Rory Block
Rory Block (born as 'Aurora Block', November 6, 1949) is an American female blues guitarist and singer, a notable exponent of the country blues style.
Rory Block was born in Princeton, New Jersey and grew up in Manhattan. Her father, Allan Block, ran a sandal shop in Greenwich Village in the 1960s, and the constant presence of members of the Greenwich Village folk music scene made an impression on the young girl, who studied classical guitar. Around age 14, she began to be fascinated by old Mississippi Delta blues, listening to old albums, transcribing them, and learning to play the songs. At age 15, she left home to seek out the remaining blues giants, such as Mississippi John Hurt, Reverend Gary Davis and Son House, and hone her craft in the traditional manner of blues musicians; then she moved to California where she played in clubs and coffeehouses.
After retiring temporarily to raise a family, Block returned to the music business in the 1970s with middling success until signing with Rounder Records in 1981, who encouraged her to return to her love for the classical blues form. Since then she has carved out her own niche, releasing numerous critically acclaimed albums of original and traditional songs, including many Robert Johnson covers. Block has won four W. C. Handy Awards, two for "Traditional Blues Female Artist" (1997, 1998), and two for "Acoustic Blues Album of the Year" (1996, 1999).
Discography
- 1965 How to Play Blues Guitar, Elektra (artist credited as "Sunshine Kate")
- 1975 , RCA Victor 0733
- 1976 Rory Block (I'm in Love), Blue Goose Records 2022
- 1977 Intoxication, So Bitter Sweet, Chrysalis 1157
- 1979 You're the One, Chrysalis 1233
- 1978 How to Play the Blues Guitar, Kicking Mule 109
- 1982 , Rounder 3061
- 1983 Blue Horizon, Rounder 3073
- 1983 Rhinestone & Steel Strings, Rounder 3085
- 1986 I've Got a Rock in My Sock!, Rounder 3097
- 1987 Best Blues and Originals, Rounder 11525
- 1987 House of Hearts, Rounder 3104
- 1991 (live), Rounder 3117
- 1992 , Rounder 3120
- 1994 Angel of Mercy, Rounder 3126
- 1995 , Rounder 3139 (1996 Acoustic Blues Album of the Year)
- 1995 Turning Point, Munich 145
- 1996 Tornado, Rounder 3140
- 1997 Gone Woman Blues: The Country Blues Collection, Rounder 11575
- 1997 The Early Tapes 1975-1976, Alcazar
- 1998 , Rounder 3154 (1999 Acoustic Blues Album of the Year)
- 2002 I'm Every Woman, Rounder 3174
- 2002 (live?), Rounder
- 2003 , Telarc CD-83593
- 2004 Sisters & Brothers (with Eric Bibb and Maria Muldaur), Telarc CD-83588
- 2005 , Telarc CD-83614
- 2006 The Lady and Mr. Johnson, Rykodisc RCD 10872
External links
- Rory Block official website
- Record label biography
- Illustrated 1964-1987 Rory Block discography (early recordings not shown on official website)
- Illustrated Allan Block discography (Rory's father)