Blues Icon Buddy Guy Reflects on His Involvement in ‘Sinners,’ Collaborations with Jimi Hendrix, and Preserving the Blues Genre

At 89 years old, blues legend Buddy Guy has experienced a lifetime full of remarkable moments. While he hasnt faced literal vampires like the ones in Ryan Cooglers acclaimed film Sinners, he has shared the stage with near-mythical figures in music history.

When asked about performing with Jimi Hendrix, Guy corrected the assumption with a grin: He was playing with me! His humor is genuine, but so is his place in music history. As a foundational figure in American blues, Guy performed alongside Muddy Waters, Otis Rush, B.B. King, and Little Walter. Though younger than these legends, his powerful, experimental approach influenced the wave of blues-rock musicians in the 1960s, including the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton.

Clapton, reflecting on Guys 1966 London performance, said, His technique was incredibleplaying with teeth, behind his head, using every trick. But beyond the showmanship, it was his heartfelt blues that left a mark. In 2005, Clapton acknowledged Guys enduring influence while inducting him into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside B.B. King.

Buddy Guy continues to champion the blues, touring regularly, performing at his Chicago club, and releasing albums like Aint Done With the Blues, which could bring him another Grammy. A Louisiana native, he has chronicled his journey in his 2012 autobiography When I Left Home. Recently, he was honored with the first-ever Living Legend / Iconic Collaboration in Film Award at the Hitmakers event.

Speaking from his Chicago home, Guy joked about aging: At this age, Im like an old carscrews and bolts start rattling. He noticed a surge of younger fans attending shows following Sinners, with one woman recognizing him at a grocery store: Are you the man I saw in that movie? she asked. I said, I guess so!

Director Ryan Coogler approached Guy about the film after visiting his club. Guy agreed immediately, motivated by his promise to fellow blues greats to keep the music alive. Reflecting on the long hours on set, he remarked, I didnt work this hard on the farm, referencing his childhood as a cotton picker in Louisiana.

Despite his deep roots in blues tradition, Guys style is innovative and intense. He credits his development to listening to Muddy Waters, Little Walter, and Sonny Boy Williamson. Recalling Hendrix, he said he initially didnt know who Hendrix was until they met in New York. Hendrix admired Guys playing and even asked to learn from him, leading to memorable jam sessions.

Guy hopes Sinners introduces a new generation to the blues. Young people are coming up to me now, saying they saw me in the movie, he said. The blues is the history of musicit predates rock, hip-hop, everything else. Back then, you played for a drink, maybe won a woman, and woke up with a hangover. Thats the real blues.

Commentary: Buddy Guy's Enduring Influence on Blues and Beyond

As I reflect on Buddy Guy's remarkable career, it becomes clear that his impact extends far beyond his legendary performances. At 89, Guy remains a central figure in American blues, bridging the gap between the pioneers like Muddy Waters and the modern generation discovering the genre through media such as Ryan Coogler's Sinners.

Guy's humor and humility reveal a man who has seen it all but continues to innovate. Sharing the stage with Jimi Hendrix, inspiring Eric Clapton, and influencing the Rolling Stones demonstrates not only his technical mastery but his role as a catalyst for the blues-rock movement of the 1960s. His performances—teeth, behind the head, and all—were more than showmanship; they conveyed the emotional depth of the blues.

Today, Buddy Guy continues to tour, perform at his Chicago club, and release albums like Ain't Done With the Blues, proving that age has not diminished his passion. His collaboration in film and recognition at the Hitmakers event underscore his relevance to younger audiences. In my view, Guy's legacy is a living bridge connecting blues history to its future, ensuring the genre remains vibrant and influential for generations to come.

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• Blues Legend Buddy Guy on His Role in ‘Sinners,’ Playing With Jimi Hendrix, and Keeping the Blues Alive