in 1971, having no success in getting delmark to sign taylor, iglauer used a $2500 inheritance to form alligator records, which recorded taylor's debut album, "hound dog taylor and the houserockers". the album was recorded in just two nights. it was the first release for alligator, which eventually became a major blues label. iglauer began managing and booking the band, which toured nationwide and performed with muddy waters, freddie king, and big mama thornton. the band became especially popular in the boston area, where taylor inspired the young george thorogood. the album "live at joe's place" documents a performance in boston in 1972.