Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio

Before launching his successful solo career, Elvin Bishop became one of blues rock’s first big stars as a member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, wowing audiences with his rowdy guitar theatrics. An inductee into both the Rock & Roll and Blues Halls of Fame, Bishop was deeply influenced by the African American artists that he heard on the radio as a child. After moving to Chicago for college, Bishop got the opportunity to meet and learn from some of his heroes, including Howlin’ Wolf’s guitarist Smokey Smothers. By the mid-60s, he had fashioned himself into one of the most celebrated guitarists around, eventually pursuing a solo career in 1968. His single “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” became a Top Ten hit and cemented his position as one of the 70s best guitarists. For the next several decades, Bishop continued to release his witty, slice-of-life songs and toured the world alongside fellow blues legends like B.B. King and Charlie Musselwhite. Late in 2015, Elvin Bishop formed The Big Fun Trio with his friends Bob Welsh on piano and guitar and Willy Jordan on cajón and vocals. After a nearly 60 years career, the veteran guitarist is still having a helluva good time.