Let's welcome Eric Johanson to Pensacola Blues Festival 2025!

Eric Johanson blends sharp songwriting with a deep connection to the guitar, creating music that’s dynamic, soulful, and rooted in a mix of rock, blues, and modern influences. His playing is expressive without being flashy—riff-driven and rhythmic one moment, fluid and melodic the next—always serving the song rather than overpowering it. There’s a rawness to his sound, but also a sense of purpose, pulling from the weight of tradition while pushing toward something new. Whether channeling the swampy pulse of his New Orleans home or leaning into heavier, fuzz-laden textures, Johanson’s music strikes a balance between grit and finesse, power and restraint. As American Songwriter puts it, he “displays his guitar prowess but within the borders of melodies and lyrics that push the boundaries of blues/rock… searing guitar work, and persuasive songwriting.”

Since the release of The Deep and the Dirty, Johanson has toured extensively, playing over 100 cities and 10 countries in 2024 alone. His momentum has landed him at the top of the Billboard Blues Chart and on stages alongside some of the most respected names in rock and roots music. Named one of the 25 Best New Blues Guitarists by Guitar Player Magazine and included in Total Guitar's list of the 100 Greatest Blues Guitarists of All Time, he’s carved out a space where strong songwriting and distinctive guitar work go hand in hand. Whether on record or on stage, Johanson’s playing is electrifying, his voice unfiltered, and his approach unmistakably his own.