Alexis Korner was a pioneering musician in the world of British blues, R&B, and rock and roll. His multicultural upbringing laid the foundation for his eclectic musical taste and his profound understanding of various genres and styles. Born in Paris in 1928, he moved to London as a teenager where he first listened to Jimmy Yancey’s “Slow and Easy Blues,” a song that had an immediate and powerful emotional impact on him, resulting in his desire to devote his total self to music. In 1947, he began broadcasting on the British Forces Network from Hamburg where he listened to artists like Lead Belly and purchased his first guitar, and upon his return to London he became an active performer.

In the early 1950s, Korner joined several skiffle groups, performing a mixture of folk songs and new material along with musicians like Cyril Davies and Lonnie Donnegan. In the mid 1950s, he was at the forefront of the British blues scene, introducing audiences to the raw, emotive power of American blues. Korner and Davies formed Blues Incorporated and started a residency at both the Ealing Club and the Marquee Club. These shows became the place to be, with Korner helping to shape the sound of the burgeoning British rock scene and serving as a mentor and guide to future rock legends including Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, Ginger Baker, and Jack Bruce. As Keith Richards said, “Without Alexis Korner there would have been no Rolling Stones.” The 1961 Blues Incorporated album, R&B from the Marquee, is considered one of the first British blues recordings, establishing the genre’s presence in the UK, and learning Korner the moniker, “the founding father of British blues.”

Korner was also a prolific recording artist, releasing a series of influential solo albums and recording with several bands including C.C.S. and Rocket 88. As a passionate advocate for racial equality, he used his platform to promote racial integration. Although he may not have achieved the commercial success of his protégés, he had a major impact on rock & roll through his pioneering spirit, innovative approach to blending musical styles, and unwavering commitment to fostering talent. Alexis Korner was the rare combination of a musician, a critic, a broadcaster, a promoter, and a musical mentor.

Ken Colyer’s Skiffle Group, “The Midnight Special,” “Casey Jones,” Back to the Delta (1954) • Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated, R&B From the Marquee (1962) • Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated, Red Hot from Alex (1964) • Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated, “Long Black Train,” Sky High (1965) • C.C.S., “Boom Boom,” “Whole Lotta Love,” C.C.S. (1970) • C.C.S., “Brother,” C.C.S. 2 (1972) • Alexis Korner & Peter Thorup with Snape, Accidentally Born in New Orleans (1972) • Rocket 88, Rocket 88 (1981)