"Johnny Mars " Blues Legend live 9th August 2025 in Forest row East Sussex at the Hop Yard.

Johnny Mars at the Hopyard, live unplugged, 9th August 2025. Bass Ian Reilly, Guitar Andy Evans , Keys Buff Lacey, Sax Paul Smith , Drums Ben Graff. Filmed By Diego Barraza Director, SaGuarda Studios, Clive Martin Producer, Sound by The Hopyard, Copyright Ian Reilly Productions. www.johnnymarslive.com 🎵 Johnny Mars: A Life in Blues Johnny Mars is a celebrated American electric blues harmonica player, singer, and songwriter whose career spans over six decades. Here's a look at his remarkable journey: 🎤 Early Life & Musical Roots • Born: December 7, 1942, in Laurens, South Carolina, to sharecropping parents. • First Harmonica: Received at age nine. • Moved to New York: After his mother’s death at age 14, he relocated to New Paltz, NY, and began performing in NYC clubs. 🎶 Career Highlights • 1960s: Signed with Mercury Records as part of the band Burning Bush. • California Years: Formed the Johnny Mars Band, touring with legends like Magic Sam, Earl Hooker, and B.B. King. • UK Move: On Rick Estrin’s advice, he toured the UK in 1972 and later settled in Somerset in 1978. • Collaborations: Worked with Jimi Hendrix, Spencer Davis, Ian Gillan, Bananarama, and Michael Roach. • Notable Albums: Life on Mars (1984), Stateside (1999), On My Mind (2003), and The Reunion (2023)2. 🌍 Global Influence • Performed at major festivals including the San Francisco Blues Festival (1992), Bath Music Festival (UK), Pocono Blues Festival (US), and Kastav Blues Festival (Croatia). • Toured the Middle East in 2010. 📚 Educator & Mentor • Taught harmonica and music in UK primary schools for 15 years. • Inspired young musicians, including David Robinson, with whom he later recorded an album. 🎵 Philosophy Mars views music as a spiritual force and blues as the foundation that brings people together. His sound is rooted in vitality, emotion, and connection. Today johnny mars USA blues player history 🎶 Johnny Mars' Most Notable Collaborations Johnny Mars has worked with a wide range of legendary artists across blues, rock, and pop, showcasing his versatility and deep musical roots. Here are some of his most remarkable collaborations: 🎸 Blues & Rock Legends • Magic Sam – Toured with this influential Chicago blues guitarist. • Earl Hooker – Shared the stage with the slide guitar master. • B.B. King – Opened for the King of Blues, a major milestone in Mars' career. • Jimi Hendrix – Played alongside the iconic rock guitarist, blending blues harmonica with psychedelic rock. • Jesse Fuller – Performed with the one-man band known for “San Francisco Bay Blues.” 🎤 British Rock & Pop Icons • Spencer Davis – Collaborated with the founder of the Spencer Davis Group, known for launching Steve Winwood’s career. • Ian Gillan – Worked with the Deep Purple frontman, merging blues with hard rock elements. 🎧 Pop & Alternative Acts • Do-Re-Mi – Guest musician on their 1988 album The Happiest Place in Town. • Bananarama – Played harmonica on “Preacher Man” (1990) and their 1991 cover of “Long Train Running,” even appearing in the music video. 🎸 Contemporary Blues • Michael Roach – Teamed up for performances and tours, including a Middle East tour in 2010. • David Robinson – Reunited with a former student to record The Reunion (2023), blending mentorship with musical collaboration.