John Hammond

Biography

John Paul Hammond, known professionally as John Hammond or John Hammond Jr., was born on November 13, 1942, in New York City, to parents Jemison McBride and the renowned Columbia Records producer John Henry Hammond Jr., who discovered artists like Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen. Hammond developed a passion for music early, taking up the guitar in high school and performing traditional acoustic blues. He dropped out of Antioch College in Ohio to pursue music professionally, signing with Vanguard Records in 1963 and releasing his debut album featuring covers of blues icons such as Muddy Waters, Lightnin' Hopkins, Robert Johnson, and Chuck Berry's 'Maybellene.'[1][2][4]

Fun Facts

• Jimi Hendrix briefly played in John Hammond's band in the mid-1960s before achieving fame.
• Hammond favored the National Reso-Phonic Guitar for his signature acoustic blues sound and also played harmonica, bass guitar, and electric guitar.
• In 2001, he released 'Wicked Grin,' an album almost entirely covering Tom Waits songs, showcasing his versatility beyond traditional blues.
• He hosted the 1991 UK TV documentary 'The Search for Robert Johnson,' exploring the Delta blues legend's life.

Associated Acts

• John Hammond's Wicked Grin - guitar, lead vocals, original
• Bloomfield, Hammond, Dr.John

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• John Henry Hammond Jr. - Father and famed record producer who influenced his entry into music world (None directly collaborative) [1940s-1980s]
• Robert Johnson - Major stylistic influence as Delta blues pioneer; Hammond hosted documentary on his life (Debut album covers; 'The Search for Robert Johnson' (1991 documentary)) [1960s-1990s]

Key Collaborators

• Mike Bloomfield - Guitarist on early electric recordings and joint album ('So Many Roads' (1965); 'Triumvirate' (1973)) [1965-1973]
• The Band (Robbie Robertson, Garth Hudson, Levon Helm) - Members accompanied him from Ronnie Hawkins' group ('So Many Roads' (1965)) [1965]
• Jimi Hendrix - Briefly played in Hammond's band before fame (Live performances) [Mid-1960s]
• Duane Allman - Befriended and recorded together (Unspecified recordings) [Late 1960s]
• Eric Clapton - Befriended and recorded together (Unspecified recordings) [1960s]
• Dr. John - Joint album with Bloomfield ('Triumvirate' (1973)) [1973]
• Tom Waits - Songs covered extensively on album ('Wicked Grin' (2001)) [2001]
• John Lee Hooker - Performed together (1992 performance) [1992]
• Paul James - Close friend and collaborator (Unspecified) [Recent years]

Artists Influenced

• Joe Bonamassa - Mentored and supported as friend (Tributes upon death) [2000s-2026]

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #acoustic-blues, #blues, #blues-rock