Biography

Toronzo Cannon was born in Chicago on February 14, 1968, and grew up in the shadows of the Robert Taylor Homes. Theresa's Lounge, one of the city's most famous South Side blues clubs, was nearby. Cannon would stand outside the door and soak up the blues while trying to sneak a glance at larger-than-life bluesmen like Junior Wells and Buddy Guy. Cannon bought his first guitar at age 22 and he quickly mastered the instrument. Although his initial focus was reggae, he found himself drawn to the blues. He absorbed styles and licks from Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Hound Dog Taylor, B.B. King, Albert King, Freddie King, Jimi Hendrix, J.B. Hutto and others. From 1996 through 2002, Cannon played as a sideman for Tommy McCracken, Wayne Baker Brooks, L.V. Banks and Joanna Connor. But in 2001, while continuing to work as a hired-gun guitarist, he formed his own band, The Cannonball Express. By 2003, he was working exclusively as a band leader. Cannon's first three albums document his rise from promising up-and-comer to star-in-the-making. The Chicago Way contains nothing but Cannon originals and is powered by his blazing guitar and soul-baring vocals. His songwriting is inspired by his homegrown Chicago roots, his years observing the public while working as a city bus driver on the West Side, and his own battles and triumphs. Toronzo Cannon is the real deal. He’s earned his place through long hours, hard work and his burning desire to succeed. That’s his way…the Chicago way.