Imperial Crowns

Biography

Imperial Crowns is a Los Angeles-based blues rock band formed in 1992 by Jimmie Wood and J.J. Holiday, whose musical partnership traces back to the mid-1980s. Wood, a vocalist and harmonica player, was active in the LA scene as the frontman of Jimmie Wood and the Immortals and as a booker at the iconic Madame Wongs club, while Holiday played guitar in the underground band Black Patti. Their shared passion for electric and country blues, soul, rock and roll, swamp pop, psychedelic, rockabilly, and gospel music laid the foundation for the Imperial Crowns’ eclectic sound.[1][2][3]

The band began recording in 1993, with drummer/engineer Billy Sullivan joining as a key member. Officially adopting the name Imperial Crowns in 1994, they became fixtures on the LA club circuit and simultaneously joined The Sacred Hearts, the House of Blues house band, where they performed with legends such as Bruce Springsteen, Buddy Guy, Greg Allman, Taj Mahal, and Chaka Khan. Their debut album, 'Imperial Crowns,' was followed by a series of critically acclaimed releases, including 'Hymn Book' and 'Star of the West.' The band gained a dedicated following in Europe, performing at major festivals like BosPop, Moulin Blues, and the Byron Bay Blues Festival in Australia. After a hiatus from 2008 to 2015, they returned with new albums and continued to tour internationally.[1][3][4]

Imperial Crowns are celebrated for their innovative blend of traditional blues with contemporary influences, described as 'ferocious blues, psyche-delta soul & pumpin’ funk.' Their energetic performances and genre-defying style have drawn comparisons to Otis Redding, Captain Beefheart, and Blind Lemon Jefferson, earning them a reputation as one of the most original bands on the blues rock scene. Their legacy is marked by a commitment to keeping blues vibrant and relevant, inspiring both audiences and fellow musicians.[1][3][4]

Fun Facts

• J.J. Holiday was a member of Bob Dylan’s three-piece rock band in the mid-1980s and appeared with Dylan on Late Night with David Letterman.
• J.J. Holiday worked as a guitar instructor and musical director for Johnny Depp’s JD Blues Band, which occasionally featured Keith Richards.
• The band’s sound has been described as 'psyche-delta, rock n’ soul' and is known for shaking up both fans and co-performers at major international festivals.
• Jimmie Wood and J.J. Holiday are also known for their work with The Sacred Hearts, backing The Blues Brothers and sharing the stage with artists like The Rolling Stones, James Brown, and Bob Dylan.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Clarence Fountain (The Five Blind Boys of Alabama) - Provided inspiration and public praise for Jimmie Wood and J.J. Holiday’s performance style. (Live performances, House of Blues collaborations) [1990s]

Key Collaborators

• Billy Sullivan - Drummer, engineer, and longtime recording partner; recorded three of four studio albums in his North Hollywood studio. (Imperial Crowns (1996), Hymn Book (2004), Star of the West (2007)) [1993–2008, 2015–present]
• The Sacred Hearts - House of Blues house band; Wood and Holiday were founding members, performing with major artists. (Live performances with The Blues Brothers (Dan Aykroyd, James Belushi), Bruce Springsteen, Buddy Guy, Chaka Khan, Ann Peebles, etc.) [1994–present]
• J.J. Holiday - Co-founder, guitarist, and songwriting/producing partner; also played with Bob Dylan, Johnny Depp, and Chuck E. Weiss. (All Imperial Crowns albums, Bob Dylan’s band (1980s), Johnny Depp’s JD Blues Band) [1980s–present]
• Mike Barsimanto - Drummer and band member during key recording and touring periods. (Imperial Crowns albums and live shows) [2000s]

Artists Influenced

• Younger European blues and rock musicians - Inspired a new generation of blues fans and musicians through their energetic festival performances and genre-blending style. (Live festival appearances (BosPop, Moulin Blues, Peer Rhythm and Blues Festival)) [2002–present]

Source: Wikipedia

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Lil Death (Hymn Book)
2. Golden Girl (Hymn Book)
3. Baby's Gone Wild (Hymn Book)
4. Ramblin Woman Blues (Imperial Crowns)
5. I'm Gonna Hunt You Down (Imperial Crowns)
6. Preachin' the Blues (Imperial Crowns)
7. Blues Look Whatcha Done (Imperial Crowns)
8. Altar of Love (Imperial Crowns)
9. Altar of Love (25 Live)
10. Blues Au Go Go (25 Live)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia- MusicBrainz