Biography
John Allen Campbell (January 20, 1952 – June 13, 1993) was an American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, renowned for his raw, slide-heavy guitar style and deeply expressive vocals. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Campbell was exposed to music early, acquiring his first guitar at age eight and performing by thirteen. His musical journey was profoundly shaped by a serious drag racing accident in his teens, which left him with lasting injuries and a period of solitude that deepened his devotion to the blues, particularly the works of John Lee Hooker and Lightnin’ Hopkins.
Campbell began his career in Texas with the power trio Junction in the early 1970s, later moving through the blues circuits of New Orleans and East Texas. By the mid-1980s, he had relocated to New York City, where his talent quickly earned him opening slots for major blues acts and the attention of producer Ronnie Earl. Campbell's breakthrough came with the albums 'One Believer' (1991) and 'Howlin Mercy' (1993) on Elektra Records, which showcased his distinctive approach to modern blues and his mastery of both acoustic and resonator guitars. His music was marked by a dark, haunting quality, often drawing on Southern folklore and personal hardship.
Despite a tragically short career—he died of a heart attack in Manhattan at age 41—Campbell left a lasting impact on the blues revival of the early 1990s. His recordings are celebrated for their emotional intensity, innovative slide technique, and the way they bridged traditional Delta blues with contemporary sensibilities. Campbell’s legacy persists as a cult figure whose influence is felt among modern blues musicians.
Fun Facts
- Campbell lost his right eye in a drag racing accident as a teenager, which led to his signature look and intensified his focus on music.
- He often incorporated Southern folklore and hoodoo imagery into his lyrics and stage persona, referring to himself as a 'hoodoo man.'
- Campbell’s favored instruments included a 1952 Gibson Southern Jumbo acoustic, a 1934 National Steel, and a 1940s National resophonic guitar.
- His cover of Tom Waits’ 'Down in the Hole' featured unique percussion created with a coyote skull, bones, beads, and rattlesnake rattles.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Lightnin’ Hopkins - Major stylistic influence during Campbell's recovery period; inspired his slide guitar approach and blues phrasing. (Influence evident throughout Campbell's discography, especially in acoustic blues numbers.) [Late 1960s–1970s]
- John Lee Hooker - Inspirational figure; Campbell studied Hooker's recordings from the local Jewel label in Shreveport. (General influence on Campbell's rhythmic and vocal style.) [1960s–1970s]
Key Collaborators
- Ronnie Earl - Producer and guest guitarist on Campbell’s album 'A Man and His Blues.' (A Man and His Blues (1988)) [1988]
- Alexander Kennedy - Songwriting partner and guitarist; co-wrote several tracks with Campbell. (One Believer (1991), Howlin Mercy (1993)) [Early 1990s]
- Tim Delaney and Jack 'Satch' Haupt - Bandmates in Campbell’s first group, Junction. (Junction (1973–1975), Street Suite (mid-1970s)) [1973–1975]
Artists Influenced
- Modern blues revivalists (e.g., Joe Bonamassa, contemporary slide guitarists) - Campbell’s innovative slide technique and dark, expressive style have been cited as influential by younger blues musicians. (General influence on post-1990s blues recordings.) [1990s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Howlin Mercy | 1993 | Album |
| One Believer | 1991 | Album |
| Whaling City Sound Jazz Presented by For the Love of King: Volume 6 | 2024-07-17 | Album |
| Whaling City Sound Jazz Presented by For the Love of King: Volume 1 | 2024-07-10 | Album |
| The Hour of Love (Re-Release) | 2020 | Album |
| Touche (Live Stand-up Comedy) | 2012-02-12 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Way Down in the Hole (Howlin Mercy)
- Love's Name (Howlin Mercy)
- Wild Streak (One Believer)
- One Believer (One Believer)
- Devil in My Closet (One Believer)
- Angel of Sorrow (One Believer)
- World of Trouble (One Believer)
- Voodoo Edge (One Believer)
- Wiseblood (Howlin Mercy)
- Ain't Afraid of Midnight (Howlin Mercy)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
john campbell has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 24, 2025 | 20:45 | voodoo edge | Music of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold | |
| Sep 26, 2025 | 21:31 | When The Levee Breaksfrom NOJHF Jazz Fest (D4) | Music of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold |