Curtis Salgado

Curtis Salgado is an American blues, R&B and soul singer-songwriter from Everett, Washington, and based in Portland, Oregon. He sings and plays harmonica, and leads his own band as vocalist.

Career

He begins performing in the early 1970s in the Northwest blues scene and first forms his own band there. He later becomes a key part of Robert Cray’s early career, including a six-year stint in Cray’s band, and appears on Cray’s debut album.

Salgado also fronts Roomful of Blues from 1984 to 1986, and later serves as lead vocalist with Santana in 1995. He begins his recording career with Curtis Salgado and the Stilettos in 1991, followed by More than you can chew in 1995. Both releases gain rock and blues radio play, but the labels behind them go out of business before he breaks through nationally.

Recordings and collaborations

His more acoustic album Hit it and quit it leads to an appearance with Steve Miller on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. He then records three albums for Shanachie: Wiggle outta this, Soul Activated and Strong Suspicion. These releases, together with steady touring, give him a more consistent career framework with the same label and booking agent.

Strong Suspicion includes guest performances from slide guitarist Sonny Landreth and singer Bekka Bramlett, and features Salgado’s interpretations of songs including the Beatles’ “I’ll Be Back” and Bill Withers’ “Who Is He (And What Is He to You?)”. The album also contains original songs such as “Inside My Heart,” “Money Must Think I’m Dead” and “Don’t Wait Until Tomorrow”.

Style and reputation

Salgado’s work combines blues, soul and rock and roll, and he is also identified with R&B. He is known for expressive vocals and harmonica playing. His approach to soul music places emphasis on sincerity and belief, and his performances are associated with a wide-ranging take on blues and soul.

He is also linked to the development of the Blues Brothers character: John Belushi sees Salgado perform in Eugene, Oregon while filming Animal House, later uses him as an inspiration for the character, and dedicates the first Blues Brothers album to him.

Recognition

Salgado appears on NPR’s Mountain Stage and performs at major festivals in the United States. His album Soul Activated receives critical acclaim and a W.C. Handy Blues Award nomination in the Soul Blues Album of the Year category.