Full Breakdown
Buddy Guy’s 90th Birthday Concert: A Star-Studded Celebration of the Blues
6/24/2026, 5:21:49 AM
Event Overview
The one-night concert “Buddy’s Got the Blues: A 90th Birthday Concert Celebration” will take place on October 1, 2026 at Radio City Music Hall, New York City. Tickets go on sale June 26 at 10 a.m. ET.
Background & Career Highlights
Buddy Guy, born 1936 in Lettsworth, Louisiana, moved to Chicago in 1957 and helped shape the West Side blues sound. He is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, nine-time Grammy winner, and recipient of the Presidential National Medal of Arts, Kennedy Center Honor, and Billboard Century Award. His 2025 album *Ain’t Done With the Blues* and cameo in Ryan Coogler’s film *Sinners*.
Lineup & Key Participants
Steve Jordan serves as musical director. Executive producers are Keith Wortman, Garry Buck, and Scooter Weintraub. The announced performers include Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks, Jon Batiste, Aloe Blacc, Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., Shemekia Copeland, Robert Cray, Samantha Fish, Eric Gales, Billy F. Gibbons, Ivan Neville, Robert Randolph, Bobby Rush, Isaiah Sharkey, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jimmie Vaughan, Ally Venable, Willie Weeks, and Kim Wilson, plus surprise guests.
Data & Statistics
- Age at concert: 90 years
- Career span: > 70 years
- Grammy Awards: 9 plus Lifetime Achievement
- Blues Music Awards: 38
- Other honors: Presidential National Medal of Arts, Kennedy Center Honor, Billboard Century Award
Official Statements & Responses
Buddy Guy said the event will honor his mentors, peers, and the next generation of blues artists. Organizers described the show as “unforgettable performances, once-in-a-lifetime collaborations, and heartfelt tributes from artists whose music and careers were profoundly shaped by his influence.” Steve Jordan’s involvement emphasizes authentic blues musicianship.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Can’t wait to celebrate 90 years of living, loving, and playing the Blues with all my friends. We’ll make it a night not just for me, but for the folks who taught us, the friends we’ve played with, and the ones coming up behind us.” — Buddy Guy, statement
- “This album is about where I’ve been, it’s about where I’m going…before they passed, Muddy, Wolf, Walter, Sonny Boy, B.B.—they used to say, ‘If you outlive me, just keep the blues alive.’ And I’m trying to keep that promise.” — Buddy Guy, interview
- “I thought about retiring twice,” he says. “But, y’know, I thought about all those great blues players who are no longer with us – B.B. King.” — Buddy Guy, Guitar World interview
- “Buddy’s Got the Blues: A 90th Birthday Concert Celebration,” will celebrate Guy through “unforgettable performances, once-in-a-lifetime collaborations, and heartfelt tributes from artists whose music and careers were profoundly shaped by his influence.” — Blackbird Presents press release
Why It Matters
The concert highlights a living architect of electric blues, reinforcing the genre’s relevance and inspiring younger musicians. Bringing together multiple generations underscores Buddy Guy’s lasting impact on rock and blues and expands public appreciation of the blues tradition.
What’s Next
After the October show, Guy will begin a summer tour on July 15 at Massey Hall in Toronto and is slated to appear at this year’s Eric Clapton Crossroads Festival, confirming his continued activity at age 90.
