely at the forefront of British Blues music one of the great Blues pioneers. He was recognized as the best 12-string Blues guitarist that Britain had ever really had. Without John, there wouldn't be a Blues scene in Britain." -Sir Elton John

"Long John Baldry was one of the first great white hopes in Britain. He had a unique style and great presence. He was an important part of the 60s scene. A lovely man." - Sir Paul McCartney, March 2006

-Rod Stewart, May 2006.

Paul Myers is a journalist, broadcaster, and musician whose work has appeared in a wide variety of publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, the Globe & Mail, the Vancouver Sun, The Georgia Straight, Mix magazine and Electronic Musician. He is also the author of Barenaked Ladies: Public Stunts, Private Stories. As a broadcaster, he has appeared on CBC Radio and CBC Television, CTV and CanWest Global's Popstars series and contributed to U.S. music channel VH1. Mr. Myers is also an accomplished songwriter, guitarist and music producer and the former leader of the Gravelberrys. He currently lives in Berkeley, California.