A.C. Reed’s expressive tenor saxophone supported the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, Albert Collins and Buddy Guy. His gruff and tough blues vocals were showcased on his best-selling album for Alligator Records, “I’m In The Wrong Business,” that features guest appearances by long-time fans Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Ray Vaughn.
Born Aaron Corthen in Wardell, Missouri in 1926, A.C. was immediately attracted to music. “I’ve been around music all my life,” he said. “I had one brother who made himself a bass out of a wash tub, and another brother who played the piano.”
He became a session musician and sideman for many acts until he pursued a solo career in the late 1980s.
For A.C., though, neither bass nor piano would do. He had his heart set on playing the saxophone. Realizing that rural southeast Missouri offered limited opportunities, A.C. arrived in Chicago in 1942 at age 16. He quickly found work at a steel mill, and bought a saxophone at a pawnshop with his first paycheck.
A master songwriter and blues humorist, Reed’s wry commentary on life in the music business, a trademark of both his witty original lyrics and comical stage persona, delighted audiences worldwide.
A.C. was revered as top blues man, earning the 1998 Most Outstanding Blues Horn Player pick from the readers and critics of Living Blues.
A.C.’s traveling band, the Sparkplugs, a six-piece unit featuring a female vocalist, were revered for their passionate guitar solos and powerful dance grooves.
A.C. Reed died on February 24, 2004
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
