Alexis Korner: The Godfather of British Blues
Alexis Korner was a British blues musician and broadcaster whose foundational work catalyzed the entire UK blues and rock scene. Hailing from Paris but based in London, his main achievement was not commercial sales but his role as a mentor and bandleader for a generation of British rock legends.
Early career
Born in 1928 in Paris, Alexis Korner moved to London as a child and developed a deep passion for American blues and jazz. His professional career began in the trad jazz scene of the 1950s, where he played with Chris Barber's band and co-founded the influential blues-focused band, Blues Incorporated, in 1961.
Breakthrough
While never a chart-topping artist himself, Korner's breakthrough was cultural, centered on the club he co-ran, the Ealing Jazz Club. His band Blues Incorporated, which recorded the 1962 album R&B from the Marquee for Decca, became a crucial incubator, offering early stage time to future stars like Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, and Jack Bruce.
Key tracks
I Got My Mojo Working — This live staple with Blues Incorporated exemplified the authentic Chicago blues sound he championed in London clubs.
Sky High — A track from his 1970s band CCS, it became famous as the theme music for the BBC's "Top of the Pops" television show.
Get Off My Cloud — His 1970s band The New Church recorded this Rolling Stones cover, showcasing his continued connection to the rock scene he helped spawn.
Bootleg Him — The title of his 1972 album captured his cult status and the raw, session-based nature of much of his recorded work.
Later career and influence
Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Alexis Korner remained a constant collaborator and broadcaster. He formed the band CCS, which had several chart entries, and later worked with Peter Thorup in bands like Snape. His weekly BBC radio show was essential listening for blues enthusiasts, further solidifying his role as a key tastemaker.
Korner's influence is measured not in platinum records but in the artists he nurtured. His encouragement and platforms were directly instrumental in the formation of The Rolling Stones, Cream, and The Faces. He continued performing and recording until his death in 1984, leaving behind a vast discography of collaborative and solo work.
Fans of the foundational British blues sound should also explore John Mayall, whose Bluesbreakers were another pivotal finishing school for rock talent. The early work of Fleetwood Mac directly channels the electric blues Korner promoted. For the guitar-driven side of the genre, listen to Eric Clapton, who played in Korner's Blues Incorporated. The music of The Animals also shares this deep roots in American blues reinterpreted for a British audience.
RADIO ROTATION
The music of Alexis Korner and his many projects maintains a steady presence on dedicated classic rock radio stations and specialist blues programs. Online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations frequently feature his work, acknowledging his historical importance in the story of British rock music.
Listeners can discover the pivotal sounds of Alexis Korner on radio stations featured on onairium.com. Tune in to our curated stations to hear the foundational blues that helped build the British rock scene.
