Bio

Biography

Michael Osborn

Guitar/Vocals/Songwriter

Michael Osborn was John Lee Hooker’s lead guitarist for 13 years. After his stint with Mr. Hooker, one of Michael’s songs, “Spellbound”, was featured on John Lee’s 1998 Grammy Award winner for Best Traditional Blues recording, “Don’t Look Back”! Michael has also backed, recorded with, or played with such musical luminaries as Robben Ford (Michael has a song credit on Robben’s “Blue Moon” release), Willie Dixon, Mark Ford, John Hammond, Bonnie Raitt, The Charles Ford Band, Carlos Santana, Elvin Bishop, Buddy Miles, Charlie Musselwhite, James Cotton, Albert Collins, Jimmy Witherspoon, Johnnie Johnson, Luther Allison, Brownie McGee, Duke Jethro, Garth Webber, Jim Pugh, Karen Lovely, Peter Dammann, Patrick Ford, Chris Cain, Vala Cupp, Ken Emerson, Sugar Blue, Jimmy Thackery, Gary Smith, Mark Werner, Frankie Lee, Robert Cray, Guitar Shorty, David Raitt, Marc Hansen, DK Stewart, Bruce Kaphan, Curtis Salgado, Bill Rhoades, Sista Monica, Annie Sampson and so many others. Mike presently resides in the Portland, Oregon area and has been nominated three times by the Cascade Blues Association for best blues guitarist and once for blues best recording for his CD release of “Touch Tone.” As a member of Bill Rhoades and the Party Kings, he taken home 7 awards for best traditional blues band and was inducted into the CBA Hall of Fame as a member of that band!

Michael Osborn at the Bill Rhoades 2009 Harmonica Summit in Portland, OR

Michael Osborn at the Bill Rhoades 2009 Harmonica Summit in Portland, OR ~ photo by Tony Kutter

Michael Osborn released three recording, “Cold Hearted Girl”, “A Case For The Blues” and “A Background In The Blues” on the Blue Rock’It Records Label and three recordings, “Touch Tone”, “What Goes Around” and “Hanging’ On” on his own, Checkerboard Records label!

“Michael Osborn is one of the most authentic blues guitarists around today. His style goes straight to the heart of the blues and he’ll steal your show if you don’t watch out!” ~ Robben Ford


Michael Osborn and Friends

John Moore

Drums/Percussion
John has been a mainstay of the Portland/Eugene Blues scene for more than 20 years. He has backed Albert Collins, William Clarke, Bill Rhoades and even George Harrison! He is the heartbeat of the band!