NICK GRAVENITES R.I.P.
Nick Gravenites - My Labors [1969] + Nick Gravenites - Bluestar [2016] + Nick Gravenites - Rogue Blues [2024] (3 x CDs)
Nick Gravenites: A Musical Journey
Nicholas George Gravenites, affectionately known as Nick “The Greek” Gravenites, was born on October 2, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up in a Greek-speaking family with roots in Palaiochori, Arcadia, Greece, Nick faced early challenges, including the loss of his father at age 11. Despite these hardships, he found solace and inspiration in the vibrant blues scene of Chicago.
Nick’s musical journey began in the smoky, dimly lit blues clubs of Chicago, where he immersed himself in the raw, emotional power of the blues. Regularly rubbing shoulders with legends like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Buddy Guy, Nick developed a deep appreciation for the genre’s authenticity and soul. His style was heavily influenced by the gritty, electrifying sound of Chicago blues, characterized by its powerful guitar riffs, emotive vocals, and heartfelt lyrics.
While attending the University of Chicago, Nick met Paul Butterfield and Mike Bloomfield, two pivotal figures in his musical career. This collaboration led to the creation of “Born in Chicago,” the opening track on the Paul Butterfield Blues Band’s debut album. The song’s driving rhythm and poignant lyrics captured the essence of the Chicago blues scene and showcased Nick’s talent as a songwriter.
In the mid-1960s, Nick moved to San Francisco, a city that was becoming a hotbed for musical innovation. There, he co-founded the Electric Flag with Mike Bloomfield in 1967, blending blues, rock, and soul into a unique and dynamic sound. Nick’s songwriting prowess shone through in tracks like “Work Me, Lord” and the unfinished “Buried Alive in the Blues,” both of which he wrote for Janis Joplin. His ability to convey deep emotion and raw energy through his music made him a sought-after collaborator.
From 1969 to 1972, Nick served as the lead singer for Big Brother and the Holding Company, following Janis Joplin’s departure. His powerful voice and commanding stage presence helped the band maintain its status as a leading force in the San Francisco rock scene. Nick’s contributions extended beyond performing; he wrote scores for films like “The Trip” and “Steelyard Blues” and produced albums for Quicksilver Messenger Service. He also formed the Nick Gravenites-John Cipollina Band, which toured extensively in Europe, further solidifying his international reputation.
Nick Gravenites passed away on September 18, 2024, leaving behind a rich legacy that spanned blues, rock, and folk genres. His work with iconic musicians and bands of the 1960s and 1970s cemented his place in music history. Nick’s ability to bridge the gap between Chicago blues and the San Francisco rock scene, combined with his emotive songwriting and powerful performances, earned him reverence among musicians and fans alike.
Nick’s life and career were a testament to his passion for music and his unwavering dedication to his craft. His contributions continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians, ensuring that his legacy lives on. (B)
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Track lists
CD1 My Labours
01 Nick Gravenites - Killing My Love 5:18
02 Nick Gravenites - Gypsy Good Time 4:29
03 Nick Gravenites - Holy Moly 3:55
04 Nick Gravenites - Moon Tune 8:48
05 Nick Gravenites - My Labors 2:54
06 Nick Gravenites - Throw Your Dog A Bone 2:57
07 Nick Gravenites - As Good As You Been To This World 2:34
08 Nick Gravenites - Wintry Country Side 13:15
CD2 Bluestar
01 Nick Gravenites - Junkyard In Malibu 4:45
02 Nick Gravenites - Bye Bye 3:57
03 Nick Gravenites - I'm A Bluesman 3:42
04 Nick Gravenites - Dekalb Blues 3:05
05 Nick Gravenites - Blues Back Off 4:45
06 Nick Gravenites - Who's Out There 3:12
07 Nick Gravenites - Down In The Bottom 3:04
08 Nick Gravenites - I'm A Dancing Fool 2:47
09 Nick Gravenites - The Sister Song 3:36
10 Nick Gravenites - My Party 3:20
11 Nick Gravenites - Southside 2:52
12 Nick Gravenites - Nobody's Fault But Mine 3:57
13 Nick Gravenites - Rattlecan Man 7:00
14 Nick Gravenites - Hollywood Woman 8:24
CD3 Rogue Blues
01 Nick Gravenites With Pete Sears - Poor Boy (Feat. Charlie Musselwhite) 2:26
02 Nick Gravenites With Pete Sears - Blues Singer (Feat. Jimmy Vivino) 3:07
03 Nick Gravenites With Pete Sears - Left Hand Soul (Feat. Lester Chambers Of The Chamber Brothers) 5:03
04 Nick Gravenites With Pete Sears - Blackberry Jam (Feat. Lester Chambers Of The Chamber Brothers) 2:57
05 Nick Gravenites With Pete Sears - Blues Back Off Of Me (Feat. Charlie Musselwhite & Jimmy Vivino) 4:52
06 Nick Gravenites With Pete Sears - Brown Paper Bag (Feat. Jimmy Vivino) 5:01
07 Nick Gravenites With Pete Sears - What Time Is It? (Feat. Barry Sless) 4:00
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Sweet Dreams Νίκο
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sentiment, John.
DeleteOur friends are important...
An underappreciated talent - thanks BB
ReplyDeleteIt's a sad day when a talent like this leaves our world.
DeleteThanks BB
ReplyDeleteSorry I missed this earlier, lemonflag.
DeleteYou're welcome.
Cheers.
Thanks for sharing this BB. I have a story for you.
ReplyDeleteSeveral years ago I was doing a delivery to a customer in Berkeley, California. As I was unloading the truck on the street and chatting with the employee who was helping me, a man walking on the sidewalk stopped to look at the loaded carts. I would've guessed this guy was homeless -- he looked rough, like he'd been sleeping outside -- but the store employee nodded to him in greeting; he was from the neighborhood.
"Where'ya from?" he asked.
"Sebastopol," I replied.
"Sebastopol! You must know my buddy, Nick Gravenites!" he exclaimed. I told him I didn't, but that Gravenites still played gigs around town.
"I used to see him all the time, starting with Big Brother and the Holding Company," the guy said. "We'd hitchhike up to Sebastopol and sleep in the gas station in Occidental when he was playing up there." The gas station has been gone for decades.
"I knew Janis too," the man continued. "She was best friends with my cousin. One time Janis and my cousin stole my piggy bank to score some heroin then locked me in the closet and made their getaway. It was dark in there, but I found a hammer and started hammering through the wall to get out. But I made a hole into the next apartment!"
I asked how old he was when this happened. "I was 11," he said, "and my cousin was 14." The man must've been in his 60s, but it was truly hard to tell.
I can just imagine Janis Joplin, probably also a young teen, stealing another kid's piggybank to get heroin. It was a different time!
Hi BG.
DeleteWhat an incredible story! It’s amazing how music and the people involved in it can create such vivid memories and connections. It’s fascinating to hear firsthand accounts of those times, even if they involve some wild and unexpected events. He was all of 11 years old at the time. I wonder who he was, possibly a sibling of one of the bands' members. The 60s and 70s were certainly a different era, full of unique experiences and characters. Thanks for sharing this story!
Cheers.