Such was the case with Lester Butler. His last album, 13, melded the roots of American music, blues and alternative rock. Yet Butler could also get down and blow some hardcore blues, backing luminaries Billy Boy Arnold, King Ernest and Finis Tasby.

His first band, the Red Devils, received the attention of producer Rick Rubin (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mick Jagger, Tom Petty) while playing their favorite haunt, the King King. With Rubin, they released their only album, which was named after that haunt. Their sound attracted the likes of Jagger, who took them into the studio, but the tracks were never used for Jagger's album Wandering Spirit.

Alex Schultz, fresh from Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers, teamed with Butler to form 13. Though abhorred by blues purists, the group broke ground, especially in Europe where they drew high praise from rock bands, who in turn gave 13 opening slots for their shows. 13 was a step away from stardom when Butler died unexpectedly at age 38. ~ Char Ham