Nick Gravenites, a Blues and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee who worked closely with Janis Joplin throughout her career, a member of Big Brother and the Holding Company, and co-founder of the Electric Flag band with Mike Bloomfield has passed away. M.C. Records released his last recording ‘Rogue Blues’ on April 5th of this year.
His son Tim said on Facebook, “I regret to inform all of you that Nick passed away last night. Details to follow as they arrive. The Gravenites family appreciates all of the fans and loved ones who have been there for us during this time.”
Nick Gravenites, the son of Greek immigrants, grew up on the south side of Chicago hanging out in the mid-50s with a coterie of misfit white kids – Elvin Bishop, Paul Butterfield, Michael Bloomfield – who went on to form that protean powerhouse of watershed white blues, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band.
Learning their lessons first-hand from the south side greats – Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Howlin’ Wolf, Jimmy Reed, Otis Rush – Gravenites & Co. burst open the seams of the scene with a feverish intensity and undeniable authenticity. Gravenites gravitated between Chicago and San Francisco, establishing himself in the Bay Area in 1965.
Over his career, Nick worked with and composed for many rock and blues luminaries. He worked closely with Janis Joplin throughout her career, becoming the “music handyman” for her Kozmic Blues Band after she left Big Brother and the Holding Company.
Two songs penned for Joplin, “Work Me Lord” and “As Good As You’ve Been To This World,” appeared on her Kozmic Blues release. Another, “Buried Alive in the Blues,” was released as an instrumental only on her album Pearl, the vocal track unfinished when Jopin died suddenly. Nick also worked with Big Brother and the Holding Company, joining the band after Joplin left, and co-founded the Electric Flag band with Mike Bloomfield.
He has also written songs for Pure Prairie League, Tracy Nelson, Roy Buchanan, and blues legends Howlin’ Wolf, Otis Rush, and James Cotton, and produced the hit “One Toke Over the Line” by folk rock duo Shipley and Brewer. He appeared on more than 40 albums as a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer.
