Coco Montoya

Biography

Henry "Coco" Montoya, born October 2, 1951 in Santa Monica, California, is an acclaimed American blues guitarist and vocalist of Mexican heritage. Raised in a working-class family, Montoya was exposed to a wide range of music through his parents' record collection, including big band jazz, salsa, doo-wop, and rock 'n' roll. He began his musical journey as a drummer, acquiring his first kit at age 11 and playing in local rock bands during his teens. A transformative experience came in 1969 when he saw Albert King perform, inspiring him to pursue blues music.

Montoya's career took a pivotal turn in the mid-1970s when he met legendary bluesman Albert Collins, who hired him as a drummer and became his mentor. Under Collins' guidance, Montoya transitioned to guitar, developing a distinctive left-handed, upside-down playing style and emotional phrasing. After five years with Collins, Montoya joined John Mayall's Bluesbreakers in the early 1980s, touring and recording with the band for a decade alongside fellow guitarist Walter Trout. This period solidified his reputation as a dynamic blues performer.

Launching his solo career in 1993, Montoya quickly gained recognition for his passionate vocals and inventive guitar work. His debut album, "Gotta Mind To Travel" (1995), was met with critical acclaim and fan enthusiasm, earning him the Blues Music Award for Best New Artist in 1996. Over the following decades, Montoya released numerous albums, toured internationally, and became a leading figure in modern blues and blues rock, celebrated for blending fiery intensity with heartfelt soul.

Fun Facts

• Montoya plays guitar left-handed and upside-down, a rare technique among blues guitarists.
• He started his professional music career as a drummer, not a guitarist.
• Montoya won the Blues Music Award for Best New Artist in 1996 after his debut solo album.
• He is of Mexican heritage and has cited his family's diverse musical tastes as a major influence.

Associated Acts

• John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Albert Collins - Collins hired Montoya as his drummer and mentored him in blues guitar, teaching him the 'icy hot' style and encouraging his transition to guitar. (Live performances, band touring) [mid-1970s to early 1980s]
• John Mayall - Mayall invited Montoya to join the Bluesbreakers after hearing him play, guiding his development as a guitarist and performer. (Bluesbreakers albums and tours) [early 1980s to early 1990s]

Key Collaborators

• Walter Trout - Fellow guitarist in John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, frequently performed and toured together. (Bluesbreakers live shows and recordings) [1980s to early 1990s]
• Cate Brothers - Montoya appeared on their 1995 album 'Radioland' during their recording career resumption. (Radioland (1995)) [1995]

Artists Influenced

• Contemporary blues guitarists - Montoya's signature left-handed, upside-down playing style and emotional phrasing have inspired a new generation of blues musicians. (Various modern blues recordings and performances) [1990s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Before The Bullets Fly (Hard Truth)
2. Back In A Cadillac (Can't Look Back)
3. Good Days, Bad Days (Suspicion)
4. It's My Own Tears (Dirty Deal)
5. Am I Losing You (The Essential Coco Montoya)
6. Save It For The Next Fool (Writing On The Wall)
7. Good Man Gone (Coming In Hot)
8. Old Habits Are Hard To Break (Hard Truth)
9. I Was Wrong (Writing On The Wall)
10. Last Dirty Deal (Dirty Deal)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #blue-eyed-soul, #blues