JOHN WATKINS

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, John Watkins stood out as one of Chicago’s most promising young blues guitarists and singers. He grew up in the shadow of the famed Theresa’s Lounge on the South Side. In 1973, still in his early 20s, he grabbed a gig as Willie Dixon’s guitarist, holding the post for seven years before joining James Cotton for a year and a half. After another stint with Dixon, John joined his uncle Jimmy Johnson’s group, and they stayed together for two years. John’s crisp, clean guitar work and soaring, soul-drenched vocals were showcased on his debut LP, Here I Am, cut for the French Blue Phoenix label during a 1984 tour. His American recording debut was “Chained To Your Love,” a track on Alligator’s The New Bluebloods compilation, which remains his only U.S. release.In the late 1980s, John moved to Detroit where he played locally before putting down his guitar and taking a day job.

Born 19 July 1953, Chicago, Illinois, USA. As a youngster, Watkins was exposed to his parents’ blues record collection and later taught himself to play bass and drums. Around 1967-68 his mother finally bought him a guitar and by 1969 he was playing with Buddy Guy at Theresa’s Lounge in Chicago. From there, he went on to play with Koko Taylor, Son Seals, Junior Wells and others. He toured with Willie Dixon for seven years and then joined James Cotton’s band, recording with both artists. He made his own debut album in France in 1984 and also recorded one track for Alligator’s New Bluebloods anthology in 1987. He spent two years working with his uncle, blues guitarist Jimmy Johnson, but formed his own band in 1987 to showcase his crisp guitar-playing and soulful blues singing.

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