But I never had that commercial opportunity to be played on the radio, so how could I be popular?

Allison was known for his powerful concert performances lengthy soulful guitar solos and crowd walking with his Gibson Les Paul. In and out of a coma Allison died on August 12 1997 five days before his 58th birthday in Madison Wisconsin. C.

He played with Howlin' Wolf's band and backed James Cotton. Luther Allison (August 17 1939 – August 12 1997) was an American blues guitarist. He taught himself guitar and began listening to blues extensively.