Biography

Born With The Blues

You might say that John D'Amato was born with the blues. John was born blue due to a lack of oxygen caused by a congenital heart defect that was correct at the age of 9. This led John down a different path than most children, one of seemingly endless Doctor visits, medical tests, lonely hospital stays and painful medical procedures all of which were to determine if they could correct John's problem before it killed him. Fortunately through the grace of God and a doctor at Yale University a surgical procedure was developed that saved John's life.



Building The Blues Style

John started playing guitar at age 10 and at the age of 15 was the first contemporary guitarist accepted into an experimental performing arts high school at the Educational Center for The Arts. John quickly became one of the most in demand guitarists on the local music scene in his hometown of New Haven, Connecticut and frequently performed on the same bill as the not yet famous, Michael Bolton, Christine Ohlman, and G.E. Smith, Saturday Night Live’s band leader and Hall and Oates’ guitarist.

In 2001 D’Amato relocated to Nashville to pursue his production, songwriting and performing goals and has produced, co-wrote and contributed guitar work on four independent artist’s CD’s.



New Generation OF Blues Men

John is one of the new generation of blues men. By combining all of his influences (T Bone Walker, Buddy Guy, John’s good friend Joe Louis Walker, B. B. King, , Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, and a host of other genres) John has managed to create his own brand of music that connects the passion and feel of blues with the energy and intensity of rock-n-roll.

John D’Amato is one of those rare guitarists that have managed to combine amazing chops with amazing feel. His ability to bring a song to the next level with his passionate solos along with his unique soulful vocal style continually impresses fans and festival promoters



“Ain’t No Big Deal”

John’s Debut CD “Ain’t No Big Deal” was released to radio on October 15th, 2010 and within three weeks has climbed onto the Roots Music Report National Blues Charts at #41.



Performance Resume

John’s touring schedule was deliberately kept light during 2010 to allow John to concentrate on the promotion of his debut release,but don’t let that mislead you. John and his band have performed at numerous festivals and blues clubs throughout the U.S. Some of them are: The Soul Of The Blues Festival, Greenwich Village NY; Hot August Blues Festival, KY; Pig In The Grove Festival, TN

Benefit for Jennifier, Greenville, SC; B.B.King’s Nashville,TN; Toad’s Place New Haven, CT; Brackin’s Blues Bar Maryville, TN; Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar Nashville, TN; Nashville Convention Center, Nashville TN; Los Angeles Convention Center, CA; Doc’s Music Hall, Muncie IN. In addition to performing with his own band John has shared the stage with B.B. King, Billy Cox (Jimi Hendrix’s Bassist), Shrapnel recording artist Eric Gales, blues legend Joe Louis Walker, Mac Arnold (Muddy Water’s Bassist), Jason Ricci (2009 Blues Music Award Winner for Harmonica), Delbert McClinton and James Nixon.



John is definitely one of the new up and coming blues artists . His ability to bring a song to the next level with his soulful vocals and incendiary guitar playing will surly secure a place for him in the New Generation of Blues Men.





John endorses Saint Blues Guitars, Dean Markley Strings and Rivera Amplifiers. Check out John in the Sound Lab on Saint Blues web site demoing all their guitars.