Pat Hare

American guitarist and singer from Memphis, Tennessee. His heavily distorted electric guitar playing in the early 1950s influenced blues rock, rockabilly and heavy metal players decades later.

Hare began playing in Howlin' Wolf‘s band in 1948, and made his recording debut backing Walter Bradford at Sam Phillips' undefined in February 1952. His recorded work for Sun included records by Rosco Gordon, Little Junior Parker, and James Cotton. His solos on Parker's 'Love Me Baby' and Cotton's 'Cotton Crop Blues' are considered particularly influential both for the style of playing as well as the guitar tones that were employed in the studio.

In 1954 Hare relocated to Houston played on sessions for Don Robey's undefined label, cutting more records with Parker and Gordon, as well as Bobby Bland and Big Mama Thornton.

Muddy Waters recruited Hare to join his band in Chicago, which also included James Cotton, playing on the singles 'Forty Days & Forty Nights / All Aboard' in early 1956, as well as 'Got My Mojo Working'. Hare played in the Waters' band for five years, playing at the iconic Newport Jazz Festival in 1960.

Unfortunately Hare's heavy drinking had a damaging effect on his career. He shot and killed his girlfriend and a police officer after a dispute, which resulted in life imprisionment. He died of lung cancer in a St. Paul, Minnesota prison in 1980, having spent 16 years in jail.

Born December 20, 1930, Cherry Valley, Arkansas
Died September 26, 1980, St. Paul, Minnesota