Blues guitarist “Spider” John Koerner, best known for mentoring the iconic American musician Bob Dylan, passed away this week at the age of 85.
Unlike many musicians, Koerner did not start playing the guitar until he was studying aeronautical engineering at the University of Minnesota. After picking it up quickly, John left college to begin touring.
After establishing himself in Minnesota and collaborating with popular artists such as Tony Glover, Dave Ray, and Willie Murphy, he became a regional fixture in folk and blues music.
It was because of this that when Bob Dylan traveled to Minnesota, Koerner was the first musician that Dylan connected with, which would end up having a significant early influence on the young star.
Throughout own career, John released seven albums that which influenced such as like David Bowie and Raitt. Bonnie Raitt who even covered one of Koerner’s songs, “I Ain’t Blue.”
While the reach of his impact helped inspire several now-legendary artists, John himself remained a relatively low-keyfigure in Minneapolis, who never quite reached nationwide fame. Koerner was inducted into the Minnesota Music Academy Hall of Fame, as well as the Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame.
A documentary detailing John’s life and work, titled “Been There … Done That,” was released in 2005.
Fans have taken to social media to posts tributes to Koerner.
Saddened to hear of the passing of Spider John Koerner, a Minnesota music legend. His legacy runs deep, influencing then-emerging artists like Bob Dylan and Bonnie Raitt. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/1Qaf7iCj5w
— Philip Reinhardt 📸 (@8reinhardt8) May 18, 2024
Farewell Spider John Koerner, an early influence on #Dylan. This is a 1963 first pressing of his debut LP with Dave Ray and Tony Glover on the Audiophile label. It was picked up by Elektra the same year and reissued with some different tracks. pic.twitter.com/6eMEbxNoYJ
— Stuart Penney (@StuartPenney1) May 19, 2024
Rest In Peace Spider John Koerner.
— Peter Parcek (@peterparcek) May 19, 2024
Thanks for all the brilliant music you shared.
You will definitely be missed & the beauty of your songs, voice & guitar will live on.
Blues, Rags & Hollers https://t.co/mrWzU9OUdF
Running Jumping Standing Still https://t.co/dXXRNrKSL6#Blues pic.twitter.com/BxT6zN2hI8
Rest in peace!
