In The Groove with Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson

Ahead of his 50th anniversary tour, the iconic musician talks about the formative music that has influenced him over the years.

Photo by Nick Anderson

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Did you know that Jethro Tull once opened up for the MC5?

Ahead of the 50th anniversary tour heading to the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, Jethro Tull frontman and flautist Ian Anderson talked with CultureShift’s Ryan Patrick Hooper about a duo of songs that influenced him over the years — including the MC5’s breakout track “Kick Out the Jams.”

Hear the full interview above or listen to his selected tracks below.

Track #1: A Blues Legend Makes an Impact

At an early age, Anderson sees blues guitarist J.B. Lenoir perform and everything changes for the young musician.

Track #2: MC5 Brings the Proto-Punk Sound to the Table

Jethro Tull would open for the MC5 in Seattle before encountering members of the band later on when Jethro Tull performed at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit.

Author

  • Ryan Patrick Hooper inside the WDET studio.
    Ryan Patrick Hooper is the award-winning host of "In the Groove" on 101.9 WDET-FM Detroit’s NPR station. Hooper has covered stories for the New York Times, NPR, Detroit Free Press, Hour Detroit, SPIN and Paste magazine.