Ep 28. Blues Traveler

In this episode of Behind the Music, we dive into the story of Blues Traveler, a band known for their unique mix of blues rock and harmonica riffs. The episode opens with a young John Popper, the lead vocalist and harmonica player of the band, discussing his love for the harmonica. We learn about Popper's troubled childhood and how his love for music helped him cope with his struggles.

The episode then delves into Blues Traveler's early days, from their formation in Princeton, New Jersey, to their first gigs in the local club scene. We meet the other members of the band, including Bobby Sheehan on bass, Chan Kinchla on guitar, and Brendan Hill on drums, and see how their individual talents came together to create their unique sound.

As Blues Traveler's popularity grew, so did their struggles with drug addiction. The band members talk about their experiences with various substances and how it affected their music and relationships with each other. We also hear from John Popper's ex-girlfriend, who sheds light on his addiction and how it affected their relationship.

The episode then shifts to the band's commercial success, with their breakout hit "Run-Around" in 1994. We hear from the band members about how this success changed their lives and the pressure they felt to create more hits. The episode also explores some of the band's collaborations with other musicians, such as Carlos Santana and Dave Matthews.

Despite their success, Blues Traveler continued to struggle with personal and professional issues. We hear about the band's legal battles with their former management company and their turbulent relationships with each other. The episode also touches on John Popper's near-death experience, when he underwent emergency angioplasty surgery to save him from a heart attack.

The final part of the episode focuses on the band's resurgence in the 2000s, with new albums and a new sense of camaraderie among the members. We hear about how they have maintained their unique sound over the years and their hopes for the future of the band.

Overall, this episode of Behind the Music provides a fascinating look into the ups and downs of Blues Traveler's career, from their early struggles to their later successes and everything in between. Through interviews with the band members and those who know them best, we gain insight into the personalities and experiences that shaped their music and their lives.