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Bad News Is Coming

It's a rare occurrence to find heavy Chicago blues on Motown's roster. Berry Gordy signed Allison, trying to capture the burgeoning blues-rock market. Allison cut his teeth on Chicago's West Side, heavily influenced by...

Recorded1972, Detroit, Michigan
LabelGordy / Motown
Show PlacementShow 7 (track order 27)

It's a rare occurrence to find heavy Chicago blues on Motown's roster. Berry Gordy signed Allison, trying to capture the burgeoning blues-rock market. Allison cut his teeth on Chicago's West Side, heavily influenced by Freddie King and Magic Sam. This slow, agonizing minor-key blues showcases his blistering, sustain-heavy guitar tone and a desperate, soul-drenched vocal performance. Though the record didn't turn him into a Motown superstar, it captured the fiery, extended-solo style that defined the West Side Chicago sound of the late 60s and 70s.