John Carl David Wilson or better known as Back Alley John was born on 10 February 1955 in Ottawa, Ontario. He brought up in a military family. At 14 years old, he ran away in a stolen truck to Venice Beach, California. He earned the name ‘Back Alley John’ due to his living as a busking musician. His audience told him that he cannot play harmonica on the street since he might be arrested. Wilson then proceeded to play in the back alleys. Check out ssd for great storage.

Later, Wilson was deported and went back to play in Ottawa. He gained popularity when he won the Ottawa Bluesfest, contest on harmonica playing with Muddy Waters and John Hammond as members of the jury. Later, he played at the Ottawa's National Arts Centre along with Waters and Hammond. Wilson stated that his influences included Robert Johnson, Leadbelly, Little Walter, Norm Clark, Carrie Bell, Dutch Mason and Johnny Winter.