I am getting ready to interview the legendary Sam Lay. What should I ask him?

Any ideas would be awesome.

By the way, Sam Lay is a legendary blues drummer who has been playing since the mid 50's. He was recorded with some of the greatest pioneers in blues history including Howling Wolf, Little Walter, Bob Dylan, and Muddy aters.

He worked with a lot of the great 60's rock/ blues bands (Paul Butterfield, James Cotton) and a lot of the all time-great bluesmen (howlin wolf, little Walter).

What I would ask him about though, was the 1965 Newport Folk Festival where he backed Dylan on the 1st electric set. Dylan was absolutly reviled by the folkies for this, and we know it made history, inspiring bands like the Byrds, etc...

I would ask what were his experiences around that event. He probably would have a few stories he could tell.

how about "Who are you?"

You mean the Drummer Sam Lay? I didn't know he was still around! He was/is awesome! Ask him about his thoughts on Johnny Winter! I'll bet they've shared a stage at some point. Ask about his session work in Chicago. Has he ever shared a gig/billing with Lonnie Brooks? Another contemporary of his I love is Lowell Fullson. Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, I'm sure he knows them all. Elmore James and the Broom-dusters were influences on him also. "The Sky is Crying", He'll remember! I'd love to go with you on this one!

Ask about Louis & Dave Myers

He played on "Fathers and Sons", Muddy's redemption album after "Electric Mud" came out. Working with guys like Muddy, Otis Spann, Paul Butterfield, and Duck Dunn must have been a blast. And playing for Howlin' Wolf must have given the guy hours worth of stories.

Wow!!!

But back to the question, just ask him the basic stuff. You know, name, biggest accomplishment in his favor, best times etc. The "general" questions.
Next, that's when you asked your own PERSONAL questions like
"Was there anybody outside your family you thought was an inspiration?"
"Has there ever been a time when you want to just stop drumming?"
"Has a girl distracted you before in a concert? And you messed up about it? *(Give a playful smile + laugh for that one)*
"Can you name one thing about drumming that you'll never foget?"
"Have you ever messed up a drum solo?"

Those are just a few. Anyway, goodluck!





PS- People, he's aking what he should talk about with Sam Lay, not asking who he is. Doesn't seem like you guys read the question!

I would ask him what he thought about the changing role of drums in the blues.