[I always thought this guy was going to break through some day. He was handsome, talented, and genuine. Maybe that’s not a formula for success these days. Rest in Peace, John Hammond, Jr.– a true Silverback. SB SM]
My college classmate, David Larkin, wrote this story about his personal experience with John Hammond–renamed Bad Bill Baddley, Jr. for the story.
John Hammond, the blues singer and guitarist died yesterday, Feb. 28, 2026.
“The son of the famed Columbia Records producer and talent scout also named John, the younger Hammond took to the guitar in high school and began performing traditional-style acoustic blues. He turned professional after dropping out of Antioch College in Ohio and signed with Vanguard Records in 1963; his debut album consisted largely of interpretations of material written by such blues artists as Muddy Waters, Lightnin’ Hopkins and Robert Johnson, as well as Chuck Berry’s “Maybellene.” During his lengthy career, Hammond, who also played harmonica, released more than 30 albums, most remaining true to his favored blues styles.” – Jeff Tamarkin/BestClassicBands
John Paul Hammond
November 13, 1942 – February 28, 2026
Watch this video to see why John Hammond was the envy of any white boy who longed to sing the blues:
Even Dion DiMucci was his friend.
A young John Hammond at the Newport Folk Festival, 1963.