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John Clifton is a blues musician, singer, songwriter, and band leader who also plays a mean harmonica. During his 30 plus years of entertaining he has released numerous recordings, crisscrossed America, made multiple trips to Europe and established a reputation as one of the hardest working, most dynamic Blues performers around.
His musical journey began while still a student at Central Union High School when he and friend Roger Perry formed the band, “The Mockers,” who made regular appearances at the legendary local tavern “The Oly.” A few years later, John and brother Bill formed arguably one of the most iconic bands from Fresno, “The Mofo Party Band.” It was during this 25-year run that John refined his playing and performing skills.
In 2015 John signed with Rip Cat Records in Southern California and officially launched his solo career. He has now released 4 critically acclaimed albums and continues to pursue a rigorous touring schedule. He performs over 150 dates a year throughout the U.S., Europe, and beyond. He has appeared 5 times as a featured artist on Mark Hummel’s Blues Harmonica Blowout –an international event that features the who’s who of harmonica greats.
John has toured and recorded with Big Bill Morganfield, son of Muddy Waters, and shared stages with James Cotton, John Mayall, Luther Tucker, Kim Wilson, and a host of other talented bluesmen. He headlined and performed on major Blues Festivals in the U.S., Europe, Fiji, and New Zealand, including California’s largest and most prestigious Doheny Blues Festival and The Orange Blossom Blues and Grooves Festival in Florida.
He also demonstrated skills as a producer when he brought the Polish band “The Boogie Boys” into the studio. Featuring piano giant, Bartek Szopinski, the album “Made in Cali” won the Polish Blues Award for the “Best Blues Album of 2013.
In the service to his community, John continues to host countless “Open Mics” at local venues, offering a chance for aspiring local musicians to perform before a live audience.
You can learn more about John through his website by clicking here.