Alan Wilson was a talented musician, singer, songwriter, and co-founder of the blues-rock band Canned Heat. He was also one of the members of the infamous 27 Club, a group of artists who died at the age of 27. But what was the cause of his death, and what led him to his tragic fate? In this article, we will explore the life and death of Alan Wilson, also known as the Blind Owl.
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Early Life and Musical Influences
Alan Wilson was born on July 4, 1943, in Arlington, Massachusetts. He was a bright and gifted child, but also shy and introverted. He suffered from bullying at school and had a low self-esteem. He found solace in music, especially jazz and blues. He taught himself to play the trombone, the harmonica, and the guitar. He was influenced by blues legends like Muddy Waters, Son House, Robert Johnson, and Skip James. He also developed a keen interest in nature and ecology, and became an avid birdwatcher.
Wilson attended Boston University, where he majored in music. He also wrote articles and reviews for various publications, showcasing his knowledge and passion for blues. He became friends with John Fahey, a fellow musician and blues enthusiast. Fahey introduced Wilson to his idol, Skip James, who was recovering from cancer in a hospital. Wilson helped James to revive his career by arranging gigs and recordings for him. Wilson also learned James’ unique style of guitar playing and singing, which would later influence his own music.
Canned Heat and Fame
In 1965, Wilson moved to Los Angeles, where he met Bob Hite, a blues collector and singer. They formed Canned Heat, a band dedicated to playing authentic blues and boogie music. Wilson was the lead guitarist, harmonica player, and co-vocalist of the band. He also wrote most of the original songs for the band, such as On the Road Again, Going Up the Country, and My Time Ain’t Long. He earned the nickname Blind Owl, because of his poor eyesight and his resemblance to a horned owl.
Canned Heat became one of the most popular bands of the late 1960s, thanks to their energetic live performances and their appearance at major festivals like Monterey Pop and Woodstock. They also collaborated with some of their blues heroes, like John Lee Hooker and Sunnyland Slim. Wilson was admired by his peers and fans for his musical skills and his devotion to blues. He was also known for his gentle and humble personality, and his concern for the environment.
Depression and Death
Despite his success and fame, Wilson was unhappy and troubled. He suffered from depression, insomnia, and anxiety. He also had a drug problem, mainly with barbiturates and LSD. He attempted suicide twice, once by driving his car off a freeway, and another time by slashing his wrists. He was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and was prescribed lithium, which he refused to take.
On September 3, 1970, Wilson was found dead in a sleeping bag near Bob Hite’s house in Topanga Canyon, California. He had overdosed on barbiturates, which he had been taking to sleep. The cause of death was ruled as accidental, but some of his bandmates and friends suspected that he had committed suicide. He was cremated, and his ashes were scattered in Sequoia National Park, where he had spent some of his happiest moments.
Legacy and Influence
Alan Wilson was a remarkable musician, who left behind a rich and diverse body of work. He was one of the pioneers of blues-rock, and one of the first white musicians to play and sing blues with authenticity and respect. He was also a visionary, who foresaw the dangers of environmental degradation and global warming. He was a source of inspiration and admiration for many artists, such as Eric Clapton, John Mayall, Alvin Lee, and Taj Mahal.
Alan Wilson’s death was a great loss for the music world, and for his fans. He was a gentle soul, who had a lot to offer, but was tormented by his own demons. He was a member of the 27 Club, but he was more than a statistic. He was the Blind Owl, who saw the beauty and the pain of life through his music.
