The Creation

The American Folk Blues Festival was not a traditional group but rather a series of iconic European tours held from 1962 to 1972, with occasional editions in later years. Designed to showcase the greatest American blues artists to an amazed European audience, the festival played a crucial role in the global expansion of blues and its influence on popular music.

The festival was born from the passion of two Germans, Horst Lippmann and Fritz Rau, concert producers and promoters. Fascinated by blues, they wanted to bring this authentically American style to Europe, where it was still relatively unknown. Their goal was to provide a platform for African American musicians, often overlooked in their own country, while introducing European audiences to the cultural and musical richness of blues.

The Tours

The first edition in 1962 was a resounding success, featuring legends such as Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, John Lee Hooker, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, and T-Bone Walker. The concerts combined electric and acoustic performances, illustrating the diversity of blues, from its rural roots to modern urban sounds.

Each year, the tours visited several major European cities, including Paris, London, Berlin, and Stockholm. These live performances were often filmed and broadcast on television, helping to immortalize rare and precious moments of blues history. These recordings have since become invaluable historical documents, capturing a musical movement at its peak.

The Influence

The festival helped inspire an entire generation of European musicians. Bands such as The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, and The Animals all acknowledged the impact of the American Folk Blues Festival on their music. These artists were deeply influenced by the blues masters they discovered through these tours.

The American Folk Blues Festival also held social significance, shining a spotlight on African American artists at a time when civil rights were a burning issue in the United States. In Europe, these musicians were met with respect and admiration, often in stark contrast to their experiences at home.

After ending in 1972, the festival saw occasional revivals during the 1980s and 1990s, but it remains primarily a symbol of the golden age of blues.

The Legacy

The festival left a lasting mark not only on the European music scene but also on the global perception and recognition of blues. Today, the filmed and recorded archives of the festival are cherished by blues enthusiasts and continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans.