Received Bob Lefsetz' mailbag e-mail this morning and read the letter (down below) from Terry Ellis, co-founder of Chrysalis Records and a producer tied to way too many great records to name including my favorite Jethro Tull album titled Aqualung. Terry wrote to Bob about Alvin Lee who just passed away recently. He referenced Alvin with Ten Years After at Woodstock. Had to revisit this excellent take. Enjoy!
Ten Years After - I'm Going Home at Woodstock on August 17th 1969
Band members: Alvin Lee -- guitar, vocals, Leo Lyons -- bass, Ric Lee -- drums, Chick Churchill -- organ
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From: Terry Ellis
To: Bob Lefsetz
Subject: Alvin Lee
Bob,
When Alvin Lee walked on the stage of a small UK blues club in 1967 in his trademark clogs, blonde locks and dramatic good looks and began to play that red Gibson with the peace symbol sticker, fingers flying across the frets, you just knew you were in the presence of a star.
Ultimately millions agreed as Ten Years After stole the show at the UK's Sunbury Jazz and Blues Festival in 1968 and later, as, for many, Alvin became the face of Woodstock after the movie was released in 1970.
Alvin was a warm man, with a ready smile and an easy sense of humor to go with those flying fingers.
As an aspiring musician in England, Alvin entrusted his life and career to two recent University graduates, still wet behind the ears! In doing so, Alvin helped put in place the first building block of a business which became known as Chrysalis.
Chris Wright and I will always be grateful.
Alvin left us far too early and we will miss him,
Terry
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