Hamilton Loomis

Hamilton Loomis is a blues and electric blues artist from Galveston, Texas, working in a style that also draws on blues rock, funk and soul. Born in 1975, he grows up surrounded by blues, rock and soul records from his parents’ collection, and he learns drums, piano, guitar, bass and harmonica by his early teens. He is known for combining roots music with a contemporary approach, and for playing within a broad range of influences that includes Prince, metal and gypsy jazz alongside classic blues figures.

Early development

Loomis tours as part of his family’s doo-wop group while still young. At sixteen, he meets Bo Diddley backstage and ends up playing onstage with him that same night. Diddley becomes a mentor and supporter, and the phrase “innovate, don’t imitate” remains central to Loomis’ approach. Other Texas blues musicians, including Johnny “Clyde” Copeland, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Albert Collins and Joe Hughes, also help shape his early development.

Recordings and style

By eighteen, Loomis is writing, arranging and performing his own material. He releases a series of self-released CDs, including Just Gimme One Night and All Fired Up, followed by Live-Highlights in 2002. His first Blind Pig Records release, Kickin’ It, appears in 2003 and presents his mix of funky rhythms, horns, harmonica, soulful vocals and guitar. His 2007 Blind Pig release Ain’t Just Temporary includes “You Got To Wait,” described as the last recorded song by Bo Diddley, who sings and plays tremolo guitar on the track. Loomis also records Hamilton, a debut album that is under Grammy consideration, and much of his work reflects a blues-based sound shaped by modern funk and slick soul.

Live work and recognition

Loomis performs regularly in the United States and internationally, and his live reputation is a major part of his profile. He plays in front of large crowds at the Delta Blues Festival while still young, and he has toured continuously since 2001. His 2009 release Live In England captures his live sound, and he earns two “Best Artist” awards in England and Wales. He also appears in a VH-1 film opposite Gene Simmons. His music is described in terms that place him between blues, soul and rock, while still rooted in Texas blues traditions.