Without Alexis Korner there may not have been a Blues or R & B boom in the early 1960’s in the UK. His efforts resulted in introducing a whole generation to the Blues , R and B and Soul. Alexis was part of Blues Incorporated with Cyril Davis the legendary harmonica player. They had both been musicians with the Chris Barber band. Alexis introduced Mick Jagger to Eric Burdon and they sang together at one of Alexis’ London gigs.
Members of his band read like a who’s who of rock music, many going on to become world famous musicians in their own right. Howlin Wolf stayed at his house during his first UK tour. His lead singer at many appearances at the Twisted Wheel was Herbie Goins, a big Motown and James Brown fan. Alexis used to stay with John Mayall in Cheetham Hill when appearing in Manchester where for quite a long time his band was the anchor regular attraction. At one point he used to appear during the week on his own, playing guitar. He could be seen for the princely sum of 2/6 (15p in today’s money).