Since then, they have released nine more albums, for a total of 14, and continue to perform shows. They hired Tad Kinchla, Chan’s brother, as their new bassist and brought in Ben Wilson on keyboards. Rather than disbanding, Blues Traveler decided to move forward. Sadly, in August 1999, Bobby Sheehan passed away from an accidental drug overdose. Through the last half of the 1990s, Blues Traveler experienced continued success and released two more albums. For many Blues Traveler fans, this stands out as their favorite album. The album reached #8 on the Billboard 200 album chart. It wasn’t until Blues Traveler’s fourth album, Four, released in 1994 that they became mainstream.
BLUES TRAVELER TV
This appearance on the popular TV show was a massive boost for their career. The following year, David Letterman had them as guests on The Late Show, telling viewers they were his favorite band. The lead track on the album, But Anyway, topped music charts and introduced music fans to their unique sound. They landed a weekly Wednesday show at The Wetlands, a place known for fostering some of the greatest bands of the 1990s.īlues Traveler released their debut self-titled studio album in 1990. The four-piece moved to New York City and played gigs at clubs around town. The original members were vocalist and harmonicist John Popper, guitarist Chan Kinchla, bassist Bobby Sheehan, and drummer Brendan Hill.Īfter high school, the band hit the ground running in the late 1980s. After a few musician changes and recording some cassette tape demos, they changed their name to Blues Traveler. Initially, they were calling themselves The Establishment. Influenced by rock, folk, psychedelic, and blues bands before them, their songs reach the hearts of music fans of all varieties.īut anyway, let’s look around at what we think are the seven greatest Blues Traveler songs out there! About Blues Travelerīlues Traveler began its journey in 1987 as a high school garage band in Princeton, New Jersey. Other bands included it in their mix, but the mouth harp hadn’t been much in play by the end of the 70s.īlues Traveler’s tunes cut across multiple musical genres. If you’re a fan of 80s and 90s music, chances are you have some favorite Blues Traveler songs.įrontman John Popper seemingly revitalized the use of the harmonica in rock music.