Johnny Mars
voc, h, *1942 GB, Laurens, South Carolina
Singer / Musician / Songwriter of Blues
US electric blues vocalist, harmonica player, band leader (b. in South Carolina, December 7, 1942). Has led own bands and worked with Magic Sam, Earl Hooker, B.B. King, Jesse Fuller, Spencer Davis and Ian Gillan.
Began playing clubs in the late 50's, recorded for Mercury as member of the group Burning Bush. By the mid 1960s, now as Johnny Mars Band he toured with Magic Sam and shared billings with Earl Hooker, B.B. King and Jesse Fuller. In 1972 Mars' band toured UK, recorded with local musicians and in 1978 Mars migrated to the UK. Besides performing and recording there - with Bananarama a.o. - Mars has been a music teacher.