Kim Simmonds: The Guitarist Who Carried British Blues Rock Through Six Decades

Kim Simmonds might not be the first name casual fans mention when talking about the British blues explosion of the 1960s, but his role in shaping the sound and keeping its flame alive cannot be overstated. As the founder, guitarist, and driving force of Savoy Brown, Simmonds created a band that spanned generations, bridged oceans, and kept the connection between blues and rock vibrant for over half a century. His story is one of perseverance, artistry, and deep respect for the blues tradition.

Early Life and Musical Awakening

Born in 1947 in Caerphilly, Wales, Kim Simmonds grew up surrounded by music with his older brother being an influence.

Simmonds told Blues Rock Review in a 2020 interview, “There was Bill Haley, Elvis Presley, they all came along with Little Richard and Fats Domino, so throughout the 50s that was the music I really liked, and of course, it was all related to popular blues. So that was, I suppose, my introduction, because from that point on I just liked honest straight forward simple music. I didn’t want any bridges, middle eights, I didn’t want any key changes, just give me the three chords with a great performance. That crystallized when I was about 13, when I started to listen to Chicago blues and Chicago in the early 60s with the first Buddy Guy records. Muddy Waters band has a huge influence, and so it was pretty easy for me to latch onto it because Little Richard and people like that weren’t that far away from Southern blues, you know?”

Simmonds added, “I always wanted to play blues as soon as I heard people like Earl Hooker, Freddie King, and of course, B.B. King, because this was the future of guitar, I recognized as a kid, this is the future of guitar music, and I wanted to be a part of it.”

When his family moved to London, he found himself in the heart of the burgeoning British blues scene. Young musicians like Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Jeff Beck were beginning to reimagine the raw Chicago blues they adored, and Simmonds quickly found his place among them. Armed with a guitar and a growing knowledge of the genre, he began crafting his own voice, one that emphasized both reverence for tradition and a willingness to experiment.

The Birth of Savoy Brown

In 1965, Simmonds formed Savoy Brown Blues Band, later shortened simply to Savoy Brown. At a time when blues groups were springing up across Britain, Savoy Brown carved a distinctive path. Their early records, including Shake Down (1967) and Getting to the Point (1968), leaned heavily on covers of American blues standards but infused them with a raw, fiery energy that set them apart.

Simmonds’ guitar work was always central. While Clapton was celebrated for his ferocity and Green for his lyrical touch, Simmonds balanced both approaches. He could deliver biting solos full of aggression but also channel subtlety and emotion in equal measure. His leadership style was democratic yet firm, guiding a revolving door of talented musicians through Savoy Brown’s lineup.

By 1969, the band had made its mark in both Britain and the United States. Their growing fan base appreciated their commitment to blues at a time when many peers were drifting toward psychedelia and progressive rock.

The Breakthrough Years

Savoy Brown’s breakthrough came with Blue Matter (1969) and A Step Further (1969), records that showcased the group’s ability to stretch the blues into extended jams without losing authenticity. Tracks like “Louisiana Blues” and “Made Up My Mind” introduced audiences to Simmonds’ willingness to explore beyond rigid structures.

The band’s 1970 release Looking In became a touchstone. With its brooding title track and fiery riffs, the album captured the tension between blues tradition and rock’s expanding possibilities. It was during this era that members of Savoy Brown, including Lonesome Dave Peverett, Tony Stevens, and Roger Earl, departed to form Foghat, a band that would achieve massive commercial success in the U.S.

While some might have seen this as a devastating loss, Simmonds remained undeterred. His resilience and ability to rebuild became hallmarks of his career. He guided Savoy Brown through countless lineup changes while maintaining the band’s reputation as one of the most consistent live acts of the era.

Crossing the Atlantic

By the early 1970s, Savoy Brown had become more popular in America than in their native Britain. They toured relentlessly across the States, often performing 150 or more shows a year. Their heavy touring schedule cemented their status as cult heroes of the blues rock circuit.

Albums like Street Corner Talking (1971) and Hellbound Train (1972) cemented their stateside following. Songs like “Tell Mama” and the epic title track “Hellbound Train” showcased Simmonds’ knack for mixing gritty blues riffs with socially conscious lyrics and extended arrangements.

This American connection proved vital. While many of their British peers either disbanded or changed direction, Savoy Brown continued to resonate with U.S. audiences who valued their authenticity and stamina. For Simmonds, the American blues tradition had always been sacred, and the fact that his band earned respect on U.S. soil was deeply meaningful.

The Constant Leader

Savoy Brown’s lineup changes became legendary. Over 60 musicians passed through the band across six decades. Yet the one constant was Kim Simmonds. His guitar tone, songwriting, and vision kept the project coherent despite the turnover.

This leadership wasn’t about ego; rather, it reflected his relentless commitment to the music. Simmonds often spoke about his desire to keep the band alive as a vehicle for the blues, even when commercial trends shifted. In the 1980s, when blues rock was far from the mainstream, Savoy Brown continued to tour and release albums, building loyalty among hardcore fans.

His persistence paid off. By the 1990s, blues rock was experiencing a revival, and Savoy Brown’s catalog found new appreciation. Albums like Voodoo Moon (2011) and Ain’t Done Yet (2020) demonstrated that Simmonds’ creativity never dimmed.

Kim Simmonds as a Guitarist

Kim Simmonds’ guitar style deserves special recognition. While he never sought the limelight with flashy theatrics, his playing was deeply expressive. His tone often combined raw grit with lyrical phrasing, echoing the emotional weight of B.B. King and the bite of Hubert Sumlin.

Unlike some contemporaries, Simmonds didn’t chase trends. He resisted the pull of excessive distortion in the 1980s and the allure of shredding in the 1990s. Instead, he remained faithful to the essence of the blues: feel over flash, honesty over excess.

He was also a keen slide guitarist, adding another dimension to his playing. On tracks like “Hellbound Train,” his slide work created a haunting atmosphere that became a Savoy Brown trademark.

Later Career and Final Years

Even into his seventies, Simmonds showed no signs of slowing down. He continued touring with Savoy Brown well into the 2010s, producing new material that stayed true to his roots while sounding fresh. Albums like City Night (2019) proved that his songwriting was still vital, with themes reflecting his decades-long journey.

In 2022, however, Simmonds revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. Despite his illness, he continued to record music, demonstrating the same dedication that defined his career. He passed away in December 2022 at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy both rich and understated.

The final Savoy Brown album, Blues All Around, landed #16 on Blues Rock Review’s Top 20 Albums of 2023 following Simmonds’ death.

Essential Songs for New Listeners

“I’m Tired” (A Step Further, 1969)

A gritty, soulful introduction to the band’s early style.

“Street Corner Talking” (Street Corner Talking, 1971)

A groove-driven and accessible, a gateway into their 70s era.

“Hellbound Train” (Hellbound Train, 1972)

The dark, slow-burning epic that remains Savoy Brown’s defining masterpiece.

The Legacy of Kim Simmonds

Kim Simmonds’ impact can be measured in several ways. Few musicians led a band for nearly 60 years with such consistency. His ability to keep Savoy Brown active through changing musical climates speaks volumes about his determination. He never betrayed his love for the blues. He respected the tradition, introduced it to new audiences, and maintained its integrity. From Foghat to modern blues rock guitarists, his reach extended far beyond chart positions. And with over 40 albums, Savoy Brown’s discography stands as one of the most extensive in blues rock history.

Kim Simmonds wasn’t a rock star in the conventional sense. He didn’t chase fame, and he rarely sought the spotlight. Instead, he let his music do the talking. For fans, that devotion was more meaningful than any celebrity status.

Today, his name may not be as instantly recognizable as Clapton or Page, but his contributions are just as significant. Without Simmonds’ persistence, the bridge between the blues tradition and modern rock might have weakened. Instead, thanks to his life’s work, that bridge remains sturdy, still carrying new generations of fans into the heart of the blues.

As long as blues rock continues to thrive, the name Kim Simmonds will remain etched in its foundation, a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of music to endure.