Soul Blues Legend Johnny Rawls with Jack Hadley

Two generations of soul and blues come together for one unforgettable night. Johnny Rawls — a two-time Blues Music Award winner and true road warrior — brings his internationally acclaimed sound to Boulder, joined by Colorado's own Jack Hadley, whose blues journey spans San Francisco, St. Louis, and stages across the globe. This is a rare chance to experience living legends of American roots music up close.

Soul blues legend Johnny Rawls is an internationally recognized recording artist, producer, and songwriter whose career spans over 50 years; the genre term "soul blues" was created to describe his music.

Born in Mississippi, he began his professional life at 15, backing soul artists like ZZ Hill and Joe Tex, and later directed O.V. Wright's band. Since his solo debut in 1985, Rawls has released 30 albums and is celebrated as a true "road warrior," playing nearly 200 dates annually.

He is a multiple Blues Music Award winner, twice earning Soul Blues Album of the Year (2010 and 2019), and is honored on two markers along the Mississippi Blues Trail. His consistent output and touring have earned him the title of "soul-blues renaissance man."

https://www.facebook.com/johnny.rawls2

Jack Hadley spent his childhood in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco. Jack’s mother bought him an acoustic guitar at an early age to keep him busy. The family eventually moved to Denver, Colorado, where he learned to play music by ear, playing everything from Hendrix to Dylan, unaware that he was learning the foundation of American music – the Blues.

Notable performances include: live on the BBC in London with Otis Taylor | Blues From The Top | BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups | Brighton Blues Blast | Snowy Range Music Festival | The Rauma Blues Festival in Rauma, Finland. “The St. Louis Sessions” was released in October, 2014, on San Telmo Media. “Daybreak In Alabama - The Langston Hughes Project” was released in July 2020. This project features songs written by Jack, based on the poetry of Langston Hughes. Taj Mahal bassist Bill Rich holds down the bottom end, along with drummer Bill Larson and jazz guitarist Rich Gibbins.

Jack Hadley - The St. Louis Sessions Volume II”. The music was released in April, 2024, and once again features The St. Louis Blues All-Stars and drummer Chris Millar.

https://www.jackhadleymusic.net/

https://www.facebook.com/jackhadleyband

Why you should see this show…
“The next time Johnny Rawls heads into town, be sure to check him out. I guarantee that there is no way to not have fun with this band.” – Blues on Stage
“Blues fans are advised to check Johnny Rawls out…you’ll be glad you did.” – Fort Worth Star-Telegram
“He’s a master bluesman and a master soulman.” – Tallahassee Democrat
“Jack Hadley arrives bearing not only a cool blues calling card but a commanding voice and fiery chops.”
“If you like Robert Cray, go see Jack Hadley.”

Roots Music Project Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit local music incubator based in Boulder, Colorado. We believe in the power of music to make the world a better place. All music starts locally. We empower artists, fans, and venues to connect and create a thriving and inspiring local music scene.

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