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Alan Gordon Anderson (born July 26, 1947) is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. In the 1960s, Anderson was the frontman of the band the Wildweeds, which had success with the song "No Good To Cry", which he wrote. Between 1971 and the early 1990s, he was the lead guitarist in the rock band NRBQ, also
His songs have been recorded by a diverse mix of nearly 900 artists including The Allman Brothers, Jimmy Buffet, Harry Connick Jr., Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, and many more…
With a change in record labels (from Chess to Vanguard) and a change in musical direction, Al caught the attention of the members of NRBQ. In 1971, Al left Connecticut for New York’s to enroll at the “University of Q” — a 22 year planetary course in all things musical.
- Musical Beginnings
- The Visuals, The Six Packs, The Wildweeds
- Move to New York City, Joining NRBQ
- Debut Solo Album, Have A Good Time For Me, Party Favors
- Leaving NRBQ
- Songwriting Success, Other Solo Albums
- Comments on Hartford’s ‘60s Music Scene
Born July 26, 1947, in Windsor, Connecticut, Anderson’s mother was a piano teacher and he grew up surrounded by music. As a boy, late at night he listened to WWVA out of Wheeling, West Virginia, and devoured an eclectic range of songs – from Hank Williams and Chet Atkins to The Everly Brothers, The Ventures, Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Motown an...
In 1958, the 11-year old Anderson was already playing guitar with a local band, The Visuals, followed by several groups in high school before becoming part of The Six Packs upon graduation. In 1966, that band changed its name to The Wildweeds, with 19-year-old Anderson as lead guitarist and frontman. Success came quickly when “No Good to Cry,” the ...
In 1971, Anderson left Connecticut for New York City to begin his 22-year run as lead guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for roots-rock rebels NRBQ – known as “the world’s greatest bar band” – who’d released two albums since forming in Kentucky in 1965. His passion for R&B, rockabilly and jazz – and country, of course – suited the group perfectly. ...
In 1972, still owing Vanguard an album under The Wildweeds’ contract, Anderson recorded his self-titled solo debut which featured two of his NRBQ bandmates, vocalist keyboardist Terry Adams and drummer Tom Staley, plus Wildweeds’ bassist Al Lepak. In 1973, Anderson contributed his sweet-as-honey-pie licks to two songs on Jonathan Edwards‘ album Hav...
Anderson has cited that success and signing with music publisher Pat Daniel McMurry in 1993 as the turning points that prompted him to leave NRBQ that same year. He quit drinking, became one of the most prolific writers in Nashville and, now 30 years later, has a list of hit songs that approaches the length of a local phone book. “I went from three...
A who’s who of major country acts have topped the charts with songs that Anderson has either written or co-written, including Tim McGraw, whose 2001 version of “The Cowboy in Me” reached #1 in the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and #33 in the Billboard Hot 100. Among the extensive list of other artists who’ve benefited from Anderson’s talents ...
Reflecting on his five-plus decades in the music business, Anderson says his “real education” as a teenager in Connecticut was going to the clubs in the north end of Hartford. “There was a camaraderie, a brotherhood, among all the musicians, black or white it didn’t matter,” he recalls. “If the music was good, you were in.” And that straightforward...
by Dan MacIntosh. Al Anderson is most famous for his role as singer/songwriter/guitarist for NRBQ (New Rhythm and Blues Quartet). Don't let the band's name fool you - they incorporate rock, pop, jazz and Tin Pan Alley elements into their multifaceted stew.
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Some of the members in the band's long history are singer, writer and bassist Joey Spampinato, guitarists Al Anderson and Johnny Spampinato; drummers Tom Staley and Tom Ardolino; and vocalist Frank Gadler. History.
Former NRBQ guitarist and vocalist who has penned numerous country hits and released roots rock solo albums. Read Full Biography. STREAM OR BUY: Active. 1960s - 2020s. Born. July 26, 1947 in Windsor, CT. Genre. Pop/Rock, Country. Styles. Bar Band, Country-Rock, Retro-Rock, Roots Rock. Also Known As. Albert Anderson. Member Of. NRBQ, The Wildweeds.
