The first and so far most succesful player has been guitarist Jorma Kaukonen. He was one of the founding members of Jefferson Airplane, San Francisco -based psychedelic group which later grew up as Jefferson Starship. When Starship started to fly, Jorma was already playing with Hot Tuna - a rhythm'n'blues group he foúnded with his longtime sidekick Jack Casady (also from Jefferson Airplane).
Jorma's playing is very powerful, yet soulful. He may not have been technically the best guitarist ever but his tasteful bluesy sound is appreciated widely.
Nowadays he is runnig Fur Peace Ranch with his wife - check out http://www.furpeaceranch.com
Jorma writes about his Finnish blood here!
Jefferson guitar roots
Is Rhythm & Blues really the right term to describe Tuna?
VastaaPoistaSure, they played blues and had rhythm, but it ain't the same thing.
You are right - it aint same thing.
VastaaPoistaBut Jorma can play anything :)
Okay, so who's the other American band with a Finnish member?
VastaaPoistaThe Hooters - and their drummer David (Dave) Uosikkinen. Unfortunately I dont have any other details about his ancestors.
VastaaPoistaHow about Pentti "Whitey" Glan then (Alice Cooper, Lou Reed)?
VastaaPoistaPentti Glan was born in Heinola,,small town near Lahti,,I always wonder is we related, because me too,,I was born near Heinola and my last name is Klen,,I wonder if Pentti did change Klen to Glan to be more americanish??
VastaaPoistaPentti didn't change his name, so Glan is his original surname.
VastaaPoistaPentti Glan is my mother's cousin.
VastaaPoista