Bobby Messano: 10 Albums That Changed My Life

Feature Photo: courtesy of Bobby Messano

Having recorded alongside the likes of Lou Gramm, Steve Winwood, Clarence Clemons, and Peter Criss, and being a member of Starz as part of a two-guitar attack with Richie Ranno in the late-70s, it’s easy to see how impactful Bobby Messano has been on rock music.  But while rock music has been a massive part of Messano’s life, it’s blues where he’s shined most—especially considering his 2015 record, Love & Money, climbed to the Top 10 Blues Albums charts for six weeks and reached No. 1, before being nominated for a Blues Blast Award for Rock Blues Album of the Year.

Messano didn’t stop there, though, and in 2017, his song “Bad Movie,” won a Hollywood Music in Media Award for blues. More recently, his record Lemonade garnered extensive reviews, and his 2022 project, Music & Other Sundries, received three Grammy First Round Ballots.  In fact, every release by Bobby Messano since 2002’s Houlding Ground has received multiple Grammy First Round ballots. For those keeping score, he currently holds 43 Grammy First Round Ballots in nine different categories. Not too shabby.

Accolades aside, 2024 is primed to be another banner year, as more shows and more music await. In the meantime, Bobby Messano beamed in for a chat with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. Can you spot any of your favorites?

# 10 – Live at the Regal –  B.B. King (1965)

To me, this album is one of the quintessential traditional blues albums of all time. It’s one of the best ever. B.B. King’s tone and feel are both incredible.

# 9 – Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton,aka The Beano Album by John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers (1966)

What can I say about this record that hasn’t already been said? This record was hugely influential on me and had great songs. To think that Eric Clapton was only 19 or 20 while recording this album while already being considered “God” is insane. And he was God!

# 8 – Led Zeppelin –  Led Zeppelin (1969)

This album is a classic in the first degree. I wasn’t sure about it when I first heard it, as I was only 15 years old, but I was a Yardbirds and Jeff Beck fan. I gave it to a friend, but the more I heard it on [radio station] WNEW FM, the more I loved it. I ended up getting the album back from my friend and was lucky enough to see Zeppelin twice.

# 7 – Meet the Beatles! – The Beatles (1964)

.This was my first real album that showed me what it was like to listen to actual songwriters. There’s nothing more I can say other than Meet the Beatles! changed my life forever.

# 6 – I Am – Earth, Wind & Fire (1979)

I was always into funk music, but when I heard I Am, it completely blew my mind. Just listen to Al McKay’s rhythm player, and you’ll get it. It’s off the hook!

# 5 – Blow by Blow – Jeff Beck (1974)

For me, Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck were my guitar gods. Clapton was, too, but those two even eclipsed him. And once I heard Blow by Blow, it took the idea of who Jeff Beck was as a guitarist to another dimension.

# 4 – At Fillmore East –The Allman Brothers Band (1971)

The Allman Brothers Band’s At Fillmore East is one of the absolute best live albums ever made. And it was put out by the absolute best band in the South. I have been honored to be inducted into The Allman Brothers Band family over the years.

# 3 – Electric Ladyland – Jimi Hendrix (1968)

I saw Jimi Hendrix. It was 1968 at the Singer Bowl in Flushing Meadows in Queens, New York. I was a kid, and Jimi was the guy. I got better and played more and more, but I could never play like him. I’m closer to being able to after 50 years of listening, but I’ll never be there. Electric Lady Studios in New York City was one of my main session spots; what a vibe and what could have happened if Jimi lived past 27.

# 2 – Wheels of Fire – Cream (1968) 

You’ve got Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, and Eric Clapton—totally amazing. Other than From the Cradle from ’94, to me, this is Eric Clapton’s best. I got to do a small tour in 2023 with Ginger Baker’s son, Kofi Baker; it felt like being in high school again when I closed my eyes.

# 1 – Nantucket Sleighride – Mountain (1971)

Leslie West was one of the top five guitarists of my life. God, what a tone he had. As I got further into my career, I would run into him quite a bit, but even when I met him, I never told him how impactful he was on me. He’s gone now, and I should have. Leslie, Felix Pappalardi, Corky Laing, and Steve Knight from Mountain were sensational. I saw them twice in their prime; I was lucky.

Check out our full-length previous interview with the great Bobby Messano by tapping the link below.

Bobby Messano: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview

Bobby Messano: 10 Albums That Changed My Life article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024

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