KIM WILSON

Best known as the frontman, singer and harp player with The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Kim also leads his own band The Blues Revue. Born in Detroit but raised in California, Kim was a Blues disciple as a youth, following and learning from the great original Bluesmen who were still gigging in the 60s and 70s. Kim moved to Austin Texas in 1974 and formed The Fabulous Thunderbirds with guitarist Jimmie Vaughan. They soon became the house band at Antone’s Club, playing their fusion of Texas and swamp Blues, and backing the steady stream of legendary players passing through the venue. Their first albums were slow sellers and when Jimmie left following the tragic death of his brother Stevie Ray, Kim recruited some great guitarists, including Duke Robillard and Kid Ramos. The band was a well kept secret, despite opening tours for The Stones and Eric Clapton, but their 1986 album ‘Tuff Enuff’ gave us a couple of hit singles; the title track went to Number 10 on the Hot 100, and ‘Wrap It Up’ sold well too.

Despite personnel changes, The Thunderbirds continue to tour and record Fabulously, with their mix of Blues, Cajun and rock music. A great modern master of the Blues harp, Kim also leads a more traditional Blues band, The Kim Wilson Blues Revue, and he owns the Blue Collar record label.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds in fine form;