Vale Long John Baldry, 1941 - 2005

Sad to hear of the death of Long John Baldry, English blues/rock musician and singer, formerly with the band Bluesology. Nicknamed ‘Long John’ because of his 6'7” height, he's credited with having been one of the main forces in British Blues, Rock and Pop music in the 1960s.

Performers such as Rod Stewart, Ginger Baker (drummer with Cream), Jeff Beck (Yardbirds), Brian Jones (Rolling Stones founder), Jack Bruce, Alex Korner, Nicky Hopkins, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones all worked with Baldry – some of them got their first big break playing with him. Eric Clapton has said that he was inspired to pick up a guitar after seeing Baldry perform in the early sixties. Reginald Dwight took his stage name Elton John (middle name 'Hercules') from the first names of Bluesology's vocalist Elton Dean and Long John Baldry.

"Long John Baldry passed away at the Vancouver General Hospital, July 21 at
10:30 pm after fighting a severe chest infection for the past 4 months. He was
surrounded by friends and loved ones and is now at peace. John Baldry will be
remembered by his music and the love he generously gave to all those who came in
contact with him. Our world is a lesser place without him, for John was a person
that enhanced this world with his enormous presence and talent."
Baldry Homepage