Acclaimed blues guitarist and singer John Hammond Jr. has died at the age of 83 following cardiac arrest. Known as a tireless touring performer and passionate advocate for traditional blues music, Hammond built a career that spanned more than six decades.
Throughout the years, he performed both as a solo artist and alongside blues legends such as John Lee Hooker and Charlie Musselwhite. He was also known for his close friendship with Duane Allman of The Allman Brothers Band, recalling Allman’s musical generosity and talent in past interviews. Hammond was among the last musicians to play informally with Allman shortly before the guitarist’s death in 1971.
Hammond’s passion for the blues began in his early teens after hearing recordings of Robert Johnson. With encouragement and rare recordings provided by his father, noted record executive John Hammond Sr., he immersed himself in the genre’s roots. By age 19, Hammond had released his debut album and quickly became part of the country blues revival of the 1960s, performing with artists including Son House and Rev. Gary Davis.
Over the decades, Hammond recorded more than two dozen albums, including 1998’s Long As I Have You. Though he occasionally performed with electric backing bands, he consistently described himself first and foremost as an acoustic blues musician.
Friends, fellow musicians, and fans remember Hammond as a dedicated performer who helped preserve and promote blues traditions for new generations. His contributions to American roots music leave a lasting legacy in the genre he championed throughout his life.
