John Carey Biography

In a world where stress, electronic devices, fast foods and fast living can have the crushing upper hand Master Bluesman, John Carey, brings one of America’s greatest treasures, the blues, to us through his full spectrum music. Thrilling audiences of all ages with his kaleidoscope of intimate soulful sounds from the deep moaning blues from the South to sultry R & B, to haunting mystical tunes, John Carey delivers the backbone of America to the people with a sensual soul-stirring impact—a resonating impact that brings each member of the audience “back home”. His unique progressive broadband approach articulates the history of blues through his different styles, always ringing out the beauty that transports his audiences straight into the emotionally captivating essence of the blues art. Like a lotus grows out of the mud John Carey emerged from his humble roots in the gang-infested slums of Chicago to be an exemplary artist. Born, John Russell Carey, in the mid-1950’s, in windy Illinois, John’s first musical experience began in his beloved mamma’s kitchen where the blues was always the staple ingredient playing in the background. As a single parent she would manage to prepare delicious soul food for John. Noticing John’s interest in the blues at an early age she would give him a cereal box to strum. Thus began the path of the remarkable guitarist who can play like Jimi Hendrix in one moment and seamlessly like B.B. King in the next. John continued to grow into a young man playing the guitar, then attended the Chicago Conservatory where he honed his musical knowledge. He went on to develop his craft playing electric guitar, keyboard, and percussion joining forces with such greats as the Chi-lites, Natalie Cole, George Benson and Earth, Wind and Fire. An artist of unswerving historical musicological conviction and supporting the long view of blues and jazz John Carey is constantly giving back as a Master Teacher doing his part in kindling, encouraging, and supporting young musicians in the pursuit of their passion for playing blues in all its variations. Recently he gave some budding college music and dance students the real opportunity to participate in one of his performances. With such a pedigree and devotion John offers the listener emotional comfort, sensuality and grounding in an otherwise chaotic world. Given his extraordinary depth combining grit and elegance so characteristic of his artistic expression it is no wonder why the critics are considering John Carey to be “preserver and educator of the origins and progress of blues”.

John Carey Photo gallery