February 2019

When assigned a session with Roy Orbison in the summer of ’64, a young studio guitarist brought his favorite instrument. Read about Jerry Kennedy and the famous lick played on his one-of-a-kind Gibson ES-335.

We also offer the final interview with legendary Louisianan Tony Joe White and dig into the ’57 Stratocaster given to him by Waylon Jennings. Enjoy our look at 50 years of prog wizardry by Yes, then explore the stories behind early Gretsch “unsolidbody” electric guitars and the Mosrite M-88, dig into the Marshall Model 1987, and learn why Martin’s “Renaissance” guitars rank as a rare failure in the company’s storied history.

We catch up with Steve Lukather, Doyle Bramhall, II, Elvin Bishop, Ana Popovic, Erik Schenkman, Dan Donegan, Steve Tibbetts, and Abe Ovadia. Wolf Marshall schools us on the history and licks of Hound Dog Taylor, “Pop ’N Hiss” dishes on Def Leppard’s Pyromania, and Dan Forte’s “Check This Action” features root-rock acts worth hearing. Our “Hit List” reviewers guide you to the best new music, while VG Approved Gear highlights toys for your jam room (or gig rig). You’ll love in the February issue, available now!