Musician. Born in Ozark, Arkansas, he is regarded as the allotment sideman and solo artist with two gold albums early in his career. Despite never having achieved stardom, he is still considered a highly influential guitar player and is ranked #57 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of all Time". He used a number of different guitars throughout his career, but is most often associated with a his 1953 Fender Telecaster guitar, dubbed "Nancy" as the one used to produce his trebly signature tone. In 1958, he made his debut with Dale Hawkins and by the 1960s, was performing as a sideman with multiple bands and at studio recording sessions. With his growing reputation which included praise from John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and many others, it was alleged he turned down an invitation to join the Rolling Stones. In 1971, he gained national notoriety, with his PBS Television documentary entitled "The Best Unknown Guitarist In The World" which led to a contract with Polydor Records. As a solo artist his albums included "Roy Buchanan" (1972), "Second Album" (1973), "Live Stock" (1975), " When a Guitar Plays the Blues" (1985) and "Hot Wires" (1987). In 2004, Guitar Player Magazine listed his version of "Sweet Dreams" as having one of the "50 Greatest Notes of All Time".
Musician. Born in Ozark, Arkansas, he is regarded as the allotment sideman and solo artist with two gold albums early in his career. Despite never having achieved stardom, he is still considered a highly influential guitar player and is ranked #57 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of all Time". He used a number of different guitars throughout his career, but is most often associated with a his 1953 Fender Telecaster guitar, dubbed "Nancy" as the one used to produce his trebly signature tone. In 1958, he made his debut with Dale Hawkins and by the 1960s, was performing as a sideman with multiple bands and at studio recording sessions. With his growing reputation which included praise from John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and many others, it was alleged he turned down an invitation to join the Rolling Stones. In 1971, he gained national notoriety, with his PBS Television documentary entitled "The Best Unknown Guitarist In The World" which led to a contract with Polydor Records. As a solo artist his albums included "Roy Buchanan" (1972), "Second Album" (1973), "Live Stock" (1975), " When a Guitar Plays the Blues" (1985) and "Hot Wires" (1987). In 2004, Guitar Player Magazine listed his version of "Sweet Dreams" as having one of the "50 Greatest Notes of All Time".
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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