Downchild Blues Band founding member Donnie Walsh and lead singer Chuck Jackson trade harmonica riffs at their Longest 50th Anniversary Tour Ever at the Clarke Theatre on Friday night.
And the crowd went wild.
It’s hard to believe it’s been half a century since bandleader, songwriter, guitarist and harmonica player Donnie “Mr. Downchild” Walsh and his brother, the late Richard “Hock” Walsh, formed The Legendary Downchild Blues Band in Toronto in 1969.
Named after a Sonny Boy Williamson II song, Downchild’s story begins when Donnie Walsh was a mere teenager and got his first taste of Blues at a sweet 16 birthday party for his girlfriend.
“I was absolutely amazed by the music and, like most people who heard blues, started looking for more,” said Donnie, who soon discovered artists like Muddy Waters, Jimmy Read, John Lee Hooker and B.B. King.
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Inspired by those classic sounds, Downchild launched a career that has included 18 albums, countless awards and sold-out shows around the globe.
@shinebox44
chris.campbell@missioncityrecord.com
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