Joanne Shaw Taylor at Atwood Music Hall

About the Artists

Joanne Shaw Taylor’s music is deeply influenced by legendary blues and rock artists, including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert Collins, Aretha Franklin, and Janis Joplin, alongside enduring inspiration from British rock and blues traditions. Joanne Shaw Taylor’s introduction to blues came through the music of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Albert Collins, which transformed her from a classically trained musician into a passionate blues artist. These Texas blues legends shaped her guitar style, characterized by blues-soaked riffs and emotive solos. She has also spoken about the impact of Muddy Waters, Freddy King, and other traditional blues giants, who influenced her songwriting and guitar tone choices early in her career

Beyond guitar heroes, Joanne draws inspiration from powerful vocalists like Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin, whose soulful, expressive singing helped inspire her vocal style. Her decision to cover Janis Joplin's “Summertime” is a tribute to this influence, showcasing her respect for Joplin's raw emotional delivery.