One of the "Greatest Blues Guitarists of All Time" - Total Guitar

Eric Johanson combines concise songwriting with a deep connection to the guitar and creates music that is dynamic, soulful, and rooted in a mix of rock, roots, blues, and modern influences. Whether he draws on the swampy pulse of his hometown New Orleans or delves into heavier, fuzz-laced sound textures, Johanson’s music balances roughness and finesse, power and restraint. As American Songwriter puts it, “he shows off his guitar prowess, but within the confines of melodies and lyrics that push the boundaries of blues/rock … with fiery guitar work and compelling songwriting.”

His album The Deep and the Dirty from 2023 climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Charts and firmly established Johanson as one of the most exciting guitar-driven artists of the present day. In 2025, Live In Mississippi followed as another Billboard Top 10 success, capturing the raw energy of his live shows. Extensive U.S. tours and sold-out headlining shows across Europe have fuelled rapid growth through word of mouth and earned him a reputation for playing concerts that are powerful, unpredictable, and strongly connected to the audience.

Johanson’s rise has been recognised by both peers and critics. He was named one of the “25 Best New Blues Guitarists” by Guitar Player Magazine and included by Total Guitar in its list of the “greatest blues guitarists of all time.” Industry veteran Bob Lefsetz said: “It’s as if he absorbed all the music of the Sixties — just as those musicians listened to their predecessors — and kept the flame burning. This guy has a place in the firmament.”

Born in Louisiana and based in New Orleans for most of his life, Johanson’s roots are deeply embedded in the city’s musical culture. His breakthrough came when blues legend Tab Benoit signed him to Whiskey Bayou Records and produced his solo debut album Burn It Down (2017). Two years of touring followed, with Benoit himself playing drums during Johanson’s support sets. His second album Below Sea Level (202) marked a darker, heavier creative turn and cemented his identity as an artist willing to push genre boundaries.

For The Deep and the Dirty many critics consider Johanson’s strongest work to date — an album that combines raw, high-energy guitar work with haunting, song-focused writing. The record leans into dense, fuzz-soaked layers, swampy grooves, and driving rhythms without losing melody or emotional depth. It’s modern blues with bite — rooted in tradition, but ready to hit harder, go further, and burn brighter.

Throughout his career, he has shared the stage with The Record Company, Samantha Fish, Tab Benoit, Anders Osborne and North Mississippi Allstars. His collaboration with Big Chief Monk Boudreaux led to a Grammy-nominated recording and cemented his place within Louisiana’s vibrant musical tradition.

With a new studio album announced for 2026, Johanson continues to push modern blues into bold, unfiltered territory — expanding the tradition without diluting its soul.