Grammy-Winning Blues Musician Dead at 83
Renowned blues guitarist John Hammond, who won a Grammy and was nominated for several others, died over the weekend. He was 83.
Canadian musician Paul James, a close friend and peer of Hammond, shared the sad news in a Facebook post.
"Marla Hammond called me yesterday with the heartbreaking news that my dear friend John Hammond has passed away. The blues world has lost a giant. I’ve lost my best friend. My heart goes out to Marla and the family. Rest easy, John," James wrote.
"I’ve just been going through the photos we’ve shared over the years — from the Horseshoe Tavern to Albert’s Hall, from London to Montreal, to Edmonton to Ottawa — and each picture tells a story of great music, great people, and unforgettable nights.” He was such an inspiration to me, I'll miss him terribly...."
Hammond's work remembered
The son of record producer John Henry Hammond Jr., John Paul Hammond (who was also sometimes referred to as John Hammond Jr.) was born in New York City on November 13, 1942. He began playing guitar in high school and made his debut on Vanguard Records in 1963.
During his career, Hammond recorded more than 30 albums, winning a Grammy in 1985 for his contributions on the compilation record Blues Explosion.
Hammond was subsequently nominated for six additional Grammys and in 2011, he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.
Tributes pour in
Paul James confirmed Hammond's death publicly, but he wasn't the only musician to voice their memories and pay tribute to the late star.
"I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and inspiration, John Hammond, Jr.," wrote Bonnie Raitt on Instagram. "From the first time I heard him on the first blues album I bought, Blues at Newport ‘63 on Vanguard Records, I was just knocked out and have felt that way about him ever since. He was the inspiration for teaching myself blues guitar and learning how to sing these songs we loved so much. He made it cool and all right."
"For more than 50 years, John Hammond, Jr. was an icon, a professional role model and, most importantly, a friend," said George Thorogood. "While we mourn his passing, we celebrate what the man and his music meant to us, and to so many."
"RIP John Hammond Jr. A deeply soulful original voice in the blues tradition. I'm grateful I got to back him up a bunch of times as part of Duke Robillard's band. Thank you, Duke!" added Jesse Williams. "Was just listening to John's album, Southern Fried. So good!! Do yourself a favor."