<back - JOHN HAMMOND JR. - John Hammond Jr.’s career spans more than four decades. He was one of a mere handful of musicians that were front and center at the time when one of the most incredible Blues renaissance scenes got underway in the late 50’s and early 60’s. In the following decades, the Blues--in all its glorious permutations--has spread open its wings, and Hammond has fully kept apace of emerging trends, although he'll always be known as the embodiment of the quintessential acoustic Blues troubadour, always serving tradition by pouring his heart and soul into full-bodied interpretations of the classics through the simple combination of brilliant guitar, rack harmonica, and intensely expressive vocals. He has released over two dozen albums, earned a stellar reputation as one of the most compelling live presences, and always sought out new avenues of expression in unison with the enduring spirit of the Blues. His career has revealed an artist at ease in roots genres like R&B, Blues Rock, and Country.

John Hammond Jr.--born 1942 in NYC, the son of famed Columbia Records talent scout John Hammond Sr. John Jr’s immersion into the Blues was sparked by a fascination with slide guitar, when he first started to learn guitar. After witnessing Jimmy Reed at New York’s Apollo Theatre his career path was revealed with clairvoyant certainty. The mid-60’s emergence of electric Blues ensembles caused Hammond to adapt accordingly, and he started recording with artists like guitarist Robbie Robertson, Charlie Musselwhite, and Dr. John. There are many excellent recordings to check out, such as John’s self-titled debut on Vanguard, and other titles include I Can Tell (recorded with Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones), Southern Fried (1968), and Sourcepoint (1970). On 1992’s Trouble No More, co-produced by JJ Cale and featuring Little Charlie & the Nightcats on backup, The program included selections by Amos Milburn, Little Walter, Howlin’ Wolf, and Mose Allison. Hammond's 90’s releases have enticed a new generation of admirers to his fold. Two such efforts include Got Love If You Want It, and Found True Love, produced by David Hidalgo of Los Lobos. On Wicked Grin, Hammond provided such a perceptive take on the incisive songs of Tom Waits, that he’s now considered to be at the vanguard of interpretative voices of Waits’ material. His legacy remains as the vibrant extension of predecessors such as Sonny Boy Williamson, Howlin’ Wolf, and Muddy Waters. -GT/ MP3 - Step it Up | Crown Vic |