His name is synonymous with Chicago blues and on Sunday evening Buddy Guy will be honored with a lifetime achievement award at the 57th annual Grammy Awards.
On stage he’s a force to be reckoned with, having received countless awards and honors – including six Grammys – but off-stage he’s quite the humble guy, and was “shocked” when he heard the recording academy would be presenting him with the prestigious award.
“I said, ‘Why me? There are so many other great people,’” Guy told NBC Chicago. “[But the academy] said, ‘You have earned it,’ [so I said], ‘Thank you very much. I will be there with bells on!’”
While Buddy Guy is not one to brag about his accomplishments, there is no denying he is one of the most recognizable bluesmen in Chicago, and is still actively playing.
“He's one of the few survivors and one of the few that actually ended up on top of the game,” said three-time Grammy nominee and Chicago blues harmonica player Billy Branch.
In 1989 after years of recording and touring the world Buddy Guy opened his own South Loop blues club: Buddy Guy's Legends.
Guy constantly mentors young musicians in an effort to do whatever it takes to keep the blues alive.
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Preparing to go overseas on tour and with a new album coming out this summer, it’s safe to say Guy has no plans to retire anytime soon.
