Brian Setzer
Brian Setzer: The Rockabilly Revivalist
Brian Setzer, the iconic guitarist and frontman of the Stray Cats, has left an enduring mark on the music industry. His infectious blend of rockabilly, swing, and rock and roll has captivated audiences for decades.
Early Life and Influences
Born in 1959 in Long Island, New York, Setzer developed a passion for music at a young age. He began playing guitar at the age of 12, inspired by the likes of Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, and Carl Perkins.
The Stray Cats
In the early 1980s, Setzer formed the Stray Cats with bassist Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom. The trio's infectious energy and authentic rockabilly sound quickly gained them a cult following. Their debut album, "Stray Cats," was a commercial success and spawned the hit single "Runaway Boys."
Challenges and Controversies
Despite their initial success, the Stray Cats faced challenges as the popularity of rockabilly waned in the mid-1980s. However, Setzer remained committed to his musical vision and continued to push the boundaries of the genre.
In 2014, Setzer and the Stray Cats were embroiled in a legal dispute with their former manager, who claimed ownership of their master recordings. The case was eventually settled out of court.
Solo Career and Versatility
After the Stray Cats disbanded in 1993, Setzer embarked on a successful solo career. He explored a wide range of musical styles, from swing to rock and roll, and collaborated with artists such as James Brown, John Fogerty, and Eddie Van Halen.
Setzer's solo album, "The Dirty Boogie," won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album in 1999. He also gained recognition for his work with the Brian Setzer Orchestra, a 19-piece swing band that has released several critically acclaimed albums.
Discography
* Stray Cats: "Stray Cats" (1981), "Built for Speed" (1982), "Rant n' Rave with the Stray Cats" (1983), "Rock Therapy" (1986)
* Brian Setzer: "The Brian Setzer Orchestra" (1994), "The Dirty Boogie" (1998), "Vavoom!" (2000), "Nitro Burnin' Funnydaddy" (2003), "Wolfgang's Big Night Out" (2005)
* Brian Setzer Orchestra: "Christmas Extravaganza" (1998), "Boogie Woogie Christmas" (2002), "Gotta Have the Swing!" (2004), "Ring-a-Ding Ding!" (2009)
Members
* Brian Setzer: guitar, vocals
* Stray Cats:
* Lee Rocker: bass, vocals
* Slim Jim Phantom: drums, vocals
* Brian Setzer Orchestra:
* John Shanks: guitar
* Bruce Sugar: tenor saxophone
* Joey D'Marco: trumpet
* Bob Sheppard: saxophone
* Jim Pugh: trombone
* Anthony Jackson: bass
* Brian Doherty: drums
Brian Setzer, the iconic guitarist and frontman of the Stray Cats, has left an enduring mark on the music industry. His infectious blend of rockabilly, swing, and rock and roll has captivated audiences for decades.
Early Life and Influences
Born in 1959 in Long Island, New York, Setzer developed a passion for music at a young age. He began playing guitar at the age of 12, inspired by the likes of Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, and Carl Perkins.
The Stray Cats
In the early 1980s, Setzer formed the Stray Cats with bassist Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom. The trio's infectious energy and authentic rockabilly sound quickly gained them a cult following. Their debut album, "Stray Cats," was a commercial success and spawned the hit single "Runaway Boys."
Challenges and Controversies
Despite their initial success, the Stray Cats faced challenges as the popularity of rockabilly waned in the mid-1980s. However, Setzer remained committed to his musical vision and continued to push the boundaries of the genre.
In 2014, Setzer and the Stray Cats were embroiled in a legal dispute with their former manager, who claimed ownership of their master recordings. The case was eventually settled out of court.
Solo Career and Versatility
After the Stray Cats disbanded in 1993, Setzer embarked on a successful solo career. He explored a wide range of musical styles, from swing to rock and roll, and collaborated with artists such as James Brown, John Fogerty, and Eddie Van Halen.
Setzer's solo album, "The Dirty Boogie," won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album in 1999. He also gained recognition for his work with the Brian Setzer Orchestra, a 19-piece swing band that has released several critically acclaimed albums.
Discography
* Stray Cats: "Stray Cats" (1981), "Built for Speed" (1982), "Rant n' Rave with the Stray Cats" (1983), "Rock Therapy" (1986)
* Brian Setzer: "The Brian Setzer Orchestra" (1994), "The Dirty Boogie" (1998), "Vavoom!" (2000), "Nitro Burnin' Funnydaddy" (2003), "Wolfgang's Big Night Out" (2005)
* Brian Setzer Orchestra: "Christmas Extravaganza" (1998), "Boogie Woogie Christmas" (2002), "Gotta Have the Swing!" (2004), "Ring-a-Ding Ding!" (2009)
Members
* Brian Setzer: guitar, vocals
* Stray Cats:
* Lee Rocker: bass, vocals
* Slim Jim Phantom: drums, vocals
* Brian Setzer Orchestra:
* John Shanks: guitar
* Bruce Sugar: tenor saxophone
* Joey D'Marco: trumpet
* Bob Sheppard: saxophone
* Jim Pugh: trombone
* Anthony Jackson: bass
* Brian Doherty: drums