The 7th Annual Johnny 'Guitar” Knox Pro Memorial Jam! Once again, we gather to celebrate the good man who taught so many Sacramento musicians and fans about the blues. This is a gathering of our community. The vibe (and the club) is cool and the music is hot! This is the June 14 fundraiser for the SBS Hall of Fame celebration in late September. We have expanded hours this year – 3pm-7pm!! Only $10! More music and community at the same great price.
Hosting is dazzling guitarist and singer, the “sunshine man,” HOF member Dave Segal. He will be joined by fellow HOF members Derek Washington, Liz Peel, Chris Fraire, Ray”Catfish” Copeland, Rat-A-Tat Pat, Lee Bootzio, Aaron (King) Moreno— AND Dr. Rock, Marilyn Woods, Dean Chance. we know we will have more joining in. Tix at the door.

Only $10!

His History:

Knox was inducted into the SBS HOF in 2010 and passed away in 2016 after long battles with health problems. Whether he was playing local clubs or busking on the streets, Knox lived and breathed the blues, and his loss has been felt in the years since his passing. He was a music teacher and mentor to many area Sacramento blues artists and they will be on hand to share the music. “He was one of the most beloved members of our community,” wrote The Torch Club on their Facebook page in 2016. “Johnny Knox has been one of the defining musicians of not only the blues scene in Sacramento, but also at the Torch Club for decades… Our hearts are heavy and we will miss you forever.”

Born in Oakland, California in 1950, Johnny was the oldest child in a family led by Jack Knox, a local guitarist and former radio personality who had broadcast from his home as a teenager in the 1940s. His dad encouraged him to learn music and he got his first guitar at the age of 14. Johnny moved to Sacramento to play the blues and while watching and playing with Little Charlie Baty and Rick Estrin, he started honing his skills in harmonica accompaniment. This prompted them to head down to Moon Studio to record their new 45s. With Little Charlie and the Nightcats backing him in the studio, Johnny recorded the Muddy Waters classic “Honey Bee”, as well as Freddie King’s “Tore Down”, which Johnny re-released as a CD in 2010. Like many of his peers from that era, Johnny was no stranger to substance abuse issues, and went through a long spell where he would hit the streets daily with his guitar for his daily hustle. Through local musician Ray “Catfish” Copeland, Johnny met Mike Balma, local blues promoter/producer, at the Chicago Blues Fest ‘91, who soon booked studio time for a record. With a mix of solo tracks as well as additional tracks with backing by upright bassist Greg Roberts, Rick Estrin on harmonica, and Copeland on guitar, the record was released as Johnny Guitar Knox, Hoboin’, and won an award in Denmark! Knox’s legacy will give Sacramentans a Sunday to celebrate.

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