‘Back Alley John’ John Carl David Wilson

Name: ‘Back Alley John’ John Carl David Wilson
Date of birth: 1955–2006
Place of birth: Origin Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Instrument: Harmonica
Type of Blues played: Modern Blues
Name of Group: Back Alley John Revue

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.

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.

Wilson founded the Back Alley John Revue with the guitarist Drew Nelson in 1980. They played in clubs and busked on the streets as well. In the 1980’s they played for those passing by the Chateau Lafayette House tavern. Wilson became a supporter of the 16-year-old performer Sue Foley, who played guitar and sang for the Back Alley John Revue. The group soon became popular and toured Canada several times. They did not, however, release an album.

Back Alley John Revue disbanded when Wilson became gravely sick. He later transferred to Calgary, Alberta where Peter, his brother, resided.

In Calgary, Wilson became a recording artist and released four albums which were independently distributed. He soon became recognised as a blues musician and his records gained critical accolade. In 1998, he was considered as among the best blues recording artists in the region of North America. Among his awards was the Canadian Real Blues Award, given to him by Real Blues Magazine in 1999. Later, in 2002, the song Back Alley John was released by blues performer Ralph Boyd Johnson who depicted Wilson’s life.

Wilson stayed in Calgary for about twenty years up to his death. He became known for sharing his talents including with Black Cherry Perry. Perry stated that his career developed with Wilson’s help. Wilson had given him tips on harmonica playing and allowed him to sit backstage during performances.

Later, Wilson became too sick to host a weekly gig in Calgary. Cherry Perry later took over. Sideshow Bob and Dylan MacDonald, other musicians from Calgary, also stated that they learned a lot from Wilson.

Wilson suffered from a respiratory disease and for the last two years of his life he was being taken care of by other people. He also had hepatitis and was deprived of oxygen. Furthermore, he needed a wheelchair to move around. However, he played his music until his last breath. He flatlined in an ambulance and two months later, he performed at the Ambassador Motor Inn. Mick Joy, Wilson’s close friend and bass player, shared that although his friend was deprived of oxygen, he was still able to play the harp fine.