Early Life and Career Born Herbert Weedon in East Ham, London, Weedon began playing guitar at a young age. His early career saw him perform with various dance bands and orchestras in the 1940s, becoming a prominent session musician. He also worked extensively for the BBC, featuring on numerous radio and television programmes. His versatility allowed him to play a wide range of styles, from jazz and swing to pop and rock and roll.
Innovations and Influence Weedon was a significant figure in popularising the electric guitar in the United Kingdom. He was one of the first British guitarists to release a solo instrumental album, Guitar Boogie Shuffle, in 1959. His single "Apache" (originally by The Shadows) and "Nashville Boogie" were also notable successes.
However, his most enduring legacy is his instructional book, Play in a Day, first published in 1957. This accessible guide, designed for beginners, introduced fundamental guitar techniques, chords, and theory. It sold millions of copies and profoundly influenced countless British guitarists, including many who would become rock legends.
Impact on British Music Weedon's influence is frequently cited by prominent musicians who learned from Play in a Day or were inspired by his playing. Among those who acknowledged his impact are:
- Eric Clapton
- Brian May (Queen)
- Paul McCartney (The Beatles)
- John Lennon (The Beatles)
- George Harrison (The Beatles)
- Pete Townshend (The Who)
- Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits)
- Hank Marvin (The Shadows)
He is often credited with laying the groundwork for the British rock and roll scene of the 1960s by demystifying guitar playing and making it accessible to a mass audience.
Later Life and Recognition Weedon continued to perform and record throughout his career, often appearing on television and contributing to various musical projects. In 2001, he was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. He remained a respected figure in the music industry until his death in 2012 at the age of 91.
Discography (Selected)
- Guitar Boogie Shuffle (1959)
- The "King" Size Hits (1960)
- Weedon's Wonderwall (1970)
- Bert Weedon's Play in a Day (Various re-recordings)
Bibliography
- Play in a Day (1957)
- Play in a Day – The New Book (1977)
- Bert Weedon's Play in a Day – The Official Guide (2007)