Jon Paris (Full Name: Jonathan Paris) is a renowned blues and blues-rock musician who has been performing since the early 1970s. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1958, Jon began playing guitar at the age of 12. He quickly developed a passion for blues music, and by the time he was in high school, he was already performing in local bands.
In 1976, Jon moved to New York City to pursue his music career. He soon became a fixture on the city's vibrant blues scene, playing with various bands, including The Nighthawks, The Nightcats, and his own Jon Paris Band. He also established himself as a session musician, contributing to albums by many notable blues artists.
Jon Paris's major breakthrough came in 1979 when he began his long association with blues legend Johnny Winter. For over a decade, Paris played in-the-pocket bass guitar and over-the-top harmonica with Winter, touring the world and contributing to albums like Raisin' Cain , Serious Business , and Winter of '88 . Paris also appeared in the documentary Johnny Winter: Down and Dirty , which showcased Winter’s life and career.
In addition to his work with Johnny Winter, Jon has recorded with a range of other celebrated artists, including Bob Dylan (on tracks such as "Clean Cut Kid" and "Driftin' Too Far From Shore"), Ron Wood, John Hiatt, Jimmy Cliff, and Peter Tosh. He has also lent his talents to Rockabilly pioneers like Robert Gordon and Link Wray, and has shared the stage with music legends such as Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, John Lee Hooker, and Les Paul.
Paris is known not only for his versatile musicianship but also for his role as a bandleader. Leading his own trio on guitar, vocals, and harmonica, Jon has maintained a loyal following in the New York City music scene. He has performed at iconic venues like Manny's Car Wash, the Lone Star Roadhouse, the Ritz, and Tramps. His live performances have been praised for their energy, and he has often been joined by the renowned Uptown Horns, augmenting his trio's powerful sound.
As a solo artist, Jon Paris has released several albums, including Blue Planet (2004), and his songwriting has garnered significant attention. Two of his compositions, "Blues This Bad" and "One Step Forward," are featured on Johnny Winter’s album Hey, Where's Your Brother? (Point Blank/Charisma Records). His song "Born to Rock" was also featured in the blockbuster film Naked Gun 2 1/2 .
Paris continues to be a popular and respected figure in the blues world, regularly touring and recording. Guitar World magazine once proclaimed, "Jon Paris's powerhouse trio puts on a fiery show." The Village Voice noted that Paris "makes Rock and Blues a lively art," while Details praised his ability to trade rhythms and leads with Mick Taylor, comparing their synergy to Taylor's famous work with Keith Richards. Paris’s live performances are marked by high energy and skilled musicianship, as highlighted by The Austin Daily , which described his stylings of Chuck Berry tunes and sliding blues numbers as "remarkable and highly energetic."
Jon Paris’s contributions to the blues genre are immense, and his work has been embraced by critics, fans, and fellow artists alike. His journey from the local Milwaukee scene to worldwide recognition is a testament to his dedication and passion for the blues.
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Timeline of Jon Paris’s Career:
- 1970s : Plays in local bands in Milwaukee.
- 1976 : Moves to New York City to pursue a music career.
- 1979-1989 : Begins working with Johnny Winter, touring and recording extensively.
- 1990s : Releases several solo albums and continues to perform live.
- 2000s : Releases Blue Planet and continues to tour and collaborate with other artists.
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Jon Paris is a true bluesman, a versatile musician, and a gifted songwriter who has dedicated his life to the music. His influence in the blues world continues to be felt, and his music remains in high demand.
