Unlike most groups, Canned Heat are not unduly impressed about having a hit single. "That's not the prime importance for us. Our main intention is to keep the blues alive in this country. We felt that the blues, the only true musical tradition to originate in this country, was in danger of dying.
We're country based, unlike most of the blues outfits. We have all studied the music and I have been 'collecting blues records for 15 years So we formed 'Canned Heat' in an attempt to do something to keep the music alive here."Gradually, the blues is coming out from underground and gaining ground Groups like us and Big Brother and the Holding Company and Tai Mahal are gradually becoming known. I think that the problem with the blues is getting it heard. When people hear the music they dig it, but if they aren't allowed the chance to hear it, they can't like it or dislike it."Source: Melody Maker, August 31, 1968Robert Ernest "Bob" Hite, also known as "The Bear". (Photo by Baron Wolman Collection)
Still recall with vidid recollection waking in the darkness to hearing Canned Heat at a legendary UK open air festival - but which one? You guess!
Canned Heat - Future Blues take 2 - Beat Club