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Roy Buchanan: American Axe

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By Phil Carson

Roy Buchanan was one of the most influential and enigmatic guitarists of all time. His unique blend of blues, rock, and jazz made him a legend among musicians and fans alike. But behind the scenes, Buchanan was a troubled man, battling addiction and personal demons that ultimately led to his untimely death at the age of 48.

Roy Buchanan: American Axe

by Phil Carson

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5340 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages

In Roy Buchanan: American Axe, Phil Carson tells the full story of Buchanan's life and career. This meticulously researched and elegantly written biography draws on interviews with Buchanan's family, friends, and fellow musicians to paint a vivid portrait of a complex and fascinating man.

Carson begins by tracing Buchanan's early years in rural Arkansas. Buchanan was a child prodigy, and by the age of 15 he was playing professionally. He soon moved to Memphis, where he became a fixture on the city's thriving blues scene. In the early 1960s, Buchanan signed with Verve Records and released his debut album, Roy Buchanan. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Buchanan as one of the leading guitarists of his generation.

But Buchanan's career was plagued by personal problems. He struggled with addiction to alcohol and drugs, and he was often difficult to work with. In the late 1960s, Buchanan's career began to decline. He was dropped from Verve Records, and his personal life spiraled out of control. In 1977, Buchanan was found dead in his motel room in Fairfax, Virginia. He was just 48 years old.

Roy Buchanan: American Axe is a tragic but ultimately inspiring story of a gifted musician who struggled to overcome his personal demons. Carson's meticulously researched and elegantly written biography is a must-read for any fan of Roy Buchanan or the history of American music.

Reviews

"Roy Buchanan: American Axe is the definitive biography of one of the most influential and enigmatic guitarists of all time. Phil Carson has done a masterful job of capturing the essence of Buchanan's life and music." - Guitar World

"Carson's writing is clear, concise, and engaging. He has a deep understanding of Buchanan's music and the context in which it was created." - Blues Revue

"Roy Buchanan: American Axe is a must-read for any fan of Roy Buchanan or the history of American music." - All Music Guide