Joe Bonamassa

11/6/2024

Guitarist and blues singer Joe Bonamassa recently surpassed yet another blues record — this one for having the most No. 1 Billboard Blues albums. He’s amassed 28 No. 1 rankings throughout his career, more than any blues musicians in the history of Billboard Music.

And the musician’s record he surpassed? His own.

Bonamassa is considered one of the top blues guitarists. Guitar World ranked him as the No. 1 blues guitarist, surpassing Eric Clapton, Derek Trucks and Buddy Guy.

He has been nominated for more than a dozen Blues Foundation and Independent Blues awards, along with Grammy nominations.

Bonamassa’s tour makes a stop at the Des Moines Civic Center on Nov. 30. 

Speaking from his home in Nashville, he talked about being one of the greatest blues musicians. About his 28 top records, he commented nonchalantly. 

“It never gets old. If you have 25, 26 of them. It’s not lost on how lucky I’ve been in my career. Fans keep buying and supporting me through the years.”

The album that put Bonamassa over the top was “Live at the Hollywood Bowl with Orchestra.” 

Recording with a 40-piece orchestra proved more challenging than a normal studio session, he says. 

“The orchestra, they don’t like loud guitar players like me. There are so many open mics, I had to play off stage. It was a great experience for sure.”

Born in 1977, Bonamassa’s father owned a guitar shop. One of his early influences was B.B. King. When Bonamassa was 12 years old, King featured him in his tour.

Throughout the years, he’s played with other greats including Eric Clapton and Steve Vai. He’ll jam with other musicians only if it makes senses. 

“Collaboration has to mean something. It’s not a big thing. I’ve gotten a chance to play with all my heroes, including B.B. King. What do I have to prove at this point?”

One thing he is passionate about is helping young kids in their musical journey. Fifteen years ago, he established Keeping Blues Alive, a nonprofit that provides budding musicians with instruments, lessons and more, impacting more than 91,000 students. The Fueling Musicians program has supported more than 300 musicians. He explains the importance of providing opportunities for young musicians. 

“My theory is, with all the negativity in the world, kids could use positive reinforcement. Funding for the arts is going away. Anything I can do to spearhead that movement, I will.”

He says charity starts at home. 

“I want to make sure to pass on that love and passion to another generation for kids to pick up a guitar,” Bonamassa says. “We’ve given $2 million over the past 15 years. Nobody else has done it. If someone else puts it up, that’s great, and we’ll keep rocking.” 

The biggest change in music is how it’s become free, much to his dismay. 

“We used to charge for records. The paradigm has shifted. Once you give away for free, you can’t charge again,” he explains. “I own the rights to my own catalogues. I did it 25 years ago when nobody cared what we were doing.” 

The most surprising thing about his career is that it “happened at all,” he says.  

“I was told many times early in my career it wasn’t in the cards. It wasn’t marketable. We proved them wrong.” 

He’ll continue to produce music because, he says, it’s in his blood. 

“I do it because I have to. I won’t pick up a guitar today. But I will tomorrow. Or next week.”

Bonamassa has played numerous top-notch venues and iconic concert halls but says one does not stand out, nor is one more important than the next.

“My real goal is to get the best show in the Des Moines Civic Center on Nov. 30,” Bonamassa says. “It’s the last day of the tour for the year. We’ll play like there’s no tomorrow.” ♦