The remarkable story of an underappreciated legend of the British blues, a gravel-voiced singer who paved the way for an entire generation of British rock legends, including Elton John and Rod Stewart.

“A fascinating ride through the origins of British blues and rock. Paul Myers is a great storyteller, and I just couldn't stop turning the pages.” --Randy Bachman

When Long John Baldry died in July 2005, he was mourned not only by friends and family but also by discerning music fans around the world. As a founding father of the British blues movement in the early 1960s, this gentle giant from Haddon, England, had a huge impact on the music industry. A true original, Baldry lived a life as colorful and flamboyant as any blues legend, and his story reads like a who’s who of modern music.

In addition to recording over forty albums, Long John Baldry launched the careers of both Rod Stewart and Elton John and blazed a trail for white English bluesmen that would directly inspire acts such as the Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page. Even the Beatles bowed to Baldry. Drawing on intimate anecdotes from original interviews with Baldry’s legendary friends, lovers, and professional acquaintances,

Paul Myers uncovers the man behind the mythic persona.