Joe Beard Guitarist Country: USA

1. Early Life and Influences
2. Education and Musical Formation
3. Transition to Blues
4. Recognition and Collaborations
5. Influences and Collaborations

Early Life and Influences

Joe Beard was born and raised in Ashland, Mississippi. As a teenager in the 1940s, he began playing guitar with Matt Murphy and his brother Lloyd, but music was not yet his main focus. After mastering the bass guitar, he ventured into R&B, playing with Johnny Allison, the soul musician who wrote the classic song "Some Kind of Wonderful." Beard then turned his attention to classical guitar, studying the greats like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters.

Education and Musical Formation

Beard eventually moved to Rochester, New York, where he continued his musical education at the "Son House." This experience not only honed his skills but also immersed him in the history of blues, including the lives of legends like Willie Brown, Charley Patton, and, of course, Robert Johnson.

Transition to Blues

When Johnny Allison formed his group "Soul Brothers Six," Beard branched out on his own, leaving R&B behind for the blues. He played regularly at venues like "The K&T Tavern," "Ruth 'N Irv's," and "Lopez Steak House." The influence of this era is evident on his album "For Real," which features his renditions of Lightnin' Hopkins' "Airplane Blues" and John Lee Hooker's "Dirty Groundhog." The album also includes Beard's own compositions "See See Rider" and "The Things I Used to Do," showcasing his versatility.

Recognition and Collaborations

Beard's album "For Real" was recorded with the help of fellow musicians Jerry Portnoy, Duke Robillard, and Ronnie Earl. He would go on to collaborate with Earl and his group "the Broadcasters" on the 1996 album "Blues Union." By this time, Beard had established a solid reputation as a master bluesman.

Influences and Collaborations

Throughout his career, Beard cited Jimmy Reed and B.B. King as major influences. He played alongside many legendary musicians, including Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, and James Cotton. In his touring years, he often shared the stage with Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, and Lafayette Leake.