Discovering the Blues with John Paul Hammond: A Lifelong Journey
I still remember the first time I heard John Paul Hammond. It was the early ‘70s, and I was flipping through records in a dusty little record shop that smelled like old wood and vinyl dreams. A friend of mine handed me So Many Roads, saying, “You gotta hear this guy. He plays like he’s channeling the Delta.” That night, sitting cross-legged on my apartment floor with a cheap turntable humming, I dropped the needle—and my life changed.
From that moment on, I was hooked.
My First Encounter with the Real Deal
John Paul Hammond, or John Hammond Jr. as some call him, isn’t just a blues musician—he is the blues. Born in New York City in 1942, son of the legendary producer John H. Hammond, John could’ve taken the easy road into the music industry. But he didn’t. He carved his own path, deep into the roots of the Delta, and brought back the raw soul of acoustic blues.
What struck me most was how authentic he sounded. Here was a white kid from NYC who could hold his own with the ghosts of Robert Johnson and Howlin’ Wolf. And he did it with just his voice, a slide, and a steel-bodied National guitar. No gimmicks. Just grit, passion, and respect.
The First Time I Saw Him Live
I finally got to see John live in 1985 at a small club in Chicago—dark, smoky, intimate, just the way blues ought to be. He walked onstage with his guitar and harmonica rack, no band, no backing tracks. Just him and the music. And when he opened with “Drop Down Mama,” time stood still. You could hear a pin drop between the notes, every slide run digging deep into your chest. I swear, it felt like Robert Johnson himself had crawled into the room.
I’ve seen him many times since, and each time he brings that same intensity. He doesn’t just perform—he testifies.
More Than a Musician—A Gateway to the Blues
John’s music didn’t just entertain me—it educated me. Because of him, I discovered Son House, Skip James, and Blind Willie McTell. His records became a gateway, each one a history lesson with liner notes and liner soul. Albums like Mirrors, Solo, and especially Wicked Grin (his 2001 collaboration with Tom Waits) deepened my love for the genre and kept me chasing those roots.
He’s played with Hendrix, Clapton, Dr. John, even members of The Band—but he’s always stayed true to himself. Never flashy, always honest.
Recognized but Underrated
John was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2011, and it was about time. He’s won a Grammy and been nominated more times than I can count. Still, he’s one of those artists who never got the mainstream attention he deserves—and maybe that’s why his music feels so personal. Like a secret between you and the blues.
Why I Keep Coming Back
Even now, decades after I first heard him, I still go back to John’s records when life gets heavy. There’s something comforting in his voice—weathered, strong, human. He reminds me that pain and beauty can live in the same note, and that sometimes all you need is a guitar, a harmonica, and the truth.
If you’ve never listened to John Paul Hammond, start now. Grab So Many Roads, then move on to Wicked Grin, and don’t stop there. Better yet—see him live. Let him take you on that journey down the old blues highway. I promise, you won’t come back the same.
Final Note
You can learn more about John Paul Hammond, see tour dates, or explore his discography at johnhammond.com.
Video
Thank You
We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.
Facebook Comments