biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (January 2009) Alvin Lee Alvin Lee in 1975 Background information Birth name Graham Barnes Born 19 December 1944 (1944-12-19) (age 66) Origin Nottingham, England Genres Rock, British blues, blues-rock, rockabilly Occupations Musician, songwriter Instruments Vocals, guitar, bass, sitar Years active 1960–present Labels Chrysalis Associated acts Ten Years After, Mick Taylor Website Official Website Notable instruments Gibson Custom Shop "Big Red" Signature model Alvin Lee (born Graham Barnes, 19 December 1944, Nottingham, England) is an English rock guitarist and singer. He began playing guitar at the age of 13, and with Leo Lyons formed the core of the band Ten Years After in 1960. Influenced by his parents' collection of jazz and blues records, it was the advent of rock and roll that sparked his interest, and guitarists such as Chuck Berry and Scotty Moore provided his inspiration..