Father's Day Blues with The Roger "Hurricane" Wilson Trio · Blue Velvet

Guitarist and songwriter Roger “Hurricane” Wilson was born on July 27, 1953, in Newark, New Jersey, and moved with his family to a small town on the Jersey shore a year later, where he was influenced by the music of Elvis and Tennessee Ernie Ford before Hurricane Donna devastated the town in 1960. His musical journey began at age nine with guitar lessons, though his passion for exploring chords often clashed with structured instruction, and he later dabbled in trumpet and drums, even saving a school parade by stepping in as a drummer. In 1964, watching The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show changed everything, reinforcing his love for guitar, and he soon played in garage bands inspired by The Kinks, The Yardbirds, and The Animals. After moving to Atlanta for high school, he became immersed in soul and blues, drawn to Otis Redding, B.B. King, and later, the Allman Brothers, whose music—especially Duane Allman’s slide guitar—deeply influenced him. Determined to master the guitar, he founded The Roger Wilson Guitar Studio in Georgia, teaching students what they wanted to learn and later forming The Roger Wilson Band in 1978, opening for acts like Albert Collins and 38 Special before transitioning to a three-piece group, Roger Wilson & The Low Overhead Band. His powerful performances earned him the stage name “Hurricane” in the early ‘90s, and since then, he has played with legends like B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Les Paul, who once praised him as a great blues guitarist. His first album, Hurricane Blues, released in 1994, received airplay worldwide, followed by a series of successful albums, leading him to establish Bluestorm Records in 1997. Over the years, he has continued recording, touring, and producing radio shows, adapting to the digital era with online performances and maintaining an enduring presence in the blues music scene.

Blue Velvet Atlanta is a dynamic blues band known for delivering soulful performances that blend classic blues, rock, and a touch of jazz. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the band captivates audiences with powerful vocals, electrifying guitar solos, and a tight rhythm section. Whether playing smoky barroom ballads or high-energy blues rock, Blue Velvet Atlanta brings passion and authenticity to every stage, keeping the spirit of the blues alive.

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