Biography
Jon Cleary, born August 11, 1962, in Cranbrook, Kent, England, discovered his passion for music early, starting on guitar at age five and forming his first band, Delta Wing, at 16 with blues guitarist Roger Hubbard. Inspired by his uncle's records of New Orleans artists like Professor Longhair, he left school after art studies and moved to New Orleans in 1981 at age 19. His first job was painting the Maple Leaf Bar, where he soon transitioned to playing piano, immersing himself in the city's R&B and funk scene.
Cleary's career took off as a session musician for New Orleans legends including Earl King, Johnny Adams, Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington, Snooks Eaglin, Ernie K-Doe, Jessie Hill, and as a guitarist for Dr. John. He released his debut album Alligator Lips & Dirty Rice in 1989, formed Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, and toured with icons like Bonnie Raitt (for a decade, contributing five songs), Taj Mahal (who covered four of his compositions), B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and others. His band, featuring core members Cornell C. Williams (bass), Thomas Glass or A.J. Hall (drums), and expandable to include Nigel Hall, Pedro Segundo, and Xavier Lynn, released six albums, with Go Go Juice winning a Grammy in 2016 for Best Regional Roots Music Album.
Renowned for his mastery of New Orleans piano, funk, and R&B—blending blues, jazz, soul, and Afro-Cuban influences—Cleary has earned OffBeat awards, Gambit 'Best Of's, the 2017 Ascona Jazz award, and 2020 JazzFM 'Best International Blues Act.' Based in New Orleans' Bywater for over 40 years, he continues performing worldwide, teaching styles via PianoGroove, and upholding the Crescent City's musical legacy.
Fun Facts
- Arrived in New Orleans in 1981 by cab straight to Maple Leaf Bar from the airport; first job was painting its exterior for free beer and entry, soon playing piano there.
- Built 'Funk Headquarters' studio in New Orleans using his Virgin Records advance; first New Orleans gig beyond painting was at the same Maple Leaf Bar he painted.
- Formed early band Delta Wing at 16 with Roger Hubbard, praised by Muddy Waters as top UK/US blues guitarist.
- Appeared in Martin Scorsese’s documentary “Red, White & Blue,” accompanying Jeff Beck, Tom Jones, and Van Morrison at Abbey Road Studios.
Associated Acts
- Jon Cleary and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen - eponymous, lead vocals, original, piano
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Professor Longhair - early inspiration via uncle's records sparking love for New Orleans R&B (recordings brought from America) [childhood, 1970s]
- Dr. John (Mac Rebennack) - learned New Orleans piano secrets directly; played guitar in his band; high praise as 'the real deal' (session work and gigs) [1980s onward]
- James Booker - influenced at Maple Leaf Bar where Cleary first played piano (live performances at Maple Leaf) [early 1980s]
Key Collaborators
- Bonnie Raitt - keyboards, percussion, guitar in her band for a decade; she recorded five of his songs (tours and recordings) [1990s-2000s]
- Taj Mahal - toured and recorded; Taj covered four Cleary compositions; introduced by Keith Richards/John Porter (tours and albums) [1990s]
- Cornell C. Williams - longtime bassist and backup vocals in Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen (six band albums including Go Go Juice) [1990s-present]
- A.J. Hall / Thomas Glass - drummers in The Absolute Monster Gentlemen (band albums and tours) [2000s-present]
Connection Network
External Links
Tags: #blues, #new-orleans
References
Heard on WWOZ
jon cleary has been played 32 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.