George Thorogood
On 24/02/1950: George Thorogood was born in Wilmington, Delaware. He began his career in the early 1970s. His style then was as a solo acoustic performer in the mould of Robert Johnson and Elmore James, having being inspired by a John P. Hammond concert.Thorogood formed a band called the Delaware Destroyers with his high school friend drummer Jeff Simon. The band played a mixture of Chicago Blues and Rock and Roll. Their first shows were at the Rathskeller at the University of Delaware and at the Deer Park Tavern. Soon the band changed their name to the shorter name of The Destroyers.
In 1974, Thorogood recorded a demo of the song "Better Than the Rest". It wouldn't be released till 1979. During the early 1970s, Thorogood worked as a roadie for Hound Dog Taylor to supplement his income.
In 1977, Thorogood released his debut album "George Thorogood & The Destroyers".
In 1978, Thorogood and the Destroyers released the album "Move It on Over" which featured a cover of Hank Williams song "Move It on Over". The band's early success helped boost the rise of folk label Rounder Records.
During the late 1970s, Thorogood and The Destroyers were based in Boston. Thorogood was a friend of Jimmy Thackery of the band The Nighthawks. Whilst touring, The Destroyers and The Nighthawks were playing shows in Georgetown at venues across the street from each other. At midnight, they arranged to be both playing Elmore James' song "Madison Blues" in the same key. Thorogood and Thackery left their clubs, met in the middle of the street, exchanged guitar leads and went to play with the opposite band.
In 1981, Thorogood became the support act for The Rolling Stones during their US Tour. During 1981, Thorogood and The Destroyers went on their "50/50" tour which included touring all 50 US states within 50 days.
In 1982, Thorogood released the album "Bad to the Bone" with EMI America Records which included the song of the same name. The song would become arguably his most popular and well-known track. It has been used in various film and TV shows as well as at sporting events. Also in 1982, Thorogood was a musical guest on Saturday Night Live.
In 1985, Thorogood played at the Live Aid concert in Philadelphia and was supported by Nighthawks bass player Jan Zukowski. Thorogood would also go on a tour that year in Western Canada.
In 2012, Thorogood was named one of the Top 50 Most Influential Delawareans of the Past 50 Years.