Today we’d like to introduce you to John Arthur Bigham.
Hi John, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
John Arthur (J.B.) Bigham, known as The Soul of John Black, is an award-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer who is a son of the blues. After a stint with Miles Davis as a writer and percussionist then eight years in the ska/punk rock band Fishbone , Bigham emerged as The Soul of John Black to musically capture his love for blues, funk, and soul. On this new record “J.B.’S Blues Party!” J.B. is taking it back to the blues clubs he played over the years .”we were just so much having fun!”
Bigham’s love for the blues began with his Chicago upbringing. His parents, hailing from Georgia and Tennessee, told him about blues legends like Jimmy Reed and Muddy Waters. “It was ingrained in me: stories about the blues and the history of my family. “Chicago was a Blues Mecca for blues,it was a natural part of me.”
Embracing this musical lineage led to Bigham receiving critical praise from publications like Rolling Stone and NPR, nominations from the Blues Music Awards and Independent Music Awards, and session work with Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Nikka Costa, among many others.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. It’s kind of harder when you try to push the envelope. Like being black but doing punk rock with fishbone or doing alternative ideas in a traditional blues world or doing alternative soul in a straight-laced R&B world and just me generally stepping outside the lines. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a musician/music producer. I try to always be original as I can. I specialize in guitar and vocals doing vintage soul and blues. I think what sets me apart is my openness, I will listen to any style of music just to learn more about it. It gives me more ideas to choose from. Giving me more of an eclectic vibe.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I feel success is being able to make a living doing what you love
Contact Info:
- Instagram: the soul of john black
- Facebook: the soul of john black
- Youtube: the soul of john black
