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About

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Philadelphia's very own Johnny DeFrancesco emerged from the crucible of a household steeped in musicality, surrounded by strains of jazz, blues, R&B, and beyond. A mere 14 years old found Johnny gracing the stages of local clubs alongside his father, and by the tender age of 18, he had already garnered acclaim and accolades for his prowess on the guitar and soulful vocals within the vibrant tapestry of Philadelphia's musical panorama.

Johnny, a trailblazer in his own right, ascended to the esteemed position of instructing blues ensembles at the hallowed halls of Berklee College of Music, breaking through the previously scientific veneer that dominated the domain. "It was all science," he laughs, reflecting on the transformation ushered in by his organic-street approach. Six solo releases bear testament to his musical journey, a journey enriched by collaborations with luminaries such as Duke Jethro, John Lee Hooker, Luther Tucker, and Johnny Heartsman, etching indelible marks on his career.

The breadth of his influences range from the likes of Albert King, Jimi Hendrix, and Freddie King to the stylings of Grant Green, Kenny Burrell, and George Benson, Johnny DeFrancesco crafts a musical identity that defies easy categorization. When probed to delineate the essence of his music, he responds with characteristic humility and a touch of mystery, "On any given night, it could be anything." Presently, Johnny navigates his artistic course, dividing his time between the East coast and the arid landscapes of the Southwest desert.

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