Bluesdays: Studebaker John

Studebaker John makes his first Bluesdays appearance in nine years at The Village at Palisades Tahoe.

How many superlatives can be packed into a Studebaker? For Studebaker John, plenty.

Studebaker John is an authentic Chicago bluesman, having lived in the Windy City his whole life. And like the first automobile models ever made, Studebaker’s guitar is electric. He also is an accomplished harp player.

“He has a deep understanding of the blues tradition that comes from hanging with the classic Chicago bluesmen, but he’s created his own sound and style from these roots,” said Alligator Records founder Bruce Iglauer.

The Chicago Tribune: “His raw amplified canonical work recalls past masters like Little Walter and Big Walter Horton, while his slide guitar style is descended from the styles of Elmore James and Hound Dog Taylor.”

Born in 1952, Studebaker John Grimaldi was inspired to play slide guitar after seeing Hound Dog Taylor, with whom who he later jammed. He also shared the stage with Big Walter, Buddy Guy and Jimmy Johnson. His guitar playing is so respected he reportedly was offered to join the new version of the Yardbirds.

In addition to 18 solo albums, he has recorded with Pretty Things and the Yardbirds.