Alan Wilson of Canned Heat and the Study of Alanology
Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson's spirit touches the listener through music, and ultimately through the study of his life and brilliance. Over the years since his death in 1970, his genius has slowly begun to achieve proper recognition. This was something of an underground movement until the publication of his biography, Blind Owl Blues, by Rebecca Davis in 2007. Since then, Alan’s fans have emerged, leveraging new forms of technology like the Internet just as Blind Owl himself took advantage of new technologies in the recording studio.
As these fans contacted one another, it also became clear that one of Alan Wilson’s greatest gifts – and greatest legacies – is his ability to inspire creativity in others. During his lifetime, Wilson served as muse to many. He re-taught classic-era blues man Son House how to play his own songs, inspired guitarist Henry Vestine to musical heights, and showed youngsters like Richard Hite the magic of blues guitar. Instrumental legend John Fahey cites him as both friend and teacher.
Today, Alan continues to inspire musicians, writers, artists, poets, and other creative souls. This includes those who did not know him in life, some whose lifetimes have seen only post-Wilson and post-Bob Hite lineups of Canned Heat. Alan is loved for his music, and also for his love of nature, gentle spirit, and dedication to the blues. He possessed a deep empathy for the oppressed and suffering of the world, particularly those inhabitants which are most voiceless, the plants and trees.
When Alan Wilson fans and scholars began communicating in the modern era, the science of Alanology was recognized and developed. At blindowlbio.com we seek to inform others about Alan Wilson’s life and importance, and to promote the science and study of Alanology. This term was originally coined by music scholar Russ Montney, along with Wilson biographer Rebecca Davis, in a spirit of fun, puns, and respect for Wilson's amazing talent.
As these fans contacted one another, it also became clear that one of Alan Wilson’s greatest gifts – and greatest legacies – is his ability to inspire creativity in others. During his lifetime, Wilson served as muse to many. He re-taught classic-era blues man Son House how to play his own songs, inspired guitarist Henry Vestine to musical heights, and showed youngsters like Richard Hite the magic of blues guitar. Instrumental legend John Fahey cites him as both friend and teacher.
Today, Alan continues to inspire musicians, writers, artists, poets, and other creative souls. This includes those who did not know him in life, some whose lifetimes have seen only post-Wilson and post-Bob Hite lineups of Canned Heat. Alan is loved for his music, and also for his love of nature, gentle spirit, and dedication to the blues. He possessed a deep empathy for the oppressed and suffering of the world, particularly those inhabitants which are most voiceless, the plants and trees.
When Alan Wilson fans and scholars began communicating in the modern era, the science of Alanology was recognized and developed. At blindowlbio.com we seek to inform others about Alan Wilson’s life and importance, and to promote the science and study of Alanology. This term was originally coined by music scholar Russ Montney, along with Wilson biographer Rebecca Davis, in a spirit of fun, puns, and respect for Wilson's amazing talent.
Read about Alanology
Read about the late Russ Montney, a leader in modern Alanology, here.
Interested in the mysticAl side of Alan Wilson? Check out this essay on the inner meaning of his identity as "Blind Owl".
Interested in the mysticAl side of Alan Wilson? Check out this essay on the inner meaning of his identity as "Blind Owl".
The First Annual Alanological Conference
The First Annual Alanological Conference took place Saturday, May 15, 2010 in Grand Junction, Colorado. A small but dedicated group of attendees made history, gathering for the first time in person to celebrate the life and music of Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson. A good time was had by all, and the result was renewed commitment to honor the memory of Alan Wilson through music and daily life.
Discussions included Alanological history, mysticAL experiences, Alanesque inspiration of contemporary musicians and artists, the importance of the naturAL world to Alan, musicologicAL anALyses, and the current state of Alanological scholarship. In conjunction with the Conference, an Alanesque Art Show took place, featuring portraits of Alan and Alan-inspired work from around the world.
Discussions included Alanological history, mysticAL experiences, Alanesque inspiration of contemporary musicians and artists, the importance of the naturAL world to Alan, musicologicAL anALyses, and the current state of Alanological scholarship. In conjunction with the Conference, an Alanesque Art Show took place, featuring portraits of Alan and Alan-inspired work from around the world.
