You have to like a young person, and a woman, who loves the blues! Thank you for your enthusiasm in helping to keep the blues alive. And also, for this informative fan documentary on the "Blind Owl" and Canned Heat. You have your heart in a good place.
You could see me like that, too. :) I really really love him, for his music and for the way he was. What shall I say, you seem to really like him too. Many greets from Berlin in Germany!
A really lovely tribute from a lovely lady. I'm so glad someone has highlighted the life of a person who gave us memorable songs and made us happy ...and still today. Thank you!
Alan Wilson is sorely missed and dearly remembered. I met the band back stage at Anaheim Convention Center where I had a $100.- bet that Amphetamine Annie was in A flat. Sure enough, Alan told me the record label wouldn't let them have 2 songs in the key of A on the album, so they tuned down a half step for Amphetamine Annie. Alan Wilson was a true genius. Going up the country was done in B flat, because the recorder used is in B flat. The chords on the guitar are amazingly simple as well. What a wonderful sweet soul he was. I'm 67 now, played in lots of cover bands and always did at least 3 Blind Owl songs. I remember him like it was yesterday.
I played the single On the Road again when in France as a 16 year old.... the French teenagers in the bar made me play it 50 times over. There was nothing like it over there. Amazed and amazing.
I was 16 too, on a scout summer camp We only had one LP with us: the first Canned heat Amphetamine Annie saw us dance and jive ! Hello from the La Rochelle area
I was fortunate to know Alan during high school. He played trombone in the school dance band and I played string bass. He formed a trio with us and a pianist. We did a few simple gigs like church suppers and such. It didn't last long - Alan went on to bigger and better things. Back then Alan certainly wasn't depressed. He was full of enthusiasm and energy - always looking forward to his next project. The descriptions of Alan as being smart, kind, friendly, etc. are spot on. A good person. I valued his friendship.
You need to understand that being depressed is different from suffering from clinical depression. Everyone can get depressed about something in life but depression comes seemingly out of nowhere and it saps one of their joy for living and a loss of interest in things they normally love to do. If Alan had a social awkwardness or struggled to socialize it is possible that he actually had an anxiety disorder. This would explain his preferring to be out in the woods. Doing breathing exercises before performing might have been in reality him fending off performance anxiety which is part of anxiety disorder and not so he could play harmonica better. He possibly said that to mask the anxiety. I am not a doctor but I have this condition and have for 40 plus years. Those with anxiety disorder and panic disorder usually will suffer from depression as well. Another problem is self medicating with drugs/alcohol which can calm nerves but it is not a cure and can lead to more problems. In those days barbiturates were commonly prescribed for various maladies but you do not see them anymore. They were very powerful and to consume them with alcohol or heroin could easily lead to death and on their own they could kill. They were called ''reds" and there was "Seconal" and "Sopors". .. If Alan had used no other substance it is possible he took a tablet too many. If he used heroin it would be what is called a "contraindication" which means a treatment that cannot be used with another treatment as death can result. Janis Joplin was reportedly a victim of heroin overdose. That was the common headline then and still is. However death from pure heroin is rare but used in conjunction with alcohol, benzodiazapems, or barbiturates then death can occur quickly. Joplin autopsy showed she had .22 mg morphine in her blood and 100 mg morphine in her bile (heroin reverts back to morphine once ingested). A common dose for a user of heroin is 160mg. So she certainly did not OD on heroin but she also had a BAC (blood alcohol content) of .11 ethanol so there is the answer, contraindication. The public is seriously misinformed about drugs and misled as well and it is our government that is responsible. What you have been told by government about drugs is mostly false. The reason for this goes back to the banning of certain drugs which were easily purchased by anyone at a drug store but government began to regulate certain drugs and it was purely out of racism that this was done. There is no other reason and they will not admit to it but it is a fact and it is also profitable. The targets were Chinese Negroes and Mexicans. All at different times but it has morphed into the War..and it still rages on. For more information I suggest you look up Dr. Carl Hart here on youtube. please. Thanks
I am so pleased that you made this fan bio of Blind Owl. I so loved this band. I am so grateful to you that you decided to make this entire fan bio of Alan. He was the center core of the band. I saw them more times than i could ever count . Alan and the Bear where seminal blues musicians.
Nice presentation of Alan Wilson. It’s nice to see a young lady present this to the younger fans. There isn’t much info on “Blind Al”, but I commend you and encourage the youth to listen to Alan Wilson. John Lee Hooker called Alan “the greatest harp player”.
Alan is also one of my unsung heroes. Just one of the many underrated musicians of his time. The knowledge he and Bob Hite had of the blues was just incredible. He died WAY too young! R.I.P. Alan! (Another member of the "27 Club").
Blind Owl has my full respect and is my most favorite individual out of the era which he came(Fahey Too!)… This was an enlightening bio documentary. Thank you very much for this and your informative research. It's true and unfortunate that he has sort of been forgotten. He obviously had a true passion for the real blues and its roots, and he had his heart fully in it… While others had some passion for it at the time, but exploited it as well. That's why my hats off to Alan, he held a high esteem for blues and never let it stray away from what it was. First record I ever bought was, "Living the Blues". Funny enough I didn't know much about Blind owl at the time, I just knew Canned Heat played the sounds that I liked.
oh thanks so much for making this! I'm a big Canned Heat fan and esp.of Alan. Yes, his harmonica playing is just the BEST. And he just had his own style in all he did. Unique. I knew only a bit about his death and not much about his life, his personality, but I've been curious for years. Thanks a lot, Alan Wilson's blues were the real deal and that's why it just sounds so good. Sad of course, ah what can you say......R.I.P
A very enthusiastic and sympathetic bio and introduction to the late great Al Wilson,,,,"The Blind Owl" a nicer more talented guy never walked this earth,,,,We Miss You Al
Made me a bit teary eyed when she said Allan wa her hero because he's my hero to.Always has been.I was 13 when he passed and it hit me real hard as i was just really getting into his music and his personality that came through with the music.I had read that Bob had signed him out of a clinic where he was staying for observation because of his depression and in hind sight that may not have been a good idea.I think it might have been Fito who likened it to a wild drunk viking taking care of a frail injured Bambi.I'm sure Bob meant well though.Thank you so much for this very touching biography.Makes me want to crank up my time aint long of poor moon or anything else Allan sang.His soul still lives.
Thank you so much for your beautiful words re: Al Wilson. I have always loved Canned Heat. I love the blues and love Canned Heats style. They are one of my fav. bands of all time.
Good job! Alan Wilson is a legend, and Canned Heat is a legendary band, still under-appreciated. Great that you are remembering Alan and putting this out.
Awesome bio!..... With the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock coming up later this year, I plan on listening to tons of Canned Heat.......... RIP Blind Owl!
Well done !!... Great to see someone as young as you are being such a dedicated and passionate fan... cheers from an old fan of Canned Heat, and Alan Wilson !!
Thank you for keeping Alan Wilson alive on the internet. I am an avid fan of Charlie Patton (I believe he was the greatest artist, in any medium, of the twentieth century.). Alan had such a unique vocal style, and his friendship with Bob Hite was a catalystic sensation. They were a legendary pair! 'On the road again' is, in my opinion, the greatest recording of the sixties blues revival. Your historical description is so detailed, I am so gratefull to you for this!
Our band played with Canned Heat in 1968, all the guys were really nice. They tore it up that night, they were much better live than on records. Good video I really enjoyed it!
Just wish Alan could have gone to Brazil as a young man,,,lots of great women ,,,into the Blues and Jazz,,,, Rest in Peace Alan ,,,we loved you madly,,,,,
So grateful that he was able to leave some of his music behind. It's so hard to find our music now. I keep on listening for the next Owl but no ones come along yet....
Well done. I also admire and deeply respect a dead mostly forgotten guitar player. Terry Kath the Original guitarist of the band Chicago. Gone but not forgotten..Rest in Paradise!
Thank you for sharing this! I play guitar and harmonica and Alan was a HUGE influence. I love learning about him too, I think he's such a fascinating and underrated musician.
That's absolutely awesome that Blind Owl basically taught Son House how to replay his songs! Wow he was really special. R.I.P Alan. I boogie to your blues, still.
I just want to add one more thing about Alan Wilson, and his loss to Canned Heat. He has much in common with Brian Wilson, besides the last name. The creative and innovative directions that Brian Wilson lead The Beach Boys, with Alan's wide musical influences, i feel he would have, similarly, given so much to Canned Heat, had he lived. Just think about the hypnotic eastern feel of On the Road Again. That song was such an amazing amalgam. Anyway, RIP beautiful soul, Alan Christie "Blind Owl" Wilson.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and love for Alan...I've played harp for many years and am pretty good. However, to this day Alan Wilson's staccato deep draw bends AT HIGH SPEED is still a technique that I cannot duplicate AND I never heard anyone since who can!
I wish I could High-Five you right now. Thanks for giving a loving description of a great man and musician. He was so awesome and ahead of his time. Not many folks knew he was in the "27" club. You had a 2 errors. Boogie With Canned Heat was the 2nd album. According to Fito, he died from barbs and vodka. Smiling like a Cheshire cat. Good luck with the Redwoods. I love them also.
I am a newfound fan of blind owl! I seen him play on a RUclips video at Woodstock! and have been finding more and more information and recently found about his death and his age. Another one in the 27 club. So sad! Knowing that he would have been producing great music for a long time after.
All these years and so hard to find out who he really was as a person and family. He is in the " 27 " club, died at 27 years with Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix. Shame the drug scene ruined it for so many and took young lives. R.I.P.
Lots of people are depressed about it NOW. But they don't dare say anything about it. Ever heard someone called a "Tree Hugger?" Remember what the great blues band Rush said, "Conform or be cast out; Be cool or be cast out."
I saw them two times. Loved and always intrigued by the Blind Owl. I was right up there on stage both times or close to them; Awesome, glad I got the opportunity
Wonderful tribute. Thank you. Bought that eponymous orange Liberty Label LP, I was hooked. Mono, but didn't matter. Perfect album imo. Blind Owl the stand out. Genius an over used word, he WAS understated genius and count him as introducing me to the blues. Such a loss still.
Very nice video, I think the "Blind Owl" would approve. He was a musical visionary, and very smart. His heart was as big as the Redwoods he loved so much. This world was a hard place for someone with such a big heart and no one to share it with. I loved his music and through it Alan will live on but, will also be deeply missed.
I love your love.... it's 2019, 6 years on from when this video was done and I'm in Australia, but I can feel it! Al's qualities were enough to create music that still inspires now, and enough to ironically fuel other musicians' lifelong careers... Had he lived, I know people like you would have helped him feel a lot better about life....
Thank you very much for helping me understand the true BLIND OWL. your presentation was very sincere and honest. If he only knew he left a legacy that can never die. THANK YOU FOR HONORING ALAN WILSON.
Thank you for posting this about Alan . He was a Great musician and a man who dealt with his balance condition (borderline autism ? ) by working hard .
A tragic detail of the story of Alan was the fact that barbiturates were still legal in the 1970's. As far as drugs go, Seconal or Reds, which is what Alan was prescribed, had horrible side effects including bad moods and temper. Also, super addictive. Barbs ruined many thousands of lives in the 50's, 60's and 70's until drug companies were forced to stop production. Seconal was the worst choice possible for a depressed individual, as it made them feel lower than before and withdrawal was hell. Thanks for the work to keep Alan Wilson so relevant. Peace.
Yep, in the early and mid sixties I got hooked on both phenobarbital and white crosses. It was easy to find them both. I told friends that I felt so great that I could drop 3 stories down without getting hurt one fine day. Thankfully they grabbed me and a few months later I was off the drugs. Thankfully I saw the train wreck coming and got off both of them. I was about 21 at the time.
Wonderful background study of Alan Wilson, he was a memorable part of the Canned Heat group, I was fascinated to hear about his life. It was so sad he died so young and yet he lives on forever in the great music he helped to produce.
thanks The first time I heard canned heat it was "going up the country" and I was blown away and it took me forever to find that 8 track man you inspired me to find out even more ...Thanks for your vid
Anybody who's hard into the blues should watch the Howlin Wolf documentary. Absolutely GREAT blues man. The original and the documentary is a fantastic look at all the musicians. All great stuff
I was first introduced to Alan and Canned Heat in 68” I was young pup of 14, Alan and that band changed my life forever!! I sought out all the blues musicians from that day on! Those were fantastical days! RIP! Blind Owl
I agree with all, very nice job. This is the longest piece I've seen on him which is unfortunate and strange given his stature in blues history. Thank you, ma'am.
I just listened to my first Canned Heat album today "Canned Heat Blues Band" and instantly recognized the guitar playing as great. This revelation brought me here! What a great informational tribute to Alan Wilson. I must say, you're gorgeous as well! Thank you for compiling all the information into a great video!
Thank you so much for the insight on the Blind Owl! He has been a great influence on my harp playing! And it's tragic how mental illness takes so many creative people from us so untimely!
Thanks for all the forgotten details about this young blues man. It seems that many of the 'extra talented' amongst us are very sensitive fragile people. It's quit sad that his depression led to an early death, his disorder could have easily been treated with psycho therapy drugs & allowed him a somewhat normal life.FYI, I followed this band in their heyday, seen them perform at a club in Colorado Springs, and then by coincidence they boarded the same flight as I did a few days later, as I was discharged from the US Army.Looking back, I should have approached them for conversation, but I was just thrilled to be out of the Army. I can remember seeing the Bear & Alan in the terminal, that was waaay back in 1969.!After all these years, I still like their sound & have several of their recordings from ITunes.Thanks & God Bless.
Not in that mausoleum of kitsch and sellout. This music needs a resurgence, a rebirth . . . .to be lived and experienced by people now. Alan's musical spirit beckons from the other side!
I think it's great you are help keeping his memory alive . I recently seen a old video where he was complaining - not complaining maybe explaining be a better word - how the volume was hurting him (ears). I so wish he could of seen the Master Volume amps we have now' getting that break up ' at bed room/apartment sound levels. Thank you. JB
Strange..you are a Rangers fan, I am a Celtic fan....but we both met over this mans music. Maybe there is hope? Love you buddy, all the best. Manchester, England.
Thank you so much for not only a well researched, informative and passionate reflection on the amazing Blind Owl-Alan Wilson! I loved your expressive and human touch to draw attention to the Blind Owls interest as well as the things he struggled with. I’ve been a Canned Heat fan since the 60s and treasured their fantastic Hallelujah album. I was also was blessed to see the reformed Canned Heat Blues Band with the Sunflower - Henry Vestine playing @ a venue in the North East of England (Newcastle Upon Tyne - my home). Thank you once again. You have done a brilliant job in putting this video together.
Thank you for making this. It's VERY OBVIOUS just how much Alan meant to you. Up until tonight I never had the slightest idea who he was, although I'd heard Canned Heat a thousand times. I can tell, has you too believe, that he was someone special. Thanks.
Alan Christie Wilson IMHO is the deepest, most soulful blues player to come out of that first wave of white kids in the 60's. Again IMHO he is a I've and way beyond interpreters (I feel generous) like Clapton, Bloomfield etc. that rock fans and critics regard so highly. I wish he could've recorded more...a solo album with lots of harp and vocals would've been tremendous.
So smart, charming, honest - thrilled to see this. The harmonica Mr Wilson played with Hooker has always stood out - the man's voice is used not once but twice as theme to the movie Woodstock - and you get to hear FIto's jazzy snare drum bring in Goin Up The Country - the sitar fusion in On The Road. In the film outtakes Blind Owl plays some cool chromatic (push-button eg Stevie Wonder's) & diatonic (blues 10-hole) harmonica, back to back on one tune. Cat comes off as a Beck or Todd Rundgren type - ready to take on any style of music but at its hippest point, place or part. Anyway, ABOW FP, you have now made me a fan, of you
Bob Hite had the largest and most definitive collection of old 78 rpm records collected by musicians. He was considered to be well known Blues musicologist.
Thank you for this video ! I am just discovering the amazing talent of Alan Wilson, and you have helped to better understand him and honor his memory! 🙏
when i was a teenager in the 1960s i listened to white blues bands and the classic blues guys: bb and albert king, hooker, otis spann, otis rush, muddy, walter horton, sonny boy, all the mississippi guys, etc. it didn't take me long to figure out most of the white musicians weren't all that authentic or good. sincere, but not good. but there's a handful of white guys who totally 'got it' and were the real deal. Alan Wilson and Peter Green were two of them
The name Canned Heat originates also from a drink made from Sterno canned heat, that old blues artist (really poor people that couldn't afford alcohol) would drink during prohibition. That is what the original Tommy Johnson song is about anyway.
I grew up in a dry town, meaning alcohol was not permitted to be sold. Nevertheless, we had a town drunk named Frosty. I believe being a town drunk in a dry county required a lot of dedication. When I was young, he would approach friends of mine and ask them to by cans of lysol cleaning spray. The shops knew what he used them for and would not sell it to him. Because Lysol has an alcohol content, he used to drink to get intoxicated. Not sure how he managed not to poison himself. Sad, but interesting.
I wonder how The Blind Owl would feel about selling Subaru Outback's these days? I am thinking he wouldn't be thrilled at the notion but hey, I'm sure the ad has brought new Canned Heat fans on board!
What a touching bio for a most talented and undermentioned yet oft time imitated blues man. What a sweet sweet girl u r for doin this thing. You look like Holly Hunter but better lookin. I just want to say how kool 4 someone so young to pick up on Al,s bag. The word GENIUS is a much over used word in music..everyones a genius. gimme a break. Yet I believe Al was such a person. He had the feel of an old black sharecropper when it came to blues. I have never heard a more "black" white man ever
You have to like a young person, and a woman, who loves the blues! Thank you for your enthusiasm in helping to keep the blues alive. And also, for this informative fan documentary on the "Blind Owl" and Canned Heat. You have your heart in a good place.
and shes even a woman!
It is so refreshing and i am so impressed to see such a young person so enthusiastic about Al Wilson. Very nice presentation. I enjoyed that
You could see me like that, too. :)
I really really love him, for his music and for the way he was.
What shall I say, you seem to really like him too.
Many greets from Berlin in Germany!
A really lovely tribute from a lovely lady. I'm so glad someone has highlighted the life of a person who gave us memorable songs and made us happy ...and still today. Thank you!
Hallos
Sekis ist eine guter Zeitpunkt Idee 0153_ulla 💡 d
Alan Wilson is sorely missed and dearly remembered. I met the band back stage at Anaheim Convention Center where I had a $100.- bet that Amphetamine Annie was in A flat. Sure enough, Alan told me the record label wouldn't let them have 2 songs in the key of A on the album, so they tuned down a half step for Amphetamine Annie. Alan Wilson was a true genius. Going up the country was done in B flat, because the recorder used is in B flat. The chords on the guitar are amazingly simple as well. What a wonderful sweet soul he was. I'm 67 now, played in lots of cover bands and always did at least 3 Blind Owl songs. I remember him like it was yesterday.
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She's always shovelin" snow !
@@jerryshunk7152 - SPEED KILLS!
@@DavidSmith-ss1cg Physically & Spiritually !!!
Was he actually blind?
To me, one of the greatest underrated talents of his time. People tend to talk a lot about Syd Barrett or Peter Green
I will take Blind Owl over both
I played the single On the Road again when in France as a 16 year old.... the French teenagers in the bar made me play it 50 times over. There was nothing like it over there.
Amazed and amazing.
Love your story. Thanks for sharing
I am not surprised ,,,the French know what's good and what sounds good , read about Django Reinhart.
I was 16 too, on a scout summer camp
We only had one LP with us: the first Canned heat
Amphetamine Annie saw us dance and jive !
Hello from the La Rochelle area
I was fortunate to know Alan during high school. He played trombone in the school dance band and I played string bass.
He formed a trio with us and a pianist. We did a few simple gigs like church suppers and such. It didn't last long - Alan went on to bigger and better things.
Back then Alan certainly wasn't depressed. He was full of enthusiasm and energy - always looking forward to his next project.
The descriptions of Alan as being smart, kind, friendly, etc. are spot on. A good person. I valued his friendship.
You dont know that he wasnt depressed. He was socially awkward. He may have struggled with fame.
Thanks for that personal testimony. Awesome.
You are truly blessed to be able to call 'Blind Owl' a friend! Imagine the music that could have been.
You need to understand that being depressed is different from suffering from clinical depression. Everyone can get depressed about something in life but depression comes seemingly out of nowhere and it saps one of their joy for living and a loss of interest in things they normally love to do. If Alan had a social awkwardness or struggled to socialize it is possible that he actually had an anxiety disorder. This would explain his preferring to be out in the woods. Doing breathing exercises before performing might have been in reality him fending off performance anxiety which is part of anxiety disorder and not so he could play harmonica better. He possibly said that to mask the anxiety. I am not a doctor but I have this condition and have for 40 plus years. Those with anxiety disorder and panic disorder usually will suffer from depression as well. Another problem is self medicating with drugs/alcohol which can calm nerves but it is not a cure and can lead to more problems.
In those days barbiturates were commonly prescribed for various maladies but you do not see them anymore. They were very powerful and to consume them with alcohol or heroin could easily lead to death and on their own they could kill. They were called ''reds" and there was "Seconal" and "Sopors". ..
If Alan had used no other substance it is possible he took a tablet too many. If he used heroin it would be what is called a "contraindication" which means a treatment that cannot be used with another treatment as death can result.
Janis Joplin was reportedly a victim of heroin overdose. That was the common headline then and still is. However death from pure heroin is rare but used in conjunction with alcohol, benzodiazapems, or barbiturates then death can occur quickly. Joplin autopsy showed she had .22 mg morphine in her blood and 100 mg morphine in her bile (heroin reverts back to morphine once ingested). A common dose for a user of heroin is 160mg. So she certainly did not OD on heroin but she also had a BAC (blood alcohol content) of .11 ethanol so there is the answer, contraindication.
The public is seriously misinformed about drugs and misled as well and it is our government that is responsible. What you have been told by government about drugs is mostly false. The reason for this goes back to the banning of certain drugs which were easily purchased by anyone at a drug store but government began to regulate certain drugs and it was purely out of racism that this was done. There is no other reason and they will not admit to it but it is a fact and it is also profitable. The targets were Chinese Negroes and Mexicans. All at different times but it has morphed into the War..and it still rages on.
For more information I suggest you look up Dr. Carl Hart here on youtube. please. Thanks
Arlington Massachusetts
Alan Wilson was a great talented guy. When Alan passed away, Canned Heat was never the same afterwards...
If anything Alan Wilson's voice was incredibly real. It was genuine Blues. I guess I cannot explain it properly, but I miss it. RIP Bluesman!
I am so pleased that you made this fan bio of Blind Owl. I so loved this band. I am so grateful to you that you decided to make this entire fan bio of Alan. He was the center core of the band. I saw them more times than i could ever count . Alan and the Bear where seminal blues musicians.
Nice presentation of Alan Wilson. It’s nice to see a young lady present this to the younger fans. There isn’t much info on “Blind Al”, but I commend you and encourage the youth to listen to Alan Wilson. John Lee Hooker called Alan “the greatest harp player”.
Alan is also one of my unsung heroes. Just one of the many underrated musicians of his time. The knowledge he and Bob Hite had of the blues was just incredible. He died WAY too young! R.I.P. Alan! (Another member of the "27 Club").
Blind Owl has my full respect and is my most favorite individual out of the era which he came(Fahey Too!)… This was an enlightening bio documentary. Thank you very much for this and your informative research. It's true and unfortunate that he has sort of been forgotten. He obviously had a true passion for the real blues and its roots, and he had his heart fully in it… While others had some passion for it at the time, but exploited it as well. That's why my hats off to Alan, he held a high esteem for blues and never let it stray away from what it was. First record I ever bought was, "Living the Blues". Funny enough I didn't know much about Blind owl at the time, I just knew Canned Heat played the sounds that I liked.
oh thanks so much for making this! I'm a big Canned Heat fan and esp.of Alan. Yes, his harmonica playing is just the BEST. And he just had his own style in all he did. Unique. I knew only a bit about his death and not much about his life, his personality, but I've been curious for years. Thanks a lot, Alan Wilson's blues were the real deal and that's why it just sounds so good. Sad of course, ah what can you say......R.I.P
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A very enthusiastic and sympathetic bio and introduction to the late great Al Wilson,,,,"The Blind Owl" a nicer more talented guy never walked this earth,,,,We Miss You Al
Blind Owl Wilson made me buy my first guitar and harmonica, he is still alive through his beautiful numbers
Made me a bit teary eyed when she said Allan wa her hero because he's my hero to.Always has been.I was 13 when he passed and it hit me real hard as i was just really getting into his music and his personality that came through with the music.I had read that Bob had signed him out of a clinic where he was staying for observation because of his depression and in hind sight that may not have been a good idea.I think it might have been Fito who likened it to a wild drunk viking taking care of a frail injured Bambi.I'm sure Bob meant well though.Thank you so much for this very touching biography.Makes me want to crank up my time aint long of poor moon or anything else Allan sang.His soul still lives.
So thankful for you putting this story together. The man was an enigma to me for a very long time. I learned so much. Thank-you!
A great guitar player and musician with a very distinctive, recognizable voice .Canned Heat not being in the RRHOF is a travesty...RIP Alan.
Good documentary ! The Blind Owl sadly missed ! Unbelievable talent. He should never be forgotten.
Thank you so much for your beautiful words re: Al Wilson. I have always loved Canned Heat. I love the blues and love Canned Heats style. They are one of my fav. bands of all time.
Thanks for this, Alan was very special and a huge loss...he left us some timeless music though, very grateful for his musical contributions.
Good job! Alan Wilson is a legend, and Canned Heat is a legendary band, still under-appreciated. Great that you are remembering Alan and putting this out.
A lovely and touching video. If only he had found someone like you in his life. Thank you.
Awesome bio!..... With the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock coming up later this year, I plan on listening to tons of Canned Heat.......... RIP Blind Owl!
From one Kiss/ Canned Heat fan to another. Don't know if you've heard Haya band from Mongolia, Mecano from Spain and Slot a rock band from Russia. 😊👍
I just started listening to CH and developed respect for Blind Owl. Wonderful person. Great video.
Loved the Blind Owl. Very talented, artistic, and sensitive young man.
Well done !!... Great to see someone as young as you are being such a dedicated and passionate fan... cheers from an old fan of Canned Heat, and Alan Wilson !!
Thank you for keeping Alan Wilson alive on the internet. I am an avid fan of Charlie Patton (I believe he was the greatest artist, in any medium, of the twentieth century.). Alan had such a unique vocal style, and his friendship with Bob Hite was a catalystic sensation. They were a legendary pair! 'On the road again' is, in my opinion, the greatest recording of the sixties blues revival. Your historical description is so detailed, I am so gratefull to you for this!
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I liked Charlie 's shoes; they're so shiny!
@@jerryshunk7152
What shoes were those?
@@altclut Patton leather of course!☺
A tragically brief life, but a massive and enduring legacy. Thanks for this magnificent documentary.
Our band played with Canned Heat in 1968, all the guys were really nice. They tore it up that night, they were much better live than on records. Good video I really enjoyed it!
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Lovely tribute to Alan. Thank you for putting this together. I realize it's a few years old but I'm just discovering it. Cheers!
Just wish Alan could have gone to Brazil as a young man,,,lots of great women ,,,into the Blues and Jazz,,,,
Rest in Peace Alan ,,,we loved you madly,,,,,
So grateful that he was able to leave some of his music behind. It's so hard to find our music now. I keep on listening for the next Owl but no ones come along yet....
Well done. I also admire and deeply respect a dead mostly forgotten guitar player. Terry Kath the Original guitarist of the band Chicago. Gone but not forgotten..Rest in Paradise!
Very sweet of you to post this video dear thx and Blind Al was one of a kind wish he could've lived a long live but he will never be forgotten. RIP.
Thank you for sharing this! I play guitar and harmonica and Alan was a HUGE influence. I love learning about him too, I think he's such a fascinating and underrated musician.
Thank you for posting this. The Blind Owl was one of the few people I’d like to shake hand with.
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That's absolutely awesome that Blind Owl basically taught Son House how to replay his songs! Wow he was really special. R.I.P Alan. I boogie to your blues, still.
I just want to add one more thing about Alan Wilson, and his loss to Canned Heat. He has much in common with Brian Wilson, besides the last name. The creative and innovative directions that Brian Wilson lead The Beach Boys, with Alan's wide musical influences, i feel he would have, similarly, given so much to Canned Heat, had he lived. Just think about the hypnotic eastern feel of On the Road Again. That song was such an amazing amalgam. Anyway, RIP beautiful soul, Alan Christie "Blind Owl" Wilson.
Thank you! We were Blessed With Alan's Talent and Music Knowledge! A person and a legend I will never forget! Thank you!
God bless "Blind Owl" Wilson. He still exists in the blues and nature ~ Thanks for this ! I never knew how Bob and Alan met up !
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and love for Alan...I've played harp for many years and am pretty good. However, to this day Alan Wilson's staccato deep draw bends AT HIGH SPEED is still a technique that I cannot duplicate AND I never heard anyone since who can!
cuesta definir con palabras lo que transmite alan,pura emocion,gracias,su voz,su armonica llena de colores,un adelantado a su epoca unico!!!
rest in peace Blind Owl wish you could have been with us longer
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I wish I could High-Five you right now. Thanks for giving a loving description of a great man and musician. He was so awesome and ahead of his time. Not many folks knew he was in the "27" club. You had a 2 errors. Boogie With Canned Heat was the 2nd album. According to Fito, he died from barbs and vodka. Smiling like a Cheshire cat. Good luck with the Redwoods. I love them also.
The Fito story is not true.
It`s sad to see someone as talented as he was die so soon. RIP Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson
I am a newfound fan of blind owl! I seen him play on a RUclips video at Woodstock! and have been finding more and more information and recently found about his death and his age. Another one in the 27 club. So sad! Knowing that he would have been producing great music for a long time after.
All these years and so hard to find out who he really was as a person and family.
He is in the " 27 " club, died at 27 years with Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix. Shame the drug scene ruined it for so many and took young lives.
R.I.P.
Well done! I have been a fan of Canned Heat and Wilson since 67. Nice to hear Owls back story, thank you!
I read what depressed him most was the destruction of the environment. He loved the forest. He was sleeping outdoors when he died.
Lots of people are depressed about it NOW. But they don't dare say anything about it. Ever heard someone called a "Tree Hugger?" Remember what the great blues band Rush said, "Conform or be cast out; Be cool or be cast out."
What a great harmonica player. I've been playing for years and he's tone was so good. I've started looking at how I play after listening to him.
I saw them two times. Loved and always intrigued by the Blind Owl. I was right up there on stage both times or close to them; Awesome, glad I got the opportunity
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Wonderful tribute. Thank you. Bought that eponymous orange Liberty Label LP, I was hooked. Mono, but didn't matter. Perfect album imo. Blind Owl the stand out. Genius an over used word, he WAS understated genius and count him as introducing me to the blues. Such a loss still.
Very nice video, I think the "Blind Owl" would approve. He was a musical visionary, and very smart. His heart was as big as the Redwoods he loved so much. This world was a hard place for someone with such a big heart and no one to share it with. I loved his music and through it Alan will live on but, will also be deeply missed.
Met him in London at the 100Club in 1970 nice guy.
John Fahey was a big influence on Alan and it would be worthwhile mentioning that.
She does.
I love your love.... it's 2019, 6 years on from when this video was done and I'm in Australia, but I can feel it!
Al's qualities were enough to create music that still inspires now, and enough to ironically fuel other musicians' lifelong careers...
Had he lived, I know people like you would have helped him feel a lot better about life....
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Thank you very much for helping me understand the true BLIND OWL. your presentation was very sincere and honest. If he only knew he left a legacy that can never die. THANK YOU FOR HONORING ALAN WILSON.
Happy Birthday Blind Owl!!! FOREVER in Our Hearts and Souls!!!
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Thank you for posting this about Alan . He was a Great musician and a man who dealt with his balance condition (borderline autism ? ) by working hard .
Great video. Beautiful man, beautiful music. 🎶 Thank you for posting this.
A tragic detail of the story of Alan was the fact that barbiturates were still legal in the 1970's. As far as drugs go, Seconal or Reds, which is what Alan was prescribed, had horrible side effects including bad moods and temper. Also, super addictive. Barbs ruined many thousands of lives in the 50's, 60's and 70's until drug companies were forced to stop production. Seconal was the worst choice possible for a depressed individual, as it made them feel lower than before and withdrawal was hell. Thanks for the work to keep Alan Wilson so relevant. Peace.
Yep, in the early and mid sixties I got hooked on both phenobarbital and white crosses. It was easy to find them both. I told friends that I felt so great that I could drop 3 stories down without getting hurt one fine day. Thankfully they grabbed me and a few months later I was off the drugs. Thankfully I saw the train wreck coming and got off both of them. I was about 21 at the time.
Wonderful background study of Alan Wilson, he was a memorable part of the Canned Heat group, I was fascinated to hear about his life. It was so sad he died so young and yet he lives on forever in the great music he helped to produce.
thanks The first time I heard canned heat it was "going up the country" and I was blown away and it took me forever to find that 8 track man you inspired me to find out even more ...Thanks for your vid
Anybody who's hard into the blues should watch the Howlin Wolf documentary. Absolutely GREAT blues man. The original and the documentary is a fantastic look at all the musicians. All great stuff
Thank you 😊... I'll do
I was first introduced to Alan and Canned Heat in 68” I was young pup of 14, Alan and that band changed my life forever!! I sought out all the blues musicians from that day on! Those were fantastical days! RIP! Blind Owl
I agree with all, very nice job. This is the longest piece I've seen on him which is unfortunate and strange given his stature in blues history. Thank you, ma'am.
That's an interesting showing, I love Son House but yet didnt know Blind Owl had that connection with him. Great, congrats!
I loved their duet on House of the Rising Son !
I’m so glad and appreciative that you did this video. I was just asking about Alan. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge about him.
I just listened to my first Canned Heat album today "Canned Heat Blues Band" and instantly recognized the guitar playing as great. This revelation brought me here! What a great informational tribute to Alan Wilson. I must say, you're gorgeous as well! Thank you for compiling all the information into a great video!
Thank you so much for the insight on the Blind Owl! He has been a great influence on my harp playing! And it's tragic how mental illness takes so many creative people from us so untimely!
What a great musician!!
Love his slide guitar.
Thanks for honoring Alan’s memory.
Thanks for all the forgotten details about this young blues man. It seems that many of the 'extra talented' amongst us are very sensitive fragile people. It's quit sad that his depression led to an early death, his disorder could have easily been treated with psycho therapy drugs & allowed him a somewhat normal life.FYI, I followed this band in their heyday, seen them perform at a club in Colorado Springs, and then by coincidence they boarded the same flight as I did a few days later, as I was discharged from the US Army.Looking back, I should have approached them for conversation, but I was just thrilled to be out of the Army. I can remember seeing the Bear & Alan in the terminal, that was waaay back in 1969.!After all these years, I still like their sound & have several of their recordings from ITunes.Thanks & God Bless.
What a lovely guy - sensitive and incredibly talented ❤️RIP
thank you for this. he died way to young.
Happy birthday Alan
Thank you so much for making this biography on this talented deep human being
Canned Heat needs to be in the RRHOF
I always just assumed they were....unreal.
RRHOF is a complete Shit Stain of our music industry!
Without a doubt my friend ✌
Not in that mausoleum of kitsch and sellout.
This music needs a resurgence, a rebirth . . . .to be lived and experienced by people now.
Alan's musical spirit beckons from the other side!
il bet journey ,phil collins ,and whamm is in the Radio hall of fame for the wrong reasons . no need to answer , im just havin a bad day. Time Was .
I think it's great you are help keeping his memory alive . I recently seen a old video where he was complaining - not complaining maybe explaining be a better word - how the volume was hurting him (ears). I so wish he could of seen the Master Volume amps we have now' getting that break up ' at bed room/apartment sound levels. Thank you. JB
Thank you x a million.
The Blind Owl has legendary status in my world.
Moodiesburn
Scotland .
Strange..you are a Rangers fan, I am a Celtic fan....but we both met over this mans music. Maybe there is hope?
Love you buddy, all the best.
Manchester, England.
I don't know about football.. but I m with you two
Rangers. West end Glasgow
what a beautifully articulate speaker with a hint of southern charm.
Thank you so much for not only a well researched, informative and passionate reflection on the amazing Blind Owl-Alan Wilson! I loved your expressive and human touch to draw attention to the Blind Owls interest as well as the things he struggled with. I’ve been a Canned Heat fan since the 60s and treasured their fantastic Hallelujah album. I was also was blessed to see the reformed Canned Heat Blues Band with the Sunflower - Henry Vestine playing @ a venue in the North East of England (Newcastle Upon Tyne - my home). Thank you once again. You have done a brilliant job in putting this video together.
Been a fan of his for years. Thanks for digging all of this up and sharing it with us.
Thank you for making this. It's VERY OBVIOUS just how much Alan meant to you. Up until tonight I never had the slightest idea who he was, although I'd heard Canned Heat a thousand times. I can tell, has you too believe, that he was someone special. Thanks.
Alan Wilson was so on the " Spectrum". Asperger musical genius!
Spot on! He was one of us on the "Spectrum."
Alan Christie Wilson IMHO is the deepest, most soulful blues player to come out of that first wave of white kids in the 60's. Again IMHO he is a I've and way beyond interpreters (I feel generous) like Clapton, Bloomfield etc. that rock fans and critics regard so highly. I wish he could've recorded more...a solo album with lots of harp and vocals would've been tremendous.
So smart, charming, honest - thrilled to see this. The harmonica Mr Wilson played with Hooker has always stood out - the man's voice is used not once but twice as theme to the movie Woodstock - and you get to hear FIto's jazzy snare drum bring in Goin Up The Country - the sitar fusion in On The Road.
In the film outtakes Blind Owl plays some cool chromatic (push-button eg Stevie Wonder's) & diatonic (blues 10-hole) harmonica, back to back on one tune. Cat comes off as a Beck or Todd Rundgren type - ready to take on any style of music but at its hippest point, place or part.
Anyway, ABOW FP, you have now made me a fan, of you
Bob Hite had the largest and most definitive collection of old 78 rpm records collected by musicians. He was considered to be well known Blues musicologist.
Al was a loner, like me. He died alone.
Bless his heart and Bless your heart too for remembering him.
Peace&Love be with you!
Thank you for this video ! I am just discovering the amazing talent of Alan Wilson, and you have helped to better understand him and honor his memory! 🙏
thank you for making this!
Thanks for the info Alan Wilson rocks I love his music
A tragic Loss... Such a band!! Losing him hurt me, they were my introduction to Blues.. 1967. They were sooooo... Good! 😊
when i was a teenager in the 1960s i listened to white blues bands and the classic blues guys: bb and albert king, hooker, otis spann, otis rush, muddy, walter horton, sonny boy, all the mississippi guys, etc. it didn't take me long to figure out most of the white musicians weren't all that authentic or good. sincere, but not good. but there's a handful of white guys who totally 'got it' and were the real deal. Alan Wilson and Peter Green were two of them
John Lee Hooker was known for saying Al Wilson was one of the few that could follow him...
Totally agree
Snowy White is one more there 😊
Also the man from..nine below zero..is also good
Ooo I forgot ..Srv
Ooo I forgot Jim Morrison
You did a good job I knew some if this info because I'm getting old ,just my knowledge. Awesome
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thank you for doing the research - I ADORED his music... such a voice and such beautiful playing.
The name Canned Heat originates also from a drink made from Sterno canned heat, that old blues artist (really poor people that couldn't afford alcohol) would drink during prohibition. That is what the original Tommy Johnson song is about anyway.
that's true. it was long used on skid row by hoboes
Strained through a sock or handkerchief to get the chunks and impurities out.
I grew up in a dry town, meaning alcohol was not permitted to be sold. Nevertheless, we had a town drunk named Frosty. I believe being a town drunk in a dry county required a lot of dedication. When I was young, he would approach friends of mine and ask them to by cans of lysol cleaning spray. The shops knew what he used them for and would not sell it to him. Because Lysol has an alcohol content, he used to drink to get intoxicated. Not sure how he managed not to poison himself. Sad, but interesting.
I wonder how The Blind Owl would feel about selling Subaru Outback's these days? I am thinking he wouldn't be thrilled at the notion but hey, I'm sure the ad has brought new Canned Heat fans on board!
Great video! No idea who this woman is but she did a great job and Alan deserves to be remembered like this. He was awesome! Left us too soon.......
Diamond Jim same thing no idea who sh bus where she came from. I'm getting older mid 50s + I'm,'going' she is way to young to know all this stuff.lol
You got that right;Enjoyed that band immensely two times
In my time canned heat super the song was I'm canned heat canned heat mama Oliver. Hill view singapore
So glad young people have discovered the genius of Al Wilson and the eccentric, idiosyncratic Canned Heat, who married blues with psychedelia!
What a touching bio for a most talented and undermentioned yet oft time imitated blues man. What a sweet sweet girl u r for doin this thing. You look like Holly Hunter but better lookin. I just want to say how kool 4 someone so young to pick up on Al,s bag. The word GENIUS is a much over used word in music..everyones a genius. gimme a break. Yet I believe Al was such a person. He had the feel of an old black sharecropper when it came to blues. I have never heard a more "black" white man ever
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