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Thomas Earl Petty (October 20, 1950 – October 2, 2017) was an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and actor. He was the lead singer of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, formed in 1976. He previously led the band Mudcrutch. He was also a co-founder of the late 1980s supergroup the Traveling Wilburys.

Petty recorded a number of hit singles with the Heartbreakers and as a solo artist. In his career, he sold more than 80 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.[1] He and the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

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RJ Mischo is considered by critics and fans worldwide to be in the upper echelon of today’s great Harp players and singers. RJ started playing at the age of ten and by the time he was 19 he was working as a full-time professional musician. He began his career in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minnesota an area that has spawned so many famous musicians. RJ cut his teeth with the legends of the Twin Cities’ Blues scene Percy Strother, Mojo Buford, Sonny Rogers, & Lazy Bill Lucas. He then formed “Blues Deluxe” quoted by the Minneapolis Star Tribune as “Minnesota’s hardest working Blues Band”. It was in 1992 that RJ caught the attention of Blues fans worldwide with the release of Ready to Go. This album is now of cult status amongst collectors.In 1996 RJ Mischo moved to California where he continued to grow & develop his skills. He established himself a wider audience with a prolific performance schedule at major venues and festivals across the United States, Europe and extensively up and down the West Coast.RJ’s vast discography features 12 of his own releases on several record labels and he also appears on at least 25 CDs as a guest or on compilations with Jimmie Vaughan, James Cotton, Kim Wilson, Candye Kane, G.Love, and John Mayall to name a few.RJ’s original songs “King of a Mighty Good Time” and “Two Hours From Tulsa” topped the playlist at No. 1 on SiriusXM Radio BB Kings’ Bluesville. RJ Mischo’s CDs, Knowledge You Can’t Get in College and Make It Good, made the top 50 list of Living Blues Magazine’s albums of the year. The 2012 release Make It Good featuring 13 Mischo originals on Delta Groove Records rose to #4 on the Living Blues radio charts. Blues Revue Magazine states “Do not pass go. Proceed directly to your favorite purveyor of fine blues and grab this sublimely savage Album”.
In addition, RJ’s music can be heard on Independent movie scores, TV commercials, and documentaries on the Discovery Channel. He has contributed to two Mel Bay harmonica instruction books, and is acknowledged in The Encyclopedia of Harmonica. RJ is featured on David Barrett’s Harmonica Masterclass website, and is now on the staff at Jon Gindick’s Harmonica Jam Camps held in Clarksdale, Mississippi and Ventura California.

RJ Mischo is endorsed by Hohner, the world’s largest manufacturer of harmonicas. His photo can be found on Hohner product packaging in music stores around the world.

Mischo has performed at major festivals and night clubs throughout the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, England, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Spain, Belgium, France, Holland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Slovenia, Finland, Lichtenstein & Luxembourg,

RJ Mischo’s music is drenched in the grease of the juke joint shuffles that have stayed in style since before they called it Rock & Roll. “Mischo’s magnificent tone, formidable chops, and affable, self-assured vocals…” make him a top entertainer; the kind of entertainer that only 25 years of touring experience will bring to the stage.

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J. C. Smith,winner of the 2012 Metro Newspapers Best Of Silicon Valley “Best Original/local Band”, and 2006 Bay Area Blues Society West Coast Blues Band of the Year award winner is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. He is an outstanding performer noted for his energy and charisma. Prior to playing guitar, he was the drummer for the Back to Back Blues Band. In 2000, he emerged from behind his drums, armed with a Gibson 335. J. C. attacks the Blues as if he is being guided by the masters like T-Bone Walker, Albert King, and Johnnie Guitar Watson. The J. C. Smith Band’s current release “Defining Cool” is by far the best recording to date. Listed for the 52nd Grammy Awards for “Best Contemporary Blues CD,” it entered the Living Blues Radio Charts at #16 and was a “Pick to Click” on XM Radio. After 20 weeks on the Roots Report, the CD climbed the charts as high as #25 nationally. In 2004, Smith released “That’s What I’m Talk’n ‘Bout,” co-produced by Grammy Award Nominee Joanna Connor. This CD shows masterful songwriting, outstanding arrangements, and traditional quality. It features a host of Chicago players including Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, who worked with the Muddy Waters Band for twenty years. 2001 marked the release of Smith’s first effort “Midnight Creeper” which brought him international attention. Smith has toured throughout the United States, Eastern Europe, Mexico,South America,and Russia,to sell out crowds. Smith has work with and shared the stage with notable artist such as Hubert Sumlin, B,B, King, Buddy Guy, Buddy Miles, Son Seals Willie Bigeyes Smith, Pinetop Perkins and many more. He is also known as radio personality Johnnie Cozmik on KKUP F.M. J. C. feels that his goal in life is “To keep the Blues alive and take the message to the people.”

Instrumentation

Robert “Jay” Green (Bass). Jay joined the group with a very short notice yet rose to the challenge. Four days after accepting the offer from the band, he played a club date that served as a rehearsal, then three days later he was on tour in Southern California which included two performances at the NAMM show in Anaheim.

Abraham Vasquez (Sax) is one of the hardest working horn men in the Bay Area. His masterful solos and arrangements bring you back to the days of Louis Jordan, and Sam Butera. Vasquez and Smith first teamed up in the late 80’s to form The Back To Back Blues Band. Vasquez has worked with the likes of Tommy Castro, Hall and Oates, Dr. John, and more.

Tommy Maitland (Trumpet) formally with Dub Nation and KFJC Radio.

Gene Reynolds (Trombone) formally with Gregarious Movement.

Todd Reid (keys) is an all around pro. He has worked with as music directector with a host of groups. He delivers a one two punch that will rock your socks off…

Donnie Green (drummer) toured Europe seven times before joining the JC Smith Band. Drumming professionally since the age of 12, you’ve got to hear this solid funk and blues drummer to believe him. He is as exciting to watch as well as listen to because of his style and showmanship.

This band of seasoned players is a true Blues band with one goal in mind…keeping the Blues alive.