Maybe it is his life experiences that intertwine the heart of the listener with the rhythm of his songs. Maybe it is the fact he almost lost the ability to sing or perform. But, O’Leary’s music mesmerizes audiences, taking them to memories and places deep within the soul. It is as if he steps into the lyrics, his voice tracing the beat of the blues, and connects with those around him.
There was a time when he didn’t think he would sing again. Doctors told Chris O’Leary he needed to stop singing for a while. It was tough to hear for a person who was successfully making a way through the music industry and even tougher for someone who had music in the blood.
He grew up in a family filled with music. He started playing the harmonica as a kid after hearing Muddy Waters’ classic album Hard Again featuring the great James Cotton. When he heard the news he needed to stop singing, he took their advice and became a Federal police officer. But the music wouldn’t leave him.
O’Leary began gigging locally on the weekends. He would swap vacation days with his co-workers to make performances. Eventually, with 100 shows per year, he left the Federal police in 2018 and returned to music full-time.
His beginning
Born in Schenectady, New York in 1968, O’Leary followed in his family’s footsteps and joined the Marines in 1986. He deployed to the Middle East and experienced with his fellow infantrymen life-threatening combat. He returned to the U.S. in 1993, enrolled in college in Poughkeepsie, New York, but spent much of his time leading a band performing Chicago Blues Classics.
His demos opened a door with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Grammy Award winner, Levon Helm, who loved Chris’ voice, harmonica, and original songs. O’Leary was invited to lead the band at Levon’s New Orleans Club, the Classic American Cafe. After the Club closed, O’Leary spent six years with Levon as lead singer of Levon’s group, The Barn Burners.
Chris has appeared on stage with Legendary Rolling Stones sideman Bobby Keys, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jimmy Vivino, Jeff Healy, Dan Akroyd, Albert Lee, Dave Edmunds, Dave Maxwell, and the great James Cotton to name just a few. Chris has also recorded with Bill Perry and Hubert Sumlin, among others.
Personal interview
When asked what inspires him, O’Leary expressed, “There is a lot that inspires me. But I would say, first, the energy and interaction I get back from a crowd at a great gig. There’s nothing like it. Second, it’s the magic that happens between band members up on stage when things are really good and in the pocket.”
O’Leary added, “Both feelings I’ve never gotten anywhere else and they are amazing.”
He describes his wife Meg as his “way better half.”
“She allows me to pursue my dreams. I couldn’t ask for a better partner,” O’Leary expressed.
The couple share three children Ryley (19), Liam (16), and Jackson (8).
He advises those who are trying to break into the music industry, to “write your own material”. O’Leary spoke about his own experiences and why it is important to be yourself.
“You are never gonna be somebody else better than that actual person. Emulate and learn from your heroes, and then try to find your own voice,” O’Leary directed.
O’Leary reflected on advice he was given from Levon Helm that stuck with him. “On stage or in the studio, whatever you’re doing, whether it’s solo and singing, providing rhythm or back up. If it’s not forwarding the song, then what are you doing?”
His top role model in his life is his father. Musically, two individuals that influenced him and his career are Levon Helm and James Cotton. “They were both kind, patient, and generous with their time and advice. As a young player at the time, that made all the difference,” O’Leary added.
Alligator Records
Now, he is one of Alligator Records’ newest signings and will celebrate his debut of THE HARD LINE as part of the Hwy 255 Blues Club Series at the Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center’s Historic Gym in Sautee Nacoochee on Saturday, April 6 at 7 p.m. Released January 13, THE HARD LINE debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart and remained there for two straight weeks. O’Leary produced THE HARD LINE which features 12 original songs.
This is an evening you will not want to miss. You can purchase tickets for the Hwy 255 Blues Club Series at Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center.
For more information, please call 706-878-3300. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $18 for Members, and $10 for students.
