With an impressive 56-year journey in the music industry, Paul Rodgers has collaborated with an array of legendary guitarists, akin to a sommelier curating a selection of exquisite wines. His powerful, soulful voice captivates musicians, creating a unique synergy that elevates every song they touch.
rodgers, who is not only a talented vocalist but also a skilled rhythm guitarist and pianist, has shared the stage with some of the most iconic names in rock. His career began with the late Paul Kossoff in the band Free, which launched both of their careers from 1969 to 1973.
Following Free,he teamed up with Mick Ralphs of Mott the hoople in the renowned band Bad company. Their six albums, characterized by a robust yet refined hard rock sound, dominated the charts in the 1970s. The recent release, Can’t Get Enough: A Tribute to Bad Company, showcases the band’s lasting impact, featuring collaborations with artists like Halestorm and Def leppard’s Joe Elliott and Phil Collen on classics such as “Shooting Star” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.”
Next, he joined forces with the legendary Jimmy Page in the short-lived supergroup The Firm, producing two powerful albums that included hits like “Radioactive” and “All the King’s Horses.”
Rodgers then collaborated with drummer Kenney Jones in The Law before embarking on a notable partnership with Brian May in Queen + Paul Rodgers. This collaboration not only brought May and drummer Roger Taylor back on tour but also resulted in two live albums and the studio album The Cosmos Rocks, marking Queen’s first studio release since 1995.
Beyond his band endeavors, Rodgers has maintained strong connections with guitarists through his solo work, collaborating with talents like jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Cropper, and Slash across seven solo albums.
“I can’t quite pinpoint how guitarists develop their distinctive sounds,” he reflects, ”but I certainly recognize a great guitar tone when I hear it.”
Paul Kossoff (Free)
“koss was not only my friend but also an unusual guitarist long before Free was formed. We first met at a jam session at a blues club in London called the fickle Pickle, where his powerful sound and fluid guitar work left me in awe. We played together as if we had been performing for years,establishing an immediate musical connection,” Rodgers recalls.
“His Gibson Les Paul was, as we used to say, ‘the bees’ knees.’ At that time, Eric Clapton was making waves with his Les Paul and Marshall stack setup, performing at the Marquee just down the street.”
“Paul was one of those instantly recognizable players. You could identify him from just a few notes or chords, like in the opening of ‘All Right Now.’” – Paul Rodgers
The London music scene was buzzing with a blues revival, heavily influenced by legends like B.B. King and Muddy Waters. “Koss had a unique sound that resonated across the spectrum, combining high tones with a hint of crunch. His sound was exceptional, and he was my soulmate guitarist. It’s tragic that we lost him at just 25.”
Mick Ralphs (Bad Company)
“Mick and I were ’label buddies,’ both signed to Chris Blackwell’s Island Records. I would often see him at the office in Notting Hill Gate. Our bands, Free and Mott the Hoople, even toured the U.K.together, and I quickly grew fond of Mick’s friendly and humorous nature,” Rodgers shares.
“We began writing songs together, which ultimately led to the formation of Bad Company. Mick had a song called ‘Can’t Get Enough’ that Ian Hunter of Mott didn’t think fit their style. When he played it for me, I knew it was a hit and was eager to sing it, and that set us on our path.”
“Mick was often labeled a nuts-and-bolts guitarist, but to me, he was so much more.His songwriting and guitar skills were exceptional, and his sound was multi-dimensional.”
“Mick made Bad Company what it is with his unique and varied guitar sounds.” – Paul Rodgers
“Tracks like ‘Rock Steady,’ ‘Burning Sky,’ and ‘Can’t Get Enough’ showcase his distinctive sound, which perfectly complements the mood of the lyrics. Mick’s guitar work was always inspirational, and I’m grateful we learned about our Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction while he was still alive.”
Jimmy Page (The Firm)
“Jimmy and I connected after I built a studio in my London home and recorded a solo album titled Cut Loose. We began creating music together, and it was an incredibly creative and exhilarating experience. Jimmy would bring music for me to write lyrics to, and our first serious collaboration was ’midnight Moonlight Lady,’ which features his superb guitar layering,” Rodgers explains.
“I would also bring my songs, like ‘Radioactive,’ and watching him add his signature touches was pure magic. Even though our time together was brief, we made a critically important impact on rock and roll.”
Brian May (Queen)
“I’ve always admired Queen from a distance. Their sound was impeccable, with every word from Freddie and every note from the band crystal clear. The guitar solo in ‘I Want to Break Free’ was mouth-watering, and every time we performed it live, I was blown away,” he recalls.
“‘The Show Must Go On’ is another masterpiece, with Brian’s guitar perfectly matching the song’s emotional intensity. His sound is piercing and powerful, and he often uses a six-pence as a pick, giving his strings a unique metallic overtone.”
Jeff Beck
“Jeff Beck was a force of nature, standing out among the best guitarists in a league of his own. Just listen to his solo in ‘Shapes of Things’ with Rod Stewart; it’s mind-blowing. In 2002, I had the honor of performing with him at the Royal Festival Hall in London, an experience I’ll never forget,” Rodgers shares.
“Touring with Jeff,Ann wilson,and Deborah Bonham in 2018 was surreal. on nights when he closed the show, I would stand at the side of the stage, mesmerized by his performance.”
Steve Cropper
“Steve Cropper has been a significant influence on my musical journey. His ability to follow the emotion of a song set the standard for every guitarist I encountered. His work with Otis Redding on the Otis Blue album, which was my first vinyl purchase, still resonates with me,” Rodgers reflects.
“Steve’s solos are impactful, and every note he plays counts. I was lucky to collaborate with him on his last solo album, Fire It Up, where we co-wrote ‘She’s So Fine.’ His contributions to music will always be cherished.”
Slash
“Slash contributed to ‘The Hunter’ on my Tribute to Muddy waters blues album in 1993, delivering a fiery solo that showcased his unique interpretation of the blues. His powerful presence on stage was evident when he joined me at Woodstock in 1994, where he performed brilliantly despite the rain,” Rodgers recalls.
“most recently, we performed together as a tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Gary Rossington at the CMT Awards. I also had the pleasure of singing on his latest album, Orgy of the Damned, where his guitar work continues to shine with its raw, bluesy essence.”
Joe Bonamassa
“When I first met Joe, I was impressed by his deep appreciation for Free, especially since most Americans are more familiar with Bad Company. He had explored our catalog and gravitated towards tracks like ‘walk in My Shadow’ and ‘Fire and Water,’ which intrigued me,” Rodgers shares.
“When he invited me to perform at New York’s Beacon Theatre in 2011 for a live DVD, we chose to play those very songs. Joe’s band was tight, and his sound is both captivating and fluid. In 2024, he is set to release a tribute album to B.B. King, B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100, and I’m excited to contribute a track. Joe is undoubtedly leading the next generation of guitar greats.”
