Buster Benton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Buster Benton
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Arley Benton |
| Born | July 19, 1932 Texarkana, Arkansas, United States |
| Died | January 20, 1996 (aged 63) Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Genres | Chicago blues, soul blues |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, guitarist, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | Mid-1950s–1996 |
| Labels | Various |
Arley "Buster" Benton (born July 19, 1932 – died January 20, 1996) was an American blues musician. He was a talented guitarist and singer. Buster Benton played in Willie Dixon's Blues All-Stars band. He became famous for his own version of the song "Spider in My Stew." Even when he faced serious health challenges, Buster never stopped playing his unique Chicago blues music.
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Buster Benton's Life and Music
Buster Benton was born Arley Benton in Texarkana, Arkansas.
Early Musical Journey
In the mid-1950s, Buster lived in Toledo, Ohio. He was inspired by famous musicians like Sam Cooke and B.B. King. This is when he started playing the blues. By 1959, he was leading his own band in Chicago.
During the 1960s, several local record labels released his songs. These labels included Melloway, Alteen, Sonic, and Twinight. However, there were not many chances to play music professionally back then. So, Buster stopped playing for a few years. He worked as an auto mechanic instead. His early music mixed blues with soul sounds.
Joining Willie Dixon's Band
In 1971, Buster Benton joined Willie Dixon's Blues All-Stars. He was an important part of this band for a long time. He played on their 1973 album. This album was called The All Star Blues World of Maestro Willie Dixon and His Chicago Blues Band.
Becoming Famous
Buster Benton's most well-known song was "Spider in My Stew." Willie Dixon was given credit for writing this song. Jewel Records released it. The song made Buster quite famous. His next song in 1974, "Money Is the Name of the Game," also helped his career.
In 1978, Buster released an album called Spider in My Stew. This album was on Ronn Records, a part of Jewel Records. Many people thought it was one of the best Chicago blues albums of that time.
Later Years and Resilience
Buster Benton recorded three more albums with Ichiban Records. However, these albums were not as popular as his earlier work. One of these albums was Money's the Name of the Game, released in 1989. It was produced by Gary B.B. Coleman. Buster also released music on the Blue Phoenix label.
Buster faced many health problems. He had diabetes and needed dialysis treatments. In 1993, part of his right leg had to be removed. This was because of poor blood flow from his diabetes. He had already lost part of his other leg about ten years before. Even with these challenges, Buster kept playing his blues music. He continued performing until he passed away.
Buster Benton died in January 1996 in Chicago. He was 63 years old. His death was due to complications from diabetes. His music can be found on several compilation albums. One example is Chicago Blues Festival: 1969–1986, released in 2001.
Buster Benton's Albums
Here are some of the albums Buster Benton released:
- Spider in My Stew (Ronn, 1978)
- Blues Buster (Red Lightnin', 1979)
- Buster Benton Is the Feeling (Ronn, 1980)
- First Time in Europe (Blue Phoenix, 1983)
- Why Me (Ichiban, 1988)
- Money's the Name of the Game (Ichiban, 1989)
- I Like to Hear My Guitar Sing (Ichiban, 1991)
- Blues at the Top (Evidence Music, 1993)
- That's the Reason (Ronn, 1997)
- Blues and Trouble (Black & Blue, 2002)
See also
- List of Chicago blues musicians
- List of soul-blues musicians
