Junior Watson
Encyclopedia
Junior Watson is an American
jump blues
guitarist
and singer.
player. He was a founding member of the blues band
The Mighty Flyers and, starting in the early 1980s, he performed with the band for a decade. He also performed with Canned Heat
throughout the 1990s. Watson has performed as a backing musician
in performances
and recordings
for a number of blues musicians, including Big Mama Thornton
, George Smith, Jimmy Rogers
, Luther Tucker
, Charlie Musselwhite
, and Kim Wilson
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
jump blues
Jump blues
Jump blues is an up-tempo blues usually played by small groups and featuring horns. It was very popular in the 1940s, and the movement was a precursor to the arrival of rhythm and blues and rock and roll...
guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
and singer.
Career
Watson is regarded as an influential West Coast bluesWest Coast blues
The West Coast blues is a type of blues music characterized by jazz and jump blues influences, strong piano-dominated sounds and jazzy guitar solos, which originated from Texas blues players relocated to California in the 1940s...
player. He was a founding member of the blues band
Band (music)
In music, a musical ensemble or band is a group of musicians that works together to perform music. The following articles concern types of musical bands:* All-female band* Big band* Boy band* Christian band* Church band* Concert band* Cover band...
The Mighty Flyers and, starting in the early 1980s, he performed with the band for a decade. He also performed with Canned Heat
Canned Heat
Canned Heat is a blues-rock/boogie rock band that formed in Los Angeles, California in 1965. The group has been noted for its own interpretations of blues material as well as for efforts to promote the interest in this type of music and its original artists...
throughout the 1990s. Watson has performed as a backing musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
in performances
Concert
A concert is a live performance before an audience. The performance may be by a single musician, sometimes then called a recital, or by a musical ensemble, such as an orchestra, a choir, or a musical band...
and recordings
Sound recording and reproduction
Sound recording and reproduction is an electrical or mechanical inscription and re-creation of sound waves, such as spoken voice, singing, instrumental music, or sound effects. The two main classes of sound recording technology are analog recording and digital recording...
for a number of blues musicians, including Big Mama Thornton
Big Mama Thornton
Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton was an American rhythm and blues singer and songwriter. She was the first to record the hit song "Hound Dog" in 1952. The song was #1 on the Billboard R&B charts for seven weeks in 1953. The B-side was "They Call Me Big Mama," and the single sold almost two million...
, George Smith, Jimmy Rogers
Jimmy Rogers
Jimmy Rogers was an American Chicago blues singer, guitarist and harmonica player, best known for his work as a member of Muddy Waters' band of the 1950s.-Career:...
, Luther Tucker
Luther Tucker
For the publisher see The Genesee FarmerLuther Tucker was an American blues guitarist.While soft spoken and shy, Tucker made his presence known through his unique and clearly recognizable guitar style. Tucker helped to define the music known as Chicago Blues, but played everything from blues to...
, Charlie Musselwhite
Charlie Musselwhite
Charlie Musselwhite is an American electric blues harmonica player and bandleader, one of the non-black bluesmen who came to prominence in the early 1960s, along with Mike Bloomfield and Paul Butterfield. Though he has often been identified as a "white bluesman", he claims Native American heritage...
, and Kim Wilson
Kim Wilson
Kim Wilson is an American blues singer and harmonica player. He is best known as the lead vocalist and frontman for The Fabulous Thunderbirds on two hit songs of the 1980s; "Tuff Enuff", and "Wrap It Up."-Career:...
.
Discography
- Big Al Blake & The Hollywood Fats Band - Mr. Blake's Blues - 1997 (Blue Collar 7108)
- Bishop / Milite - North South East West - 2004 (with JW-JonesJW-JonesJW-Jones is a Canadian blues guitarist, singer and band leader. Jones is signed to the NorthernBlues Music label in Toronto, Canada, CrossCut Records in Europe, and Ruf Records in USA. In the last decade, he has released six albums and played in 17 countries, 4 continents, over 260 cities and...
, Mark Hummel and Gary PrimichGary PrimichGary Primich was an American blues harmonica player, singer, guitarist and songwriter. He is best known for his 1995 album, Mr. Freeze.-Biography:...
) - Brenda Burns - A Song Away From You - 1997 (Big Boss)
- Canned HeatCanned HeatCanned Heat is a blues-rock/boogie rock band that formed in Los Angeles, California in 1965. The group has been noted for its own interpretations of blues material as well as for efforts to promote the interest in this type of music and its original artists...
- ReheatedReheatedReheated is an album by Canned Heat, released in 1988. Just two members of the classic lineup, Fito de la Parra and Larry Taylor, are present on this album. The new members are accomplished musicians who have been able to revamp the music played without straying from the original spirit of the band...
- 1988 (SPV 858805) - Canned HeatCanned HeatCanned Heat is a blues-rock/boogie rock band that formed in Los Angeles, California in 1965. The group has been noted for its own interpretations of blues material as well as for efforts to promote the interest in this type of music and its original artists...
- Burning Live - 1991 (SPV 848857) - Canned HeatCanned HeatCanned Heat is a blues-rock/boogie rock band that formed in Los Angeles, California in 1965. The group has been noted for its own interpretations of blues material as well as for efforts to promote the interest in this type of music and its original artists...
- Live in Australia - 1993 (Aim 1003) - Canned HeatCanned HeatCanned Heat is a blues-rock/boogie rock band that formed in Los Angeles, California in 1965. The group has been noted for its own interpretations of blues material as well as for efforts to promote the interest in this type of music and its original artists...
- Internal Combustion - 1994 (Aim 1044) - Canned Heat Blues Band - Canned Heat Blues Band - 1997 (Rowyno 5020)
- Chicago Flying Saucers - Live - 1997
- William Clark - Can't You Hear Me Calling - 1983 (Watch Dog 1005)
- William Clark - Tip of The Top - 1986 (Double Trouble 3016)
- Teisco Del Rey - The Many Moods Of - 1992 (Upstart 007)
- Johnny DyerJohnny DyerJohnny Dyer is an American electric blues harmonicist and singer. He has received a nomination for a Blues Music Award, and been involved in a number of recordings in the last three decades, both as a solo performer and with other musicians.-Biography:Dyer grew up on the Stovall Plantation in...
- Johnny Dyer & The L.A. Jukes - 1983 (Murray Bros. 1004) - James HarmanJames HarmanJames Harman is an American blues harmonica player, singer, and songwriter. Music journalist, Tony Russell, described Harman as an "amusing songwriter and an excellent, unfussy harp player".-Biography:...
- Thank You Baby - 1983 (Enigma 1003) - James Harman - Extra Napkins - 1988 (Rivera 505, Cannonball 29102)
- James Harman – More Napkins Please – 2000 (CB029112 Cannonball)
- Mark Hummel - Hard Loving - 1992 (Double Trouble 3029)
- John "Juke" LoganJohn "Juke" LoganJohn "Juke" Logan is an American electric blues harmonica player, singer, pianist and songwriter. He is best known for his harmonica playing on the theme music for television programs and films...
- The Chill - 1993 (Virgin 878342) - Lynwood SlimLynwood SlimLynwood Slim is an American blues harmonica player and singer.- Biography :...
- Lost in America - 1991 (Black Magic 9017) - Lynwood Slim & Junior Watson - Back To Back - 1998 (Crosscut Records)
- The Mighty Flyers - Radio Active Material - 1981 (Right Hemisphere 6457)
- Janiva Magness & Jeff Turmes - It Takes One to Know One - 1997 (Fathead)
- The Mighty Flyers - File Under Rock - 1984 (Tocoma 7108)
- The Mighty Flyers - From the Start to the Finish - 1985 (BRB 8568)
- The Mighty Flyers - Undercover - 1988 (Special Delivery SPD 1020)
- Charlie MusselwhiteCharlie MusselwhiteCharlie Musselwhite is an American electric blues harmonica player and bandleader, one of the non-black bluesmen who came to prominence in the early 1960s, along with Mike Bloomfield and Paul Butterfield. Though he has often been identified as a "white bluesman", he claims Native American heritage...
- In My Time - 1993 (Alligator ALCD 4818) - Charlie Musselwhite - Rough News - 1997 (Point Blank 42856)
- Rod PiazzaRod PiazzaRod Piazza is an American blues harmonica player and singer. He has been playing with his band The Mighty Flyers since 1980 which he formed with his pianist wife Honey Piazza...
- Harp Burn - 1985 (Murray Bros. 1008, Black Top 1087) - Project Sampler - The Blues You Just Would Hate To Lose - 1991 (Right on Rhythm)
- Snooky Pryor – In This Mess Up To My Chest – 2000 (Antoine's)
- Rob Rio - Banking on the Boogie - 1992 (Boss 004)
- Rob Rio - Fine Young Girl - 1994 (Boss 005)
- Rob Rio - Swing Train - 1996 (Boss 006)
- Sonny RhodesSonny RhodesSonny Rhodes is an American blues singer and lap steel guitar player. He has recorded over two hundred songs. "I'm what you call a self-proclaimed Disciple of the Blues!" said Rhodes about his years playing and singing for fans of blues around the world...
- I Don't Want My Blues Colored Bright - 1976 (Amigo cd9024) - Jimmy RogersJimmy RogersJimmy Rogers was an American Chicago blues singer, guitarist and harmonica player, best known for his work as a member of Muddy Waters' band of the 1950s.-Career:...
- Feeling Good - 1985 (Murray Bros. 1006, Blind Pig RecordsBlind Pig RecordsBlind Pig Records is an American blues record label.Blind Pig was formed in 1977 in Ann Arbor, Michigan by Jerry Del Giudice, owner of the Blind Pig Cafe, and his friend Edward Chmelewski. The label is now based in San Francisco...
5018) - Andy Santana - Swingin', Rockin', Jumpin', & Jivin' - 1998
- Shakey Jake HarrisShakey Jake HarrisShakey Jake Harris was an American Chicago blues singer, harmonicist and songwriter. Harris released five albums over a period of almost 25 years, and he was often musically associated with his nephew, Magic Sam....
- The Key Won't Fit - 1983 (Murray Bros. 1002) - George Harmonica Smith - Boogie'n With George - 1982 (Murray Bros, 1001)
- Bill Stuve - Big Noise - 1990 (Tramp 9906)
- Nick Trill – Juggling The Blues
- Junior Watson - Long Overdue - 1987 (BlackTop 9021)
- Junior Watson/Lynwood Slim - Back to Back - 1998 (Black Magic)
- Kim WilsonKim WilsonKim Wilson is an American blues singer and harmonica player. He is best known as the lead vocalist and frontman for The Fabulous Thunderbirds on two hit songs of the 1980s; "Tuff Enuff", and "Wrap It Up."-Career:...
- Tiger Man - 1993 (Antone's 0023) - Kim WilsonKim WilsonKim Wilson is an American blues singer and harmonica player. He is best known as the lead vocalist and frontman for The Fabulous Thunderbirds on two hit songs of the 1980s; "Tuff Enuff", and "Wrap It Up."-Career:...
- That's Life - 1994 (Antone's 0034) - Kim WilsonKim WilsonKim Wilson is an American blues singer and harmonica player. He is best known as the lead vocalist and frontman for The Fabulous Thunderbirds on two hit songs of the 1980s; "Tuff Enuff", and "Wrap It Up."-Career:...
- My Blues - 1997 (Blue Collar 7107) - Kid RamosKid RamosKid Ramos is an American electric blues and blues rock guitarist, singer and songwriter. Thompson has released four solo albums since 1995 on Black Top and Evidence Records...
– West Coast House Party - 2000 (Evidence) - Gary SmithGary SmithGary Smith may refer to:* Gary Smith , long-time writer for Sports Illustrated* Gary Smith , entrepreneur, record producer, and artist's manager...
- Blues For Mr B - 2001 (Mountain Top) - Hollywood FatsHollywood FatsHollywood Fats was an American blues guitarist, active in Los Angeles, California.-Biography:Hollywood Fats was born Michael Leonard Mann in Los Angeles, and started playing guitar at the age of 10...
Band, Live - with Kim WilsonKim WilsonKim Wilson is an American blues singer and harmonica player. He is best known as the lead vocalist and frontman for The Fabulous Thunderbirds on two hit songs of the 1980s; "Tuff Enuff", and "Wrap It Up."-Career:...
, Rick Estrin and others (Mountain Top) - Junior Watson- If I Had A Genie - 2002 (Heart & Soul, with Gene TaylorGene Taylor (musician)Gene Taylor is an American blues rock and boogie-woogie pianist.-Biography:Taylor began his musical training as a drummer at age eight but two years later he had picked up both the guitar and his initial piano skills from boogie-woogie pianist-neighbours...
) - John Nemeth Feat. Junior Watson - Come and Get It - 2004
- Mitch Kashmar Feat. Junior Watson - Nickels & Dimes - 2005 (Delta Groove)
- Mitch Kashmar - Wake Up & Worry - 2006 (Delta Groove)
- Billy Watson - Blowin' Crow - 2007 (www.billywatson.com)
- Candye KaneCandye KaneCandye Kane is an American singer, songwriter and performer best known in the blues and jazz genre. She has been included in the Rolling Stone Guide to Jazz and Blues, Elwoods Blues by Dan Aykroyd, The Blueshound Guide to Blues, Allmusic and other blues books and periodicals...
- Guitar'd and Feathered - 2007 (RUF Records) - John Nemeth - Magic Touch - 2007 (Blind Pig RecordsBlind Pig RecordsBlind Pig Records is an American blues record label.Blind Pig was formed in 1977 in Ann Arbor, Michigan by Jerry Del Giudice, owner of the Blind Pig Cafe, and his friend Edward Chmelewski. The label is now based in San Francisco...
) - JW-JonesJW-JonesJW-Jones is a Canadian blues guitarist, singer and band leader. Jones is signed to the NorthernBlues Music label in Toronto, Canada, CrossCut Records in Europe, and Ruf Records in USA. In the last decade, he has released six albums and played in 17 countries, 4 continents, over 260 cities and...
- Bluelisted - 2008 (NorthernBlues MusicNorthernBlues MusicNorthernBlues Music is a Canadian independent record label, which specializes in blues music. The label was established in 2001, and a number of its artists and albums have since been nominated for and won Blues Music Awards...
) - Billy Watson - Lucky 7 - 2009 (www.billywatson.com)
- The Mighty Mojo Prophets - "The Mighty Mojo Prophets" - 2010 (Rip Cat Records)