CRAIG HORTON builds his music on a diverse foundation of sounds, having played jazz, R&B and rock ‘n roll, in addition to the blues, during his early years as a musician.

A gifted songwriter, singer and guitarist, Craig prides himself on playing on the edge and taking chances, playing music that comes from his soul. The spontaneity of his performances echo what he’s feeling at the time. Before his debut solo CD, Craig performed with such blues greats as Chuck Berry, Sam Cooke, Dinah Washington, Otis Rush, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Freddie King, Sam Myers and The Mississippi Delta Blues Band. Some of his first gigs on the road were playing with such legends as Highway QC's, Goose Tatum and The Harlem Road Kings, and The Ink Spots.

In the late 50’s, Craig played guitar in the legendary Little Walter’s Band and was a touring member of The Dells. He was also a big part of the Chicago music scene, opening the Golden Dolphin with Count Basie and Duke Ellington.

Craig’s musical inspiration came from his family while growing up in Conway, Arkansas. His grandmother played guitar in church and introduced him to the instrument when he was a child. When he turned 14, his grandfather gave him his first guitar. He was later inspired by such icons as Johnny Ace, Ray Charles, Willie Dixon, T-Bone Walker, Pee Wee Crayton and B.B. King.

His accomplishments are critically acclaimed. He received the “Patience Is A Virtue Award” from Real Blues Magazine, and “In My Spirit” earned him Best Debut Album of 2001 from Living Blues Magazine. In February 2004, The Bay Area Blues Society named Craig Horton “Blues Guitar Player of the Year” and named Craig Horton and his band as “Blues Band of the Year.”
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