Toronzo Cannon is an American electric blues guitarist and singer from Chicago. He grows up in the city’s blues scene, with Theresa’s Lounge shaping his early interest in the music. As a child, he listens to artists such as Junior Wells, Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters, and later draws on influences including Freddie, B.B. and Albert King, Jimi Hendrix and 1970s R&B and soul.

Career

Cannon begins playing guitar as a teenager and learns to sing and play the music he hears around him. He develops a gospel-tinged vocal style and an energetic stage presence through frequent jam sessions and live work. Before fronting his own group, he plays rhythm guitar with local artists including Wayne Baker Brooks and Joanna Connor.

He then forms The Cannonball Express and becomes a regular presence at major Chicago blues venues, including Buddy Guy’s Legends, House of Blues, Kingston Mines, B.L.U.E.S., Blue Chicago and Lee's Unleaded. His work also takes him to shows across Kentucky, Delaware, Iowa and Indiana.

Performances and touring

Cannon becomes a festival act, appearing at the Chicago Blues Festival for eight consecutive years and at the 2008 San Jose Blues Festival alongside Chico Banks and Mike Wheeler. He also performs internationally as a featured solo artist in Latvia on three occasions, and tours in Mexico, Durban in South Africa and France.

Style

His music is identified with electric blues and blues rock, with guitar and harmonica listed among his associated instruments and styles.