Life & Mysterious Death at 27. Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson of Canned Heat.

[@goldiewilson4mayor613]

Just finished the purchase of 30 acres of Redwoods groves in Wilder Ranch across the Monterey Bay in Alans name. I figured why not close to the beginning for an end. We run a non profit that grants college educations in Alans name for students to study blues or ecology. We are also in the process of purchasing Bob Hites Topanga canyon property and having the building removed to allow nature to reclaim the property as a living memorial to Alan.

[@RockessentialTim]

That is fantastic! I think Alan well might have been prouder of that than anything else in his life. In researching to make the video I grew to really respect his ecological endeavors. Its a shame that he didn't get to see some of the great strides that folks like you have made in stewarding our environment for the generations yet to come. Thanks for letting us know!

[@RockessentialTim]

One of the real joys of having a YT channel is getting to feature an artist I love who for whatever reason might not have gotten their proper due. IMO Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson is one of those guys. Enjoy!

[@revvyhevvy]

Could I just feature myself, cuz I got a lot to say about most anything I come across.... Or, it could be the nonsensical ramblings of RP McMurphy!!!

[@waynesilverman3048]

13 floor elevators wouldve been like that until psych and music press made that different as it was The greatful dead who always got mentioned when it was elevators who was the first psych band only by 2 weeks but over soaked the experience live and on rec

[@railroadbill5879]

Thank You for putting Blind Owl story out for the world. Canned Heat was Awesome

[@RockessentialTim]

Loved making this one. Thanks!

[@rodrigodiaz2313]

❤❤❤

[@ranchotexino4929]

You hit a home run with this one Tim! Poor Alan was a tormented soul indeed, you can hear his life story with every haunted note he played and sang. I never listen to Alan's songs around other people. It's just me, the night sky, still green water and the blues.

[@RockessentialTim]

Funny that I never thought of that but its true. He was so weirdly personal with his playing. It was done without filters or fear.

[@jonprosise7162]

@@RockessentialTim jamming blues maybe was the only time he wasn’t scared and actually felt comfortable

[@jamesmathews1841]

One of the best blues bands ever, period!! Thank you for this great video

[@RockessentialTim]

Rock on!

[@richardcarellano]

Excellent video on a true artist who rarely gets his due. Thank you.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks much. I play a little bluesharp and I've always thought Wilson was criminally underrated!

[@brianmarcus6005]

That record store that Alan met Bob was Rancho Music my father owned. Worked with him until Canned Heat got signed. Great memories.

[@RockessentialTim]

That is incredible! Where exactly was the store?

[@brianmarcus6005]

@@RockessentialTim Westwood Bl near Pico Bl. Many stories like Beach Boys playing in the parking lot when they were starting out to knowing Benjamin Hill John Lennons driver when in L.A. and meeting John and Yoko and Ringo after they had dinner at Mateos Reasturant up the St.

[@RockessentialTim]

I remember Mateos! Sinatra was a regular there if I'm not mistaken. Do you recall Alan Wilson ever being in the store?

[@brianmarcus6005]

@@RockessentialTim I never saw him in the store but new the band and saw them for the first time play at Topanga Corral. Spent many hours listening to Bob's collection of records. He had record shelfs from floor to ceiling and a ladder to get to them.

[@JamesDeWeaver]

@@brianmarcus6005 That’s tremendous! ✅️

[@stevem5685]

You are just dripping with LA rock history :) Thanks for another great video.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks, Steve.

[@stephenbarthel6465]

Thank you for making this video. My Aunt Donna married Richard Hite, who played bass in Canned Heat (in the back end of their career) and was the biological brother to frontman Bob Hite. Richard came into my family back in the earlier 2000's when he met my Aunt, and he was such a wonderful man. Unfortunately, both my Aunt and Richard have since passed, however, I still have many Canned Heat promotional material and merch to this day. Richard had inherited most of Bob's record collection when he passed, and then kept adding to it, to the tune of 30,000+ vinyls when he married my Aunt in the early mid 2000's. He was an avid collector of many things. I'm so blessed and grateful to have had him be a part of my family. Cheers!

[@RockessentialTim]

That is absolutely amazing and I'm so glad that you commented. Obviously Bob was known for his collection, he was somewhat famous for it even before Canned Heat ever existed and I'm sure many folks have wondered what became of their records. It sounds like their legacy is in good hands and again, I'm happy that you commented. Take care my friend!

[@philipbarton2634]

Thank you. Canned Heat was an incredible band and Alan Wilson was, as you say, incomparable. We all truly appreciate your efforts to keep this amazing part of American culture and history alive. FYI my Gen Z daughter and a group of her friends love canned heat and spin their records to this day. Thank god for the vinyl albums they left behind.

[@RockessentialTim]

My Gen Z grand daughter actually has a record player too and her favorite is Ziggy Stardust. Its so cool these records are making a comeback. Much to my everlasting shame if I want to hear Canned Heat I have to ask Siri to play it!

[@philiprife5556]

This is a kind, respectful, and informative look back on an interesting person. Thanks for posting it.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks. Loved making this one.

[@MrPhotodoc]

Thanks for dropping this one of Canned Heat. One of my favorites and right up there with The Turtles and The Doors but decidedly much heavier in the Blues.

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on. I LOVED making this vid. Blind Owl is my fave bluesharp player EVER!

[@brettlowden1788]

It was neat that you let us see the place where he passed away. Always wondered what it looked like. Sad. Great musician who played from the heart.

[@raycope2086]

Thank you for such a warm and caring little documentary, and a much needed reminder of this amazing young man. I remember being into Canned Heat here in Belfast around 1969 when not many here had heard of them, and " On The Road Again "becoming an anthem to us freaks at the time. My favourite though was " Sic 'em Pigs." off the double album, if I remember rightly. Bands like Heat and The Mothers were just so exciting and in those beautiful days back then, you went to bed humming something amazing, and woke up with yet another incredible new kind of music that blew you away. There was electricity in the air, and beautiful girls wherever you turned, and vivid colours because the world had turned technicolour and washed away the grey doom of despondency that hung over the youth of the western world forever. I wish you rainbows, Tim.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks much for the cool comment. As a life long harmonica player there has always been a huge place in my heart for Alan. I count him among the best, small handful of players ever and I the more I researched for the video the better I liked him. He had his issues but underneath it all he was not only a great musician, he was an environmentalist and truly gentle soul.

[@thehighestlove]

The harmonica on On the Road Again is down and dirty and mournful… dripping with vibe. And the drone sound is mesmerizing. A classic song from that era.

[@cmackscott761]

As a teenager, I worked at Baher Chevrolet as a painter's helper. While I was working, there was a concert going on at Devonshire Downs not too far away. I could hear Canned Heat playing. I remember wanting to be there rather than sanding and priming cars.

[@mountainmike3312]

Excellent video Professor Tim. So enjoyable to watch a video with so much research that gives us so much insight. Waiting for your next one. Thanks

[@RockessentialTim]

Working on something a little different. Fingers crossed.

[@mountainmike3312]

@@RockessentialTim Can’t wait until then. Thanks again.

[@goodtimefolkrock]

Hi Tim great great great ! Been on a bit of a canned heat kick lately and Al Wilson has always facinated me. Thanks for the amazing content ....as usual

[@RockessentialTim]

I obviously have been listening to them a lot lately. Wilson is such an amazing player, every note is just so right on. I have to wonder if he thought out his parts or they just spilled out. I kind of lean towards the former.

[@sweetjimmyt]

Poor Moon is one of the greatest songs ever. Great video, Tim. "Well, you sure look good, In the sky at night. And it's sad to say, You won't shine so bright. Some day.."

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on, mate!

[@thomasspoerli4659]

@@sweetjimmyt You're right! I bought the single when I was 15. In Lausanne, Vaud county, Switzerland, Europe, " the old world". Still in my collection. Meilleures salutations depuis la Suisse!!

[@jimz68]

"Hooker and Heat" was one of my first albums. Thanks for the memories........again.

[@RockessentialTim]

Until doing the vid I never realized that Alan Wilson is in a pic hanging on the wall in the cover shot. He must have already passed by the time they got around to taking the album cover photo?

[@brettlowden1788]

Great album.

[@zippedooda]

Thanks for this great video. Canned Heat made a big impression on me as a youngster, and I'll never forget the moan of Alan's harp. Definitely an unsung blues hero and you did him justice!

[@RockessentialTim]

It was a pretty easy job cuz he's obviously my fave blues harpist. Thanks!

[@sadielampduo3762]

Cool documentary Tim . Love those blues harmonica players ." Out in the woods with a sleeping bag is the only place where he finds peace ".... is probably where his hit " Going to the country " came from . Thanks again Rock Essentials Tim 🎸🎸🎸

[@RockessentialTim]

Love the harp players partly because it be my main instrument too. Its one of the reasons I dig yer band!

[@msaintpc]

Saw him often when I was hanging out in Laurel Canyon and I loved that band.

[@RockessentialTim]

Would have loved to seen him play live.

[@formansbasement2311]

Thanks for this video. I’ve read the canned heat book and also “blind owl blues”. This is one of, if not the best videos on Alan Wilson I’ve ever seen. The information is accurate, the narration is great, and I love the on scene filming. I obsessively study Alan’s harp playing. Nobody since that time has had that same feel. There’s been plenty of great harmonica players since then, but Alan is one of the only ones that matters to me!

[@RockessentialTim]

I left you a message on your channel and subbed. Coincidentally, early this morning I had been checking out stuff about custom tuning's and I came across your site. Wilson is obviously my fave harp player of all time and its great to see so many others who agree.

[@kmg3733]

I agree with you about the video. I’ve seen others with a lot of speculation. This one is accurate and informative!

[@patrickwentz2888]

This is why I love revisiting this band every few months or so, because new videos like this pop up. Thanks for taking the time to make this!

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on, thanks.

[@friarbud]

Yes, the Blind Owl is the most underrated and least talked about from the 27 club, by far. Even if he didn't die at 27; I mean, this dude taught Son House how to play his guitar, seriously, House had forgotten how to play, and Wilson showed him how to do it again. He was truly an American Blues Master(musically).

[@RockessentialTim]

I have a friend who is a film editor and working on a documentary about harmonica players. I asked her if Blind Owl was in it and she didn't know who he was. For my money he was in the top 3 players of all time!

[@Ghostdog4]

I grew up as Alans neighbor. While I was closer to his sister (and arch nemesis of his father) I knew Alan quite well. Quiet but a really nice guy. RIP

[@RockessentialTim]

That is really cool and I've noticed at least a handful of comments among the hundreds here of folks like yourself who knew him and his family. Nothing but good things to say I might add. Did you have any idea growing up that Alan was a musical prodigy?

[@calm713]

He probably drank alcohol that day and experienced what they call the "synergistic effect" where "both alcohol and barbiturates activate GABA receptors in the brain, they amplify each other's effects when they are combined. Someone who mixes alcohol and barbiturates is likely to feel extremely intoxicated or drowsy." So it's highly unlikely he killed himself, particularly in light of the other 4 found in his pocket, but likely died by accident from the synergistic effect of the barbiturates and the alcohol. NEVER mix those two, ever.

[@NebulaStudios1]

Definitely way overlooked in the annals of history. Loved his guitar playing. Their Woodstock set was epic.

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on!

[@grahamsnowden9547]

The thrill of listening to Alan Wilson and Canned Heat as a teenager growing up in New Zealand in the 1970s has never left me. Unfortunately being a supremely gifted musician and artist doesn't always guarantee the happiest of lives but it surely adds to the happiness of others lives. Thank you for the great video.

[@RockessentialTim]

Well put.

[@sygrovesteve5819]

For me too Graham, in NZ

[@ny2phillyholloway592]

You've never been full of it in any of your videos. Blind owl is such a great blues name. Glad he got to play with John Lee Hooker a true genius!! I love this obscure gem🔥👓🎸💯

[@RockessentialTim]

Blind Owl just fits him so well, its like he was born with it. Funny how that happens some times, right?

[@DissTopia-o7p]

From the great John Fahey, too ! Who knew ? Not me ! Great video, thanks !

[@BlindArthurBlake]

Great stuff. I've been friends with Alan's younger sister Jayne for 30 years now

[@RockessentialTim]

I hope she is well. Someone else posted here about his sister Sharon who is doing good. Love hearing it!

[@denniswinters3096]

We idolized Alan. He was totally dedicated to his music. We respected people like that. He only cared about promoting that music. There was no ego in what he did. A totally pure, beautiful spirit. To get some idea of his musical power, listen to Down In The Gutter, But Free from Hallelujah. He comes in at the end, and it's just beyond words. So beautiful.

[@markventura4253]

What a cool story, loved hearing the true story of Canned Heat!!! Thanks for posting!!!

[@RockessentialTim]

My pleasure.

[@thomasspoerli4659]

Greetings from a swiss Canned Heat fan, since 1968. Have all their LPS. Alan Wilson was,is, and will be an idol for me. Switzerland, Europe, " the old world".

[@RockessentialTim]

Greetings! They are still touring with Fito de la Para in Europe this summer. Incredible!

[@thomasspoerli4659]

@@RockessentialTim I saw CH in 74 in Lausanne, Vaud county. After the show, I went backstage and got handshakes and autographs from the band. My most loved musician was, and is, Alan Wilson. Sadly, he was dead. I' m a french talking swiss guy, with swiss and german heritage.

[@thomasspoerli4659]

@@RockessentialTim It was a long time ago,... but I still remember of a groupie combing Bob Hite' s long hair, and Henry Vestine, laughing and completely drunk or stone. Still have his autograph. "Henry " King cobra" Vestine"...!! There was Harvey Mandel too. Backstage, in the" loge" ( lodge, in english?) Excuse me for my english...I was a german talking guy, when I was a child, thanks to my parents, and now a french talking one, because I was born and raised in the french talking part of Switzerland. Can you speak french? " Parlez- vous français?" Or, " Sprechen Sie Deutsch?"

[@RockessentialTim]

@@thomasspoerli4659 No matter what language, everyone who met these guys talks about what cool, normal people they were. A great band. I have been to Europe several times but I only speak a little Spanish.

[@thomasspoerli4659]

@@RockessentialTim A great song about Europe... "Tears in the morning", by the Beach Boys. Listen to it... My wife and I spent our honeymoon in the USA, 1992. We visited California, Arizona, Colorado, Utah. Married since 1991 and still happy together. Do you know" Happy Together ", by The Turtles?

[@edwarddibruno7122]

I discovered Fred Neil ( Everybody’s Talkin ) by looking at liner notes on the back of album covers in the 70’s. When I read Alan Wilson, harmonica, on the list of musicians for that record I of course bought it, being a huge Alan Wilson fan. Alan was the gateway to opening up the Fred Neil world for me. When Alan passed, the paragraph in the Philadelphia newspaper said he died up in a Redwood forest in Oregon. I’m glad this guy attempted to rectify this. RIP BLIND OWL

[@RockessentialTim]

I am going to have to hunt that down on KZbin. I didn't know Alan had did other sessions but it totally makes sense, right? They actually paid you for them!

[@tjpowell9779]

Great content as always. Ever consider doing a history of the legendary venues and impresarios?

[@RockessentialTim]

I did a couple vids on LA music clubs awhile back. Would like to do one on San Francisco if I ever get up there again.

[@mechcavandy986]

I was friends with Richard Hite , when he and his mom lived in Memphis. I’d go over there and Richard would take a mint condition 78 of Robert Johnson, Ishman Bracey, etc. and we’d listen to them. They had thousands of 78 blues records and multi thousand blues albums. He had their Woodstock and Going Up the Country GOLD records on their record room wall. Richard and Bob were serious blues collectors. Richard said he and Bob would travel all over the Deep South in the early 60s and buy these records. Richard is gone now too. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@RockessentialTim]

That is fascinating! I knew Bob collected but I didn't know about Richard, nor did I know that they lived in Memphis for any amount of time. Thanks for this totally rockin' post!

[@brettlowden1788]

It would be cool to see that Robert Johnson 78. I've never seen one and maybe never will.

[@tonymurphy8774]

Great video. Caught Canned Heat at Mothers Birmingham England, a legendary gig for us locals to this day. Alan was awesome, that harmonica sound will stay with me forever. Thanks for posting this.

[@RockessentialTim]

It must have been a great one cuz you are the 2nd person to have mentioned that very show!

[@nickb5391]

Alan was a under estimated fantastic musician & he often gets forgotten, thanks for the video

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks much!

[@wildcolonialman]

Thank you thank you. This man's presence and music ability is a very powerful influence in this man's musical day. Startling, is 3 remarkable shape shifters, gone within days of each other-speaks of another time dimension in appearance. Woodstock and Alan's guitar is stunning to this day. Very very interesting.

[@RockessentialTim]

Whoever said bad things come in three's knew just what the hell they were talking about.

[@adriancork]

I know Canned Heat’s music but didn’t know much at all about the music, so the video was really instructive to me. Blind Owl Wilson should certainly be mentioned alongside Janis, Jimi, Brian and Jim. Thanks Tim.

[@RockessentialTim]

I'm a harmonica geek so I especially loved making this vid. He is def on the short list of the best ever bluesharp players.

[@Gretsch-s8j]

Saw Canned Heat in Erie Pennsylvania when i was a freshman in high school in 72...outdoor concert in local football stadium...my dad, who was a WW2 vet flipped when he heard a band by that name was playing...apparently. canned heat had another meaning from his war experience

[@darrellkinkade9205]

THE best doc on "The Blind Owl" EVER!

[@RockessentialTim]

Love it.

[@davidjutovsky-rc3ey]

Alan, unfortunately, joined the "27" club in 1970. What an incredible bluesman and talent ! RIP brother!

[@marktaft6467]

hi Tim 👋 thanks so much for this Alan Wilson segment , much appreciated , Cheers Tim ✌️🎸✌️

[@RockessentialTim]

Loved making it. Thanks!

[@terrymoran3705]

This video was surprisingly so personal to me. I grew up in the area around Westwood and Topanga Cyn, grew up listening to those guys, seeing them at beach parties, sitting in the back of the Topanga Corral at 15 yrs old, stoned out of my mind hearing some of the best music in the world. You know there're times I wonder if I actually did stuff like that!? Thanx for the reminder. And Thank you Allen!❤

[@danrowley6934]

So if you ❤remember me the 60 's you weren't there,?

[@wesstubbs3472]

While I was hunkered down in a trailer in the woods in Mississippi listening to Clive Clifford.

[@candydale8380]

Thanks so much, Tim!!!

[@RockessentialTim]

My pleasure!

[@thecoolestdad]

As always my friend I appreciate seeing another vid from you sir.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks my man. Always good to hear from you.

[@walter2990]

My first roommate turned me on to Canned Heat in '73. I wasn't aware of Alan Wilson exactly, and I didn't know that he'd already passed away, but I did (and still do), enjoy their music. Thanks for the video and musical history lesson. I do wish that you'd have been able to include some "cuts" of their music in the video. I know that there's YTube rules dictating using recorded music.

[@Freddie-pe9nz]

I'm from Rochester NY and I love the blues all my life. 60 now and I happened to come across your channel and subscribed cool info thanks you. I did some landscaping for Linda Ronstadt in Tucson Arizona. Had no clue that it was her home or a summer home. All I knew was that we had to be at the job site by 5 am so we could be done for the day by 1 pm because of the heat. She came out to the back patio and offered us ice tea and I was floored when I seen who we were working for. Asked my boss and he said he didn't know either. What happened was we did her neighbors and they set it up. Thank you brother.

[@RockessentialTim]

That is so cool! It is interesting that you commented because I'm working on a segment of a video as we speak about the band Metallica and how they recorded their first album in place in Rochester on East Avenue. Love Linda always

[@Freddie-pe9nz]

@@RockessentialTim I posted to you last night but took it down because I couldn't remember the name of the bar that did that. It was down Lake Ave not East Avenue. I will be in touch with you. It's 6:30 am and I have to take my medicine at 5 am. Hate the stuff keeps me awake.. But listen I'll get you some information. I was down at the end of Lake Ave by Charlotte beach. The song by Foreigner racing down Lake Avenue same strip. I promise to get with you brother.

[@jimhitchcock5837]

I sat behind Blind Owl on a DC-8 flight to Atlanta long ago. I was 14 at the time. Their road manager gave me Canned Heat comic book with the band as various cartoon figures. Blind Owl died a month later.

[@RockessentialTim]

That is too cool!

[@michaelpaul5682]

Wow!!!

[@supermantra3437]

Do you still have it?

[@jimhitchcock5837]

​@@supermantra3437Nah, long gone. Sure wish I still had it though.

[@geoffreyschecht6477]

My late wife, Tracey, was Alan’s first cousin. I was always a big Canned Heat fan from the late 1960’s. I found out about this, however, when Tracey and I were dating while living in Stockton CA in the late 1970’s. “On the Road Again” came on the car radio and Tracey blurted out, “Hey! That’s my cousin” when Alan started singing. It was all I could do to avoid running my car off of the road out of distracted disbelief when she said that. I only met Alan’s Mom (Shirley) once along with his youngest sister Heidi while we were living in Baltimore and they came down from Boston to visit. We did correspond with Alan’s oldest sister, Darrell, occasionally over the years prior to her death around 2011. Darrell once told me that she never quite came to terms with Alan’s death and she sometimes felt he was just out on the road touring.

[@RockessentialTim]

Totally interesting stuff. I don't know much about his immediate family other than he had a couple sisters and that his father had to fly to LA to identify the body. I would have loved to ask them if in the light of today's medical vernacular they thought he might be Autistic? Or if they ever suspected he was a genius? Thanks for the great comment!

[@MartinSage]

Wow, thank you for all the personal stuff. At that time we all were taking drugs in our 20’s. Did Alan simply get his hands on super strong Reds? I’m sure he didn’t commit suicide!

[@geoffreyschecht6477]

@@MartinSage I had a copy of Alan’s death certificate that my wife received from Alan’s family a number of years following his death. (I believe the autopsy was performed or signed by Dr. Thomas Nogouchi, LA County’s “coroner to the stars”.) I don’t remember the exact details but I do remember it mentioning that barbiturate poisoning was involved. I also read somewhere that a liquor bottle was found near the sleeping bag where he was found dead. Alan had lifelong problems with depression, particularly when things weren’t going well for the band or in his personal life. He may well have been somewhere on the autism spectrum, possibly with something related to Asperger’s syndrome. His problems with things like personal hygiene and social clumsiness are pretty well known. In contrast, his expertise with music and historical knowledge of blues genres is legendary. From what I’ve read, people with Asperger’s often have brilliant minds for things which capture their interest (such as technology or music) while otherwise neglecting the sorts of life skills others take for granted.

[@jonathanwhalley8471]

Thank you so much for this sensitive and informative video. I was lucky enough to see Canned Heat a couple of times here in the UK but sadly after Blind Owl had died. I often return to those sixties and early seventies C H records with a feeling of nostalgia for the time when so many great blues artists were performing.

[@RockessentialTim]

It was a great time for music, especially blues based music for sure. Interestingly, Canned Heat still perform and they are still a good show, the blues is a genre that has always been kind to it's senior citizens. Thanks for the cool comment. Cheers!

[@robbinsteel]

I met him in the parking lot at Stony Brook University and had no idea who he was. He jammed some blues with the other two guys I was with playing harmonica. We figured it out later when we saw the band play. Cool guy.

[@RockessentialTim]

OMG!!

[@MicheleSerio-id6ft]

Great story!❤

[@timoconnor8520]

How freaking AWESOME is THAT??? 😗

[@canadianstudmuffin]

Love Canned Heat and Alan was so talented. Great documentary!

[@bradparker9664]

Great video as always. I watched the Woodstock Director's Cut a few months ago after not having seen it for many years. I'd never paid much attention to Canned Heat until this latest viewing. I became quite interested in the band and Al Wilson in particular. I've done sone reading and watched a few inferior videos, but you filled in some blanks for this novice and it is greatly appreciated. I always look forward to your videos and keep up the great work!

[@RockessentialTim]

I agree, Wilson was like nobody else in music. A few other folks have pointed it out in the comment section here, but I share with them the belief that Alan was in the autism spectrum. Perhaps that's why he had an insight into playing the blues that was so extraordinary. Its high time I rewatch Woodstock. Haven't seen it in decades!

[@bradparker9664]

@@RockessentialTim I don't know if it was in the original version, but the Woodstock DVD that I have has a section on Canned Heat's set wherein a guy got on stage and went for Bob. Bob, being a rather imposing figure, told security to disregard, gave the guy a cigarette and a light, and let the guy stand there and dance as the band had never stopped when this dude emerged on stage. A very cool moment.

[@RockessentialTim]

@@bradparker9664 OMG I have never seen it!

[@EvanFlanders666]

Great video. Blind Owl never gets near the amount of recognition that he deserves. Love Canned Heat and all the members. Have all their records.

[@RockessentialTim]

Well said!

[@mavjimbo]

His guitar tone was from another universe

[@leewaken5059]

Loved this episode, thanks for covering.👍🏼I have always been "intrigued" with the personality of Alan Wilson. He definitely was a very unusual character, blessed with talent and skills. It is my personal opinion, that his death was accidental. He was a great musician non-the-less.

[@RockessentialTim]

I agree and like many of the folks leaving comments here and I have to wonder if Alan Wilson was in the autistic spectrum, which makes his talent and skill all the more impressive.

[@bradforward850]

I have been watching you for years and just now realized I wasn't subscribed yet. These have really progressed into something special. Keep it up! Really enjoying them.

[@RockessentialTim]

PS: I have to tell you that I just love hearing from someone like yourself. I've been making these vids for 5 years and its very gratifying when someone notices the progress. Thanks.

[@kevinhensley4643]

Thank you for sharing. It's very well done as always. Look forward to many more.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks, Kevin!

[@kmg3733]

Great video! Huge Alan Wilson fan. So glad there are so many views. He is a person everyone should know about. From all accounts a really nice person too.

[@RockessentialTim]

If I could go back in time would I rather jam with him or just have a long conversation about music?

[@Tony-k9i]

In 68 saw Canned Heat and Bubble Puppy at Panther Hall in Ft Worth Tx and i never found my way home

[@billhorstkamp98]

Absolutely love Alan Wilson . One of the best harmonica players ever. Wright up there with little Walter. Thanks for this Man. This is awesome. People need to know more about the blind owl

[@RockessentialTim]

My fave too!

[@jamesbowers7531]

I sat next to his sister Sharon on a flight from Boston to Atlanta in 2019. We were talking about music and she asked if I knew Canned Heat. I said, hell yeah, and she told me she was Alan's brother. I flipped out and we talked about Alan the whole way back. Lovely lady.

[@jamesbowers7531]

I mean she was his sister, of course. Alan was her brother.

[@RockessentialTim]

I have probably gotten 5 or 6 comments here about Sharon and she was obviously a very, very cool person. I still find Alan's passing to be one of the great tragedies of music, right up there with Hendrix and Kurt Cobain. Thanks for the cool comment. Loved it!

[@Mrharmonica7]

Thank you. That was great reportage and a respectful telling of his story. R.I.P. Alan Wilson. They're still talking about you.

[@RockessentialTim]

I play harp too and this was a special episode to me. Thanks for the comment!

[@abstractadvantures6961]

He is a text book case of a high functioning autistic aka Aspergers musical genius. I have lived my life with all of the same bells and whistles, minus perfect pitch, and had a wonderful musical career. Luckily I was diagnosed and found an Aspie therapist that made sense of it all for me. I toured and played some wonderful gigs, was mentored by Willie P Bennett. One of my songs Angels In The Backseat came 1st in the top 100, sang the national anthems at the world series, played lots of festivals and refused when asked to sign with Sam Feldman because success scared the shit out of me, I later found out Ron Sexsmith took my place. 6 cds later I am a semi successful abstract landscape painter that still plays the occasional gig. and have 3 cds on spotify. I no longer drink or do drugs, and my life is better than ever. Its sad to have lost such a musical giant like Alan Wilson. Its hard to survive as an Aspie in this world. I wish He had survived, I can only imagine what great music we would be covering today. Robert Atyeo.....

[@RockessentialTim]

There have been several comments about this since I published the video but yours is what I think is the final say. I suspected when researching for the vid that Alan Wilson was in the spectrum. As a grandparent of an autistic teen it gives me great satisfaction to read your comments. It has been a tough road for my daughter and her son but a very gratifying journey nonetheless. Its unfortunate that in Alan's time there wasn't a better understanding of what was going on with him, you have to wonder if success was something that scared the shit out of him too! Anyways, continued success to you in all your artistic endeavors!

[@rodrigodiaz2313]

❤❤❤❤

[@jimce2799]

A never mentioned member of the "27" club.

[@ShellyMischelleMorrison]

Yes, I had same thought .★

[@gleamtarrest6310]

Excellent vid, Thnx!

[@dustdevilz4771]

Probably had Aspergers which is on the autism spectrum, like my son. He too is a great musician. He was top of his class in the music department at UC Davis. He doesn’t have much going on in the way of social skills but he can play anything.

[@RockessentialTim]

I would totally agree with you. Playing music well is a hard earned skill and not everyone has the grit and determination to overcome the obstacles to succeed. I absolutely love comments like yours. Kudos to your son, and to you!

[@JulieCarey-y1n]

@@RockessentialTim…yeah it’s a thang….beautiful and mystical🌹

[@fredshred5194]

take him down the Bookies, you might be on to something.

[@casablanca2745]

Another great vid Tim. Session player Jim Horn is also still with us. He contributed the timeless flute intro to Going up to the Country that leads off the Woodstock Doc. Thanks!

[@RockessentialTim]

Great!

[@TommyLedge]

Absolutely great how much effort you took to make this video. Thank you for that.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks much! Alan is my favorite Blues harpist and I really loved putting this one together so it was my pleasure.

[@bishlap]

what a player he was and The band had a great sound. For a "typical" blues based Rock outfit, Canned Heat was damn good.

[@garycoates4987]

Alan Wilson is the reason I play a Les Paul,, a reissue of the 54 the same model he played

[@RockessentialTim]

I heard that one of the reason's it sounded like it did is the pickups were miswired out of phase. I know that was the sitch with Peter Green's Paul, "Greenie" which I believe is now owned by Kirk Hammett of Metallica. Whatever, I agree with you, it was an awsome sounding (and looking) guitar!

[@garycoates4987]

@@RockessentialTim truth I think it's like you were talking about with the harmonica, an extension of his singing and speaking voice , a really personal sound

[@mavjimbo]

The dude's guitar tone was from another universe

[@Graysail0r]

I've always loved Canned Heat - never got to see them - but have almost every album they did and had them for over 40 years. Greatly underappreciated.

[@Fisherking03]

Hey Tim, your channel popped up in my recommended feed last week and I’ve been devouring your videos like crazy. I’m really enjoying them and love your delivery and format. I just wanted to give you the kudos you deserve. I like them all and I’ve subscribed. Keep playing it and keep playing it loud!

[@RockessentialTim]

Thank you and I have to tell you that its a very gratifying sub with the comment. Rock on!

[@IAM-zu9nx]

Alan was sheer 💯 percent talent and blessed us with his music and canned heat has always been our favorite

[@bradfordeaton6558]

I listen to "On the Road Again", pretty much, every night before I go to bed. I think the Harp breaks are some of the finest Blues ever made. What a great band, on so many levels.

[@RockessentialTim]

I agree with you. He was a pretty special musician.

[@TomTom-xp2jb]

Iconic band , iconic musician. Alan was the sound of Canned Heat. Totally agree he's underated. Thx for this awesome post! 👍

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on, thanks!

[@STAN-ik6si]

LOVE CANNED HEAT. THANKS FOR POSTING.👍

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on, thanks.

[@STAN-ik6si]

@@RockessentialTim MY PLEASURE CHEERS 🥃🎸

[@jwwj30]

Thanks Tim for another informative & entertaining video about one of the bands I saw live in my teenage years. Your videos never disappoint, they give us so much background info about the band members. Can’t wait for the next one, the longer the better.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks much. The length of the vids is kinda like my height, they just keep getting shorter every year and there's nothing I can do to stop it :) Thanks for the cool comment and good to hear from you as always!

[@edwardallan197]

Best bio on Al I ever saw.... RIP Blind Owl❤

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on. He was the best.

[@lonthrall5613]

Excellent presentation, thanks!

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on, thanks.

[@michaelmccollister7482]

Damn. Fascinating stuff. One of your best!

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks MM!

[@92n9e38]

I saw Canned Heat at my college, San Fernando Valley State College in February, 1968. They opened for the Cream with a young Eric Clapton. I’ve been hooked on the Blues ever since. God bless those guys.

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

In the days before Valley State morphed into CSUN.

[@SageRose80]

He was taking reds as well as anti-depressants that doctors gave him when he had gotten institutionalized. So, even though he still had reds in his pocket, there weren’t any anti-depressants that were found. I personally understand the toll depression takes on a person. I deal with it myself. However, in Alan’s day, even being depressed was considered abnormal and wrong. He was an incredible human being. Gifted musically and intellectually. And such a kind, kind soul. If time travel were possible, I’d travel back to the mid-60’s and marry that man. Also, back in the 60’s, bathing even only twice a week was the normal. Plumbing then isn’t how it is now.

[@RockessentialTim]

All good points. After making this video I was contacted by Canned Heat manager Skip Taylor and had a long conversation with him. He was the one who found Alan's body that day and he is adamant in his belief that it was a suicide. But like you said, if we could only go back in time for an hour. I think I'd rather hang with the Blind Owl than just about anybody I can think of.

[@StephenThrossel-t8w]

We did have a lot of doctors who smoked in the '60s. Today's political and world conflicts remind me of the mid to late sixties.

[@charlesbyrd6055]

Bullshit People bathed in the 60s I was there It tickles me what folks believe lol

[@SageRose80]

@@charlesbyrd6055it all depended on where they lived as well. My mother’s family lived in an area that had only wells and so they could only bathe once a week. For some, it was more frequent than others. I was reading old documents stating that in that region(Southern Cali) in the 60’s, a lot of folks bathed twice a week the most because of plumbing issues. You must’ve been one of the lucky ones.

[@BrianLevine-q7e]

He grew up in Arlington, Massachusetts. It's just on the Western edge of Boston. I went there with my grandfather to visit his brother,my Uncle Andy.

[@RockessentialTim]

I plan on visiting it next time I'm in Boston!

[@BrianLevine-q7e]

@@RockessentialTim I don't know of anything saying Blond Owl was a "Favorite Son". Growing up outside of Boston was a great experience. Lots of great local music. Bands that hit the big leagues like Aerosmith, J.Geils, Boston, The Cars,etc...The best rock radio station was WBCN. They would play local bands and tell you where they were playing. Lots to enjoy in the Bosstown with the Boss sound!.

[@johnking6252]

Loved the harmonica ever since 👍. Thanks bro 🙏

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks.

[@Jerrimaherx]

What a great little video.. there isn’t a lot spoken of Alan Wilson there’s hardly no one who speaks about his life. Glad I found your channel. Keep up the good work 🫶👏

[@RockessentialTim]

I'm a blues harmonica player so Alan is quite popular in my little circle. Glad you liked the vid. Cheers!

[@christopher9152]

Thanks for this one. Blind Owl was so, so good. Vocals, guitar, harp...

[@RockessentialTim]

No one else even remotely like him, right?

[@jbolf6]

Wow, the details in this video are incredible Tim. Great research on one on my favorites bands from the 60's. Alan Wilson was certainly overlooked and under rated. One heck of a musician, thanks for sharing his story.

[@RockessentialTim]

As a bluesharp player I loved making this one. He was my very favorite.

[@jbolf6]

Tim did you play in a band?

[@RockessentialTim]

When I was younger but my job for 25 years was like playing in a band. I was a music writer/producer for TV and did a lot of music for what was at the time Fox Sports.

[@jbolf6]

How cool is that!!

[@sixstrings1063]

Another good vid and info, always loved Canned Heat and Alan's vocals and playing.

[@walkoffamedocs1171]

They and he were awesome.

[@tombassman]

I was once DJing at a hip coffee shop in China, it was a busy Saturday night and I played ‘On The Road Again’. I looked up and everyone had stopped talking and were nodding their heads and looking towards me. They’d never heard this song before but it hooked them in even before the vocals started.

[@RockessentialTim]

Cool and very telling story!

[@ronaldohagenow1467]

When you mentioned James Cotton, I flashed to Shaboo, a music venue in Storrs Ct, Shaboo was in a barn, cover charge when I first went in the late 60 thru the the last show in 1982, I saw hundreds of musicians before they were known, James Cotton Blues was awesome, we always got first row seats, never left the seats or you’d lose them. Memories, awesome!

[@roberttuss5349]

I got hooked on Canned Heat in '68 when I was 16. In 1968. I was proud that the "Blind Owl" was, like me, from Boston, Massachusetts!

[@RockessentialTim]

Very cool.

[@deadlyoneable]

Cool subject. This guy is def looked over in the 27 club. I admit I didn’t know much about the guy so thank you for this video. People will say he wasn’t really that memorable but he did and created something 99.9% us normies never will. His name will still come up every now and then 100 years from now. I doubt mine and most other peoples will.

[@rossjackson7134]

Great insight to one of my favourite bands. Thanks mate, you’ve obviously done your homework.

[@RockessentialTim]

Rock on!

[@syfman6]

Your video came up in my feed. I'm thankful it did! Loved everything about it! Excellent video. Best! 💚🎸

[@RockessentialTim]

Love it, thanks!

[@1rwjwith]

Great episode! Blind Owl’s songs were all the hits!

[@Luvoldmovies-Kat.St.Aug.]

Enjoyed Tim !Thank you .👍🤩🎸🎼🎤. 👋🐊

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks, Kat!

[@leighsayers2628]

Great video .loved it ..grew up listening to canned heat .. From Australia 🦘 🦘🦘

[@RockessentialTim]

So cool!