Information

•

Artists

•

Booking and Contact Details

•

Links and Other Services

•

Gig Dates

•

The Fletcher Christian

•

•

•

•

•

BILLY BRANCH

print biog page 1

print biog page 2

printable page 3

Billy Branch has followed a very non-traditional path to the blues. Unlike many blues artists, he isn't from the South. Billy was born in Chicago in 1951 and was raised in Los Angeles. He first picked up a harmonica at the age of ten and immediately began to play simple tunes.

Billy returned to Chicago in the summer of '69 and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in political science. It was during these years that he was introduced to the Blues. He soon became immersed in the local blues scene. He spent a great deal of time at legendary blues clubs such as: Queen Bee's and Theresa's Lounge: he learned from such stalwart harmonica players like: Big Walter HortOn. James Cotton, Junior Wells and Carey Bell.

His big break came in 1975 during a harmonica battle when he beat Chicago legend, Little Mac Simmons at the Green Bunny Club. He made his first recording for Barrelhouse Records and began to work as an apprentice harp player in Willie Dixon's Chicago Blues All-Stars. He eventually replaced Carey Bell and worked with Willie Dixon for six years.

During this time, Billy formed the Sons of Blues (S.0.B.s) featuring musicians who where the sons of famous blues artists. The original S.0.B.s consisted of Billy, Lurrie Bell, Freddie Dixon and Garland Whiteside. They toured Europe and played at the Berlin jazz Festival. Shortly afterward, they recorded for AlligatOr Record's Grammy nominated Living Chicago Blues sessions, and Billy has been a regular studio player appearing on over fifty albums.

Billy has recorded and/or performed with an incredible list of Blues legends including: Muddy Waters, Big Walter Horton, Son Seals, Lonnie Brooks, Koko Taylor, Johnny Winter, and Albert King. In 1990, he appeared with three harp legends: Carey Bell, Junior Wells and James Cotton on W.C. Handy Award winner, Harp Attack! His most recent recordings for the Polygram label are entitled The Blues Keep Following Me Around and Satisfy Me.

BILLY BRANCH - BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS

"Blues In The Schools" was conceived in 1978 by Chicago musician Billy Branch and his band, "The Sons of Blues:' The programme is an educational project for Middle School children which teaches them all aspects of the blues as an American art form including such topics as the history of the "Blues," famous Blues musicians, different styles of "Blues," and writing, singing and performing "Blues." Each student receives focused instruCtions on how to play the Blues harmonica. Following each multi-week programme. the students appear in a graduation concert.

The project presents a unique opportunity for students to exhibit, use and develop their innate musical abilities through this alternative approach to education. They are taught the discipline of the art and learn the interaction and teamwork which creates self-esteem and self confidence.

"Blues In The Schools" continues today where it was born at the Grant Elementary School in Chicago. It has been nurtured and grown under the direction of principals Donald Moran and Kay Jones. The program has been actively supported by Barry Dolins, DirectOr of Neighborhood Festivals at the Mayor's Office of Special Events in the City of Chicago.

The results of this unique programme and Billy's abilities to interact with children are rewarding. "Blues In The Schools" has been presented around the United States from CharlestOn, South Carolina, to Oshkosh,Wisconsin.lt was reCently featured on an eight minute segment of CBS's"Sunday Morning with Charles Kuralt" and also on the "Bryant Gumbel Show:' as well as on the NBC "Today Show" and CNN.

"Blues In The Schools" is offered on a limited basis in two, three or four week workshops each year. The programme is attractive to foundations for sponsorship funds.

BILLY BRANCH & S.O.B!s - REVIEWS

Billy Branch and the Sons Of Blues (S.0.6.s), based out of Chicago. are one of the hottest blues bands working today. They are currently defining the sounds of the blues for future generations. This award winning combo currently consists of some of the finest bluesmen in the world:

Billy Branch· Harmonica & Vocals

Carlos Johnson - Guitar & Vocals

Nick Charles· Bass

Hose Rutues - Drums & Vocals

During the past several years, the S.0.B.5 have filled many passports touring the world visiting China. Europe, South and North America. Check out Billy's vocals on the title track from his fantastic House of Blues CD called, "Satisfy Me",

"Wow! Everybody's still talking about your performance last Friday. We took a poll after the Festival and your set was overwhelmingly the favourite. In fact, many feel (myself included) that your set may have been the best in the eight years of the event..."

Banks Conditt/King Biscuit Blues Festival

"Billy Branch works miracles with a harmonica .. he's one of Chicago's hot blues musicians."

Ann Toubeneck/Chicago Sun Times

"Branch is a stunning talent. and in this writer's opinion, the most exciting harmonica player anywhere today ... "

John Rutherford/Calgary Tonite

"When Billy Branch jumped into the audience the Chinese went wild and lost all of their discipline. They jumped. shouted. and whistled." Der Spiegel Magazine