Blues From Alligator Records

Legendary Chicago-based, independent blues label Alligator Records offers free mp3 selections on the their website to showcase some of their artists. Our music library would be poorer without Alligator Records. We recommed their collections, too. In fact, 22 years later, their 1991 anniversary compilation is still in regular play here.

The label was founded by Bruce Iglauer in 1971. He was also one of the founders of Living Blues magazine. Iglauer began the label to put out a record by his favorite band, Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers, just four years before Hound Dog passed away. Delmark Records, where Iglauer worked, was not interested in the project, so he funded and produced the record himself.

Within the year, Iglauer left Delmark and concentrated on Alligator Records. We all reap the benefits of that decision, because the label has recorded the best in blues. Some of their artists include Big Walter Horton, Koko Taylor, Clifton Chenier, Marcia Ball, Albert Collins, Johnny Copeland, Lonnie Brooks, Lil' Ed and The Blues Imperials, Eddy Clearwater, Sam Lay, Smokin' Joe Kubek, Roomful of Blues, Eric Lindell, JJ Grey and MOFRO, Lee Rocker, Cephas and Wiggins, Michael Burks, Charlie Musselwhite, James Cotton, Tinsley Ellis, and Robert Cray to name just a few!

Check out the Alligator Records website to see what tasty freebies are being shared now, and invest in some releases to keep this treasure of a label alive.

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