Howard Luedtke

Last updated

Howard Luedtke
Born Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Genres Blues, Blues-rock, Alternative rock
Years active1974—present
LabelsFalse Dog Records
Website http://www.howardluedtke.com

Howard Luedtke, also known as Howard "Guitar" Luedtke, is an American blues guitarist, singer, songwriter and musician. Luedtke is considered one of the best slide guitar players in the American midwest,[ citation needed ] and currently tours with his band Howard "Guitar" Luedtke & Blue Max. [1]

Contents

Blue Max is a Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin based blues-rock band that has been performing in the upper Midwest for the past two decades. Luedtke interprets the blues material by Johnny Winter, John Lee Hooker and Willie Dixon.

Biography

Early life

Howard, from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, has been playing guitar since 1964. "I grew up with the Beatles, Hendrix and the Stones," says Luedtke. "Then in '69 or '70 I was first exposed to the classic blues and was fascinated by it." Howard played in a variety of blues, rock and country bands, in the Wisconsin area during the early seventies including Black Cat Bone Band in 1974. He formed his own band in 1982 called Blue Max.

Music career

Averaging over a 150 shows per year (solo and with Blue Max), Howard has traveled all over the midwest and Europe performing his tribute to the blues. His power-trio band is rounded out by his wife, Deb Klossner on bass and a wide assortment of drummers. From New Ulm, Minnesota, Klossner had been performing since 1983. After four years of performing with several rock bands in Southern Minnesota, Klossner joined Blue Max in 1987. Over the years Howard "Guitar" Luedtke & Blue Max has opened for the likes of Johnny Winter, Hubert Sumlin, Tinsley Ellis, Koko Taylor, Jeff Healey and Lonnie Brooks.

In 2001, Luedtke & Blue Max placed second in the Rock category of Contest 4 of Ed McMahon's NextBigStar.com Internet video contest.

Luedtke released Alone with the Blues (2006), a solo CD with him performing guitar and vocals.

Discography

Guest Artist

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References

  1. Carstensen, Regan (11 June 2009). "St. Peter groups to hold festival". The Free Press. Mankato, Minnesota. Archived from the original on 28 January 2013. Retrieved 31 July 2010.
  2. "Howard 'Guitar' Luedtke & Blue Max". MusicBrainz. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  3. "Howard "Guitar" Luedtke | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 13 June 2014.