The Fabulous Thunderbirds

January Blues Festival presents
THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS
+ support: LAURA EVANS

For over 30 years, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been the quintessential American Blues band. The group’s distinctive and powerful sound manifested itself into a unique musical hybrid via such barnburners as 'Tuff Enuff' and 'Wrap It Up'. Co-founder Kim Wilson, the sole original member, still spearheads the group.

Muddy Waters called Kim Wilson his favorite harmonica player and vocalist. “Muddy Waters was very good to me,” Wilson says. “He almost adopted me. I’ll never forget him.”

Kim Wilson was influenced by Little Walter, George “Harmonica” Smith, Lazy Lester and James Cotton, Bobby “Blue” Bland, B.B. King, Otis Rush, Jimmy Rodgers, and Muddy Waters. Jimmie Vaughan & Kim Wilson founded the Fabulous Thunderbirds in 1974.

In 1979, The Fabulous Thunderbirds released their first self-titled album. Primarily blues influenced, it became a cult classic. In subsequent releases, the band started to incorporate more Cajun, rock ‘n roll and soul influences. The album 'T-Bird Rhythm' was produced by Nick Lowe. In 1986, The Fabulous Thunderbirds reached a commercial peak with the album, 'Tuff Enuff'. The single of the same title as well as the singles 'Wrap It Up' and 'Look At That', all went top 40.

For the remainder of the ’80s, the band continued to record and tour, and released the album, 'Powerful Stuff'. Jimmie Vaughn left in 1989 but Kim Wilson kept the group going, incorporating keyboards into the guitar-driven sound. 

• Kim Wilson – lead vocals, harmonica
• Johnny Moeller – guitar 
• Bob Welsh – piano / guitar
• Rudy Albin – drums 
• Steve Kirsty – bass 

An AGMP Concerts presentation.