Former Stories bassist gives the inside scoop on recording “Brother Louie”
Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
May 2, 2022
Kenny Aaronson definitely makes the list when it comes to a who’s who of rock and roll bass players. In fact, he even topped one of the lists—when Rolling Stone chose him as its “Bassist of the Year” back in 1988. The Brooklyn native first got his start playing with hard rock band Dust, and later became a member of the NYC-based group Stories, which had a #1 Billboard hit in 1973 with the single “Brother Louie.” He’s also enjoyed a successful career as sideman, playing with the likes of Bob Dylan, Billy Idol, Joan Jett, Edgar Winter, Foghat, Brian Setzer, Mick Taylor, and Hall and Oates. In 1984, Aaronson released the album Through The Fire as a member of HSAS, a group that also featured Sammy Hagar, Neal Schon, and Michael Shrieve. Since 2015, he’s served as the bassist for the Yardbirds, which will be going out on tour again later this year.
Watch our interview with Kenny!
See Jon’s blog, with key takeaways from this interview here.
I’ve had about ten years worth of opportunities to play my journeyman pedal steel guitar alongside Kenny. It’s been by turns intimidating, educational, eye-opening and always inspirational. What a great interview this was. I’m so glad I got to hear it. Thank you.
That must have been quite an experience, Ted! Thanks for the comment!
You haven’t mentioned so many other big named musicians Kenny played with during his very prolific career! Including Rick Derringer!!
Thanks for the comment, Michelle. You’re absolutely right! It’s a long list indeed. Some of the names are Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Billy Idol, Sammy Hagar, Chuck Leavell, Brian Setzer, Johnny Winter, Dickey Betts, Corky Laing… and Rick Derringer! Yeah, Kenny’s amazing!