| Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears | |
|---|---|
| Background information | |
| Origin | Austin, Texas, United States |
| Genres | Blues, soul, rock and roll |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Labels | Lost Highway/Universal Motown |
| Website | blackjoelewis.com |
| Members | |
| Joe Lewis Matt Strmiska Zach Ernst Bill Stevenson Jason Frey Derek Phelps Joe Woullard |
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Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears is a blues band influenced by Howlin' Wolf and James Brown.[1] It was formed in Austin, Texas in 2007. In March 2009, Esquire listed Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears as one of the "Ten Bands Set to Break Out at 2009's SXSW Festival."[2]
While working at a pawn shop in Austin, Joe Lewis first picked up the guitar. For the next few years, he performed around Austin at open mic nights and various weekly gigs with his blues trio. The Honeybears formed after Zach Ernst, a member of the University of Texas Music and Entertainment Committee, booked Lewis to open for Little Richard at the University of Texas' annual festival Forty Acres Fest. After gaining local acclaim, the band toured as openers for Spoon and Okkervil River in 2007.[3]
The band signed to Lost Highway Records in 2008. Following the signing and performances at 2008's Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits Music Festival, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears released a four song EP on January 27, 2009.
Their debut album Tell 'Em What Your Name Is! was released on March 17, 2009. It was produced by Spoon's drummer Jim Eno.[4]
Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears have performed at music festivals including Bonnaroo, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Bumbershoot, Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival, Sasquatch! Music Festival, Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival, Latitude Festival, and Splendour in the Grass. The band has appeared on The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson, Late Show with David Letterman, Austin City Limits, and Later... with Jools Holland.[5]
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