In movies, there are actors commonly referred to as “That Guy.” That Guy actors are fellas who never starred in much of anything, but seem to at least be in hundreds of movies. Movie producers and directors rely on them to be able to show up and bring something special to the film, even if their name doesn’t merit the marquee.

Let’s use the term in music this time. Otis Rush is not That Guy in this video. Otis never received the kind of notoriety that fellas like Muddy Waters or BB King, or even Albert King achieved. But he was hardly obscure, especially if you were a blues aficionado. In many ways, he was the most influential Chicago blues guitar player I can name. I played in blues bands in the seventies and eighties, and more people wanted to play like Otis Rush than anyone else.

But that drummer. Now he’s That Guy, that’s for sure, blues-wise. That’s Fred Below. You probably don’t know his name, but you know his music. All my guitar playing friends knew they wanted to sound like Otis Rush, but the drummers all ended up playing like Fred Below without even knowing it. He sort of invented the Chicago Blues drumming style.

If you think I’m exaggerating about Fred’s invisible notoriety, I’ll mention that it’s him you hear playing the drums on Johnny B. Goode, and a hearty helping of other Check Berry hits. He played with Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Willie Dixon, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Howlin’ Wolf, Bo Diddley, and of course Otis Rush.

And you can try your whole life long to get your freak on every whichaway you want, and never equal his beret, cravat, and Van Dyke beard.