Blues Harp Player & Singer, John O’Leary was born in Clonakilty in the Republic of Ireland in October 1944. He moved with his parents to England in 1955. Interest in music began on hearing Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith and King Oliver on a friend’s record player. His interest in jazz developed and is now a great admirer of Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus. Interest in the blues began on hearing the legendary harmonica player Cyril Davies playing with the great Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated at the Ealing Jazz Club in London in 1962. The Ealing club was really the birth of the British blues movement; it’s where it all began for a lot of people (including The Rolling Stones). As soon as he heard Blues Inc., he quickly discovered Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Little Walter & Sonny Boy Williamson. With inspiration like this, he took up the harmonica almost immediately and learned by carefully watching and listening to Cyril Davies.

Subsequently John has enjoyed a wide ranging career, founding The Savoy Brown Blues Band in 1965 after meeting and striking up a friendship with guitarist Kim Simmonds (who continues to tour to this day). The original line of the band was completed by Brice Portious (vocals), Bob Hall piano), Ray Chappell (bass) and Leo Mannings (drums). John left the band after disagreements with their management shortly before their album "Shakedown" was released.