Chris O’Leary

Chris O'Leary is an American blues singer, harmonica player and songwriter from New York, known for his powerful voice and expressive harmonica playing. A former member of Levon Helm's band (drummer and singer of The Band), he took part in the Midnight Rambles organized by Helm before founding his own project, the Chris O'Leary Band. His career really took off with the release of the album Mr. Used to Be (2010), which earned him a Blues Blast Award and a Blues Music Award nomination. His style blends electric blues, soul and rhythm and blues, driven by intense stage energy and lyrics rooted in the genre's tradition, while asserting a personal voice. The Chris O'Leary Band quickly established itself on the international blues scene, performing at numerous festivals and clubs in the U.S. and Europe, and releasing a string of acclaimed albums including Waiting for the Phone to Ring (2012), Gonna Die Trying (2015), 7 Minutes Late (2019) and The Hard Line (2023), hailed for their authenticity and production quality. Surrounded by seasoned musicians, O'Leary pursues a career in the tradition of contemporary blues, remaining true to the genre's roots while infusing it with a modern, personal energy.