JOHN O'LEARY is one of the pioneers of the art of the blues harp in the UK. Originally from Ireland, John's family was part of the massive migration to England in the aftermath of World War 2. In London's thriving jazz clubs of the 1960's he first heard blues harp player Cyril Davies with Alexis Korner's Blues Inc. John bought his first instrument in 1962 and learned to play by listening and watching Davies. Inevitably, he discovered the great masters of the blues harmonica; Sonny Boy Williamson No.1, Sonny Terry, Little Walter, Noah Lewis, James Cotton, Shakey Horton and Junior Wells. John's career has seen his involvement with numerous bands and musicians over four decades. Beginning in 1965 with Savoy Brown's Blues Band through to the present day John O'Leary & Sugarkane, John has continued to maintain a prominent position on the British and European blues scene.
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Great harmonica player bad father! John's illegitimate daughter Sarah Brooke born 19th October 1965 to mother Thelma Brooke 17 years old groupie of Foxley Road Thornton Heath Surrey. John never tried to make contact with his daughter Sarah!
ReplyDeleteGreat harmonica player poor father. Sarah Brooke illegitimate daughter born 19th October 1965 to mother Thelma Brooke 17 years old groupie of Foxley Road Thornton Heath Surrey.
ReplyDeleteJohn never tried to make contact with his daughter!
Hope she may one day be proud of his contribution, however lax he was in his duties. Champion Jack Dupree once described him as the best harp player since Sonny Boy Williamson.
ReplyDelete