GET TO KNOW OUR COMPOSERS: BILLY BRANCH

GET TO KNOW OUR COMPOSERS: Billy Branch

Discovered by the “father of modern Chicago Blues”, Willie Dixon, Billy Branch began touring with the Willie Dixon Chicago All-Stars when he was only 21. Eventually filling the gap left by member Carey Bell, Branch toured with the band for the next six years.

Since then, the 3x Grammy nominee has recorded with artists including Johnny Winter, Koko Taylor, Honeyboy Edwards, Syl Johnson, Lurrie Bell, and Taj Mahal. His work has been featured on over 150 recordings, including 12 under his own name.

Branch has served two consecutive terms on the Grammy Board of Governors and founded the Grammy Blues Committee. He is now regarded as an international ambassador of Chicago Blues, teaching Turkish political leaders to play the harmonica during a six week tour of the country.

An honorary member of Chicago Blues, Branch’s band, The Sons of Blues, were honored during the 2007 Chicago Blues Festival with a three hour performance. A few years later, in 2011, The Sons of Blues headlined for the festival.