Chico Banks biography

Chico Banks grew up on Chicago’s west side. He started performing while a teenager with Johnny Christian. Chico Banks later toured Europe with James Cotton in his early 20’s. He says he’s still only 16 years old, but we know better! Chico Banks has also played with Otis Clay, Buddy Guy, Little Milton, Junior Wells and Mavis and Pop Staples. Chico Banks was nominated for a WC Handy Award for “Best New Blues Artist” of the Year in 1998. His high powered and electric guitar playing is charged with lightning! You may find it to be reminiscent of Hendrix. Yet, the Chicago-style is there as well… Many of his songs have traditional Chicago Blues written all over them, but Chico Banks often expands his horizons by adding a rocky edge to a song. Chico Banks says: “Blues is in the heart, Chicago Blues is like a feeling. There’s a certain way that you play… coming from the soul.” Chico Banks’ debut album, Candy Lickin’ Man, offers smooth, powerful guitar playing. His often frank and gutter-talk lyrics and stage comments add to the whole package that Chico Banks offers.