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Guitar Red Bio:
"FROM HOMELESS AND BOOZE TO GLOWING REVIEWS"
Frequently down but never out, the self-taught singer and guitarist captures the humor And hurt of an authentic Blues lifestyle that includes battling drugs, alcohol, loss of family and homelessness. On July 29, Decatur, Georgia based blues guitarist and singer Guitar Red fulfilled an unexpected lifelong dream with the release of his debut album that truly lives up to its moniker Lightnin' In A Bottle. The 44 year-old street musician--real name, Billy Christian Walls--spends his days around the square of Decatur, strumming his guitar and singing songs of women, drinking and hard times in the raw, unvarnished tradition of real blues-those raw, Robert Johnson blues that can only come from knowing hunger, poverty, heartache, loss, drug and alcohol addiction, not to mention homelessness. Guitar Red is said to be the real deal, a "busker" who spends most mornings on E. Court Square, sometimes in front of the Brick Store Pub, whose management is kind to him, where he frequently plays for hours. On a good day, he goes to sleep with a pocketful of tips. But not every day is a good day. No matter. For Red, it's all about authenticity, staying true to who he is. That sort of integrity, not to mention a spirited roller coaster ride of humor and hurt, shines through on the 11 tracks of Lightnin' In A Bottle, which he recorded live (with the exception of a guitar solo and clavinet piece) at Backspace Records studio in December 2007. His titles chronicle his hard luck, down but not yet out life: "Box Car No. 9," "Ain't Got Nobody But Myself," "Three Legged Dog Blues," "Chain Gang Blues," "Decatur Boy Blues," "Song About A Jimi Hendrix Song" and "I Believe." In an article called "On The Road With Guitar Red," a writer called The Blues Blogger says, "Red's work is raw but refreshing at the same time. I really enjoy the vibe and groove that (he) creates...The selection of tunes shows off Guitar Red's personality, allowing him to play through his hardship in a passionate, playful and witty manner." Graham Clarke of Blues Bytes adds, "Even though he's lived a tough life (losing his family in the span of a decade,, battling alcohol, drugs and homelessness), he has used his music as his means of expression and as a coping mechanism. He writes songs that mix humor and pathos in equal blends and is a fiery guitarist and passionate singer." He's optimistic about the future and excited that people beyond the streets of Decatur will be hearing him thanks to the official release of Lightnin' In A Bottle. "One day," he says, "I woke up and realized it wasn't so bad being Guitar Red after all. When you find yourself it is the greatest gift. You just know where you are going."
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