There is an invisible thread running between the southern United States and northern Sweden. A mixture of gritty harshness, drastic humour, gravel roads and crops that most city dwellers will never experience. With a unique energy and feeling, John Henry performs mostly his own newly written music. They offer Honky Tonk, Western Swing and Americana with lyrics about life and death, longing and lust, saints and sinners, with a feeling and tradition as if the songs were written in the last century. The Swedish Champions in OldTime/Bluegrass 2009 & 2012 have moved on and gone electric.
Founded by harmonica player Mikael Bäckman and Ilka Weinz today John Henry is one of the most important European country blues bands of our time. Their music combines authenticity with virtuosity and offers a modern interpretation of classic American roots.

Frontman and harmonica player Mikael Bäckman has been performing with his harmonica since the early 1990s. Bäckman is known for his distinctive country blues style and performs with John Henry at renowned festivals worldwide. Bäckman is not only a musician but also a university lecturer. His favourite subject of research: the harmonica, its influences, playing styles and players.

Masterclass:
Mikael Bäckmann– Country harmonica Bäckman style