NICK GRAVENITES R.I.P.
(Paul Butterfield, Electric Flag, Big Brother, Quicksilver Messenger Service)
Nick Gravenites: A Musical Journey
Nicholas George Gravenites, affectionately known as Nick “The Greek” Gravenites, was born on October 2, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up in a Greek-speaking family with roots in Palaiochori, Arcadia, Greece, Nick faced early challenges, including the loss of his father at age 11. Despite these hardships, he found solace and inspiration in the vibrant blues scene of Chicago.
Nick’s musical journey began in the smoky, dimly lit blues clubs of Chicago, where he immersed himself in the raw, emotional power of the blues. Regularly rubbing shoulders with legends like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Buddy Guy, Nick developed a deep appreciation for the genre’s authenticity and soul. His style was heavily influenced by the gritty, electrifying sound of Chicago blues, characterized by its powerful guitar riffs, emotive vocals, and heartfelt lyrics.
While attending the University of Chicago, Nick met Paul Butterfield and Mike Bloomfield, two pivotal figures in his musical career. This collaboration led to the creation of “Born in Chicago,” the opening track on the Paul Butterfield Blues Band’s debut album. The song’s driving rhythm and poignant lyrics captured the essence of the Chicago blues scene and showcased Nick’s talent as a songwriter.
In the mid-1960s, Nick moved to San Francisco, a city that was becoming a hotbed for musical innovation. There, he co-founded the Electric Flag with Mike Bloomfield in 1967, blending blues, rock, and soul into a unique and dynamic sound. Nick’s songwriting prowess shone through in tracks like “Work Me, Lord” and the unfinished “Buried Alive in the Blues,” both of which he wrote for Janis Joplin. His ability to convey deep emotion and raw energy through his music made him a sought-after collaborator.
From 1969 to 1972, Nick served as the lead singer for Big Brother and the Holding Company, following Janis Joplin’s departure. His powerful voice and commanding stage presence helped the band maintain its status as a leading force in the San Francisco rock scene. Nick’s contributions extended beyond performing; he wrote scores for films like “The Trip” and “Steelyard Blues” and produced albums for Quicksilver Messenger Service. He also formed the Nick Gravenites-John Cipollina Band, which toured extensively in Europe, further solidifying his international reputation.
Nick Gravenites passed away on September 18, 2024, leaving behind a rich legacy that spanned blues, rock, and folk genres. His work with iconic musicians and bands of the 1960s and 1970s cemented his place in music history. Nick’s ability to bridge the gap between Chicago blues and the San Francisco rock scene, combined with his emotive songwriting and powerful performances, earned him reverence among musicians and fans alike.
Nick’s life and career were a testament to his passion for music and his unwavering dedication to his craft. His contributions continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians, ensuring that his legacy lives on. (BUTTERBOY)
NICK GRAVENITES R.I.P. Nick Gravenites - My Labors [1969] + Nick Gravenites - Bluestar [2016] + Nick Gravenites - Rogue Blues [2024] (3 x CDs)
check this action at URBANASPIRINES - Nick and Johnny Cipollina
10 comments:
One thing is pretty certain: N. Gravenites was not a member of Big Brother from 69-72. I also don't think he was with the band in 69.
The only thing that is certain is that he was only a guest in their 2nd lp
" how hard it is (1971) - a single number where he sings. I also have a live tape from January 71 in N. Y.
He is not present here either. So it was probably only a matter of a few months ( maybe a half year) when he took a part in " be a brother" the 1st lp from 1970.
Well I don’t quite agree with you there Josef. It took three people really to replace Janis in late 68 to form The Kozmic Blues Band wanting to explore more solo and more soul roots than rock music and it is largely accepted these were Nick Gravenites, (who had written songs for her) Kathi McDonald, and Dave Schallock to replace her, *and they released two more albums before breaking up in 1972
Bands were really fluid around then (69-72) and Nick was already playing with Cippolina on the side and writing with various folk including for his solo album of 69 ‘My Labours’
Known as a ‘musical handyman’ who would sit in wherever he was needed he was all over the post Janis album ‘Be A Brother’ singing and writing most of it (5 tracks) . By the time of How Hard it Is of 71 he contributed only one song to that album ‘Buried Alive in The Blues’ for Janis but she passed away by then so the writing was on the wall for Nick but he was always an nomadic figure in SF and would show up to play with whoever would have him! Those were different times hey?
Thanks for dropping by tho’ Josef always welcome!
*The Guinness Who's Who of Blues (Second ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 149. ISBN 0-85112-673-1.
Big Brother has until Decemer 31. 12. 68
(playing New Years Eve). Shortly afterwards Joplin left Big Brother with Sam Andrew. Kozmic ....was founded 69.
I explained earlier that Gravenites played an important role in " be a brother", but that was more or less with the band. You don't read what i write and also prove.
With Cipollina etc....that s an another story
It could be that Big Brother with Joplin disbanded in Novembre and not at the end of December as i thought.
err well yeah!?, . . . . . think we’re on the same page here . . . . . . not sure I follow your arguments now but hey, always welcome!
Just for some semblance of clarity as I think we are getting our wires crossed somewhere Wiki says it well “Big Brother : 1969–1972
After Joplin and Sam Andrew left Big Brother, Dave Getz and Peter Albin joined Country Joe and the Fish and toured the U.S. and Europe and played on the Country Joe album Here We Are Again (Vanguard Records 1969).[20] Getz and Albin left Country Joe in May 1969 with the intention of re-forming Big Brother with guitarist David Nelson.[20] They auditioned several singers including Eddie Money, Kathi McDonald and John Herald, but the band finally came back together when Sam Andrew left the Kozmic Blues Band in the fall of 1969 with nearly the same line-up (except Joplin): Albin, Andrew, Getz and Gurley were joined by Nick Gravenites (vocals), Dave Schallock (guitar) and Kathi McDonald (vocals).[20] They released Be a Brother in 1970. Gurley moved to bass guitar while Albin played rhythm, Sam Andrew sang more lead vocals with Kathi McDonald (a white blues singer who had been with the Ike and Tina Turner review), David Schallock (from Freedom Highway and Sons of Champlin) on lead guitar, Dave Getz on drums and occasional keyboards. Nick Gravenites would also produce the album, write and sing on a number of the tracks. They released their last studio album, How Hard It Is, in 1971.[20] They retained the same lineup: Kathi and Sam and Nick on vocals joined by organist Mike Finnigan. The band remained with this line-up until 1972, but they gradually fell apart and disbanded amidst drug use, loss of management, lack of gigs and internal squabbles."
You tell me a story that i know and don't address my topic. I'm talking after the time of be a brother where Gravenites no longer plays a role. Once again:
How hard it is - a single number where he sings.
He hasn't been with the band live since 1971 at the latest. I know of two performances.
On the cover of how hard it is only the 4 Big Brother members are shown on the front, albeit only in shadow.
So i think you certainly can't speak of him as a member from 69-72.
And on the cd can't go home, tertible bad(!),
G. doesn't appear at all anymore. I assume this was rec. after how hard it is & shortly before the band broke up (??).
Recorded Oct. 1970 - December 1971.
Well everybody but you hey?! You are going solely by albums released recorded output and like the profiles all say they WERE a band with Gravenites on lead vocals from 69-72 and the band fell apart in 72 due to drug use, arguing, losing management, who clearly saw their chaos, but to say he WASN’T ever a member of the band from 69-72 and merely a “guest” is just plain wrong! As the reference works all say and I repeat "How Hard It Is, in 1971 They retained the same lineup: Kathi and Sam and Nick on vocals joined by organist Mike Finnigan. The band remained with this line-up until 1972” Hey ho, as you were hey, buddy?!
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