Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton: John Hammond’s Stage Magic

The legendary blues musician John Hammond had a remarkable encounter with the iconic Jimi Hendrix during one of his regular performances in New York City. At that time, Hammond was already friends with another guitar virtuoso, Eric Clapton. This serendipitous meeting led to a series of unforgettable shows in the 1960s featuring these two legendary guitarists as part of his backing band, creating an extraordinary blend of talent and musical prowess.

One of the highlights of Hammond’s illustrious career is the recent release of ‘You’re Doin’ Fine: Blues at the Boarding House’. This album is part of the Bear’s Sonic Journals series and was recorded by renowned sound engineer Owsley “Bear” Stanley on June 2 and 3, 1973, in San Francisco, unbeknownst to Hammond at the time. The recordings capture an intimate and revealing portrait of the artist.

In an insightful interview, Hammond shares his experiences performing alongside Clapton and Hendrix, delves into the ‘You’re Doin’ Fine’ project, and reflects on his long-standing friendship with Tom Waits, which culminated in their collaboration on the 2001 album ‘Wicked Grin’.

Reflecting on Your Performances with Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton: What Was It Like to Share the Stage with Such Icons?
I first crossed paths with Eric Clapton during my inaugural tour of England in 1965. At that time, he was performing with John Mayall, and I had the opportunity to join them for several gigs, which allowed us to build a friendship. Eric was incredibly talented, and even then, his skills were remarkable. After returning to the U.S., I was introduced to Jimi Hendrix, who was trying to secure a gig in New York. I suggested we form a band, and I offered him the role of lead guitarist. This collaboration blossomed into a week of performances at the Cafe Au Go Go, where music legends came to witness our unique sound.

Shortly after, Jimi received an offer to travel to England to record with Chas Chandler, his producer, marking the beginning of his legendary career. A year later, Jimi returned to New York and sought me out, coinciding with Eric Clapton’s visit with Cream. I invited both of them to join me on stage at the Gaslight Cafe in Greenwich Village. With Eric to my left and Jimi to my right, it was an extraordinary experience, and I felt incredibly fortunate to share the stage with such talented individuals.

Delving into the Influence of Robert Johnson on Your Music and Career
Both Clapton and I have a deep admiration for the legendary blues artist Robert Johnson. His recordings are exceptional and stand out above the rest. In my view, he epitomized excellence in music. Johnson had absorbed influences from various blues styles, allowing him to master multiple genres, while his vocal prowess was simply astounding. His recordings resonate with listeners, capturing their emotions and transporting them to another era. Johnson’s music emerged during a time of great diversity in the music industry, showcasing his familiarity with different styles like Piedmont and Delta blues, influenced by artists such as Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell. He was a true innovator, synthesizing the blues into a unique sound that continues to inspire.

Your Mission to Revitalize Classic Blues Songs for Modern Audiences
Indeed, my aim has always been to revive and promote classic blues songs for contemporary listeners. I firmly believe that my rendition of Willie Dixon’s “Back Door Man” paved the way for its recognition by bands like The Doors. The similarities in arrangement and feel are undeniable, showcasing how influential these traditional blues pieces can be.

Listen to John Hammond’s Updated Version of ‘King Bee’

The Album ‘You’re Doin’ Fine’ Marks Your Return to Solo Performances—What Sparked Your Interest in This Format?
My journey into the world of blues music began when my father took me to see Big Bill Broonzy perform in 1949; I was just seven years old. This experience left a lasting impression on me and ignited a lifelong passion for the blues. By my teenage years, I had become a devoted blues enthusiast. I never envisioned myself as a professional musician until I picked up the guitar, which changed everything. For me, performing solo is where the true essence of the art lies; if you can captivate an audience on your own, it speaks volumes about your talent.

Exploring the Rich Diversity of Material in ‘You’re Doin’ Fine’
I have always had a fascination with various blues genres. This album showcases a wide range of influences, including the renowned Delta and Chicago blues, as well as the often-overlooked Piedmont style. My admiration for artists like Blind Boy Fuller and Blind Willie McTell stems from their contributions to the Piedmont sound, while I also appreciate the profound impact of Robert Johnson and Sun House in the Delta tradition. I see myself not as a songwriter but as a curator of timeless songs, eager to share their beauty with new audiences.

Reflecting on the Experience of Re-listening to Your Historic Recordings
Listening back to these recordings from 50 years ago was an enlightening experience. I was genuinely surprised by the quality of the sound and how well I had captured the essence of the music. At the time of those performances, I was unaware that they were being recorded. Bear was a master of sound, and the emergence of these recordings has been an incredible gift for me as an artist and a listener.

Listen to John Hammond’s ‘2:19’

Collaborating with Tom Waits: Insights into Your Unique Friendship
My friendship with Tom Waits began at a show where ‘You’re Doin’ Fine’ was recorded. Initially, he opened for me, and I later performed on other shows alongside him, which deepened our connection. Tom is an extraordinary artist who creates an indescribable atmosphere through his music. I deeply respected him and never imagined I would have the opportunity to record an album of his songs, but it all came together beautifully.

Was It Difficult to Interpret Tom Waits’ Distinctive Style?
Working with Tom was indeed a challenge due to his unique artistic style. We had discussed the possibility of creating an album together, but our geographical separation posed a challenge. I sent him several song ideas, and he reciprocated with his own selections. Our collaboration came together with the help of our wives, who organized the logistics. Although we faced setbacks with the original band members, my wife encouraged me to connect with Tom over coffee to discuss our plans. I assured him that whatever we come up with would be worthwhile. We began with the song “2:19,” and it was a perfect start. The next day, Tom brought in more of his compositions, and we dived into the recording process, resulting in something truly special.

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