Though formed in 1987 when the four founding members were still in high school in Princeton, New Jersey, Blues Traveler broke out onto the mainstream music scene in 1994 with their album four with A&M records. Their blues-rock style wowed the world and earned six platinum records and over 10 million sales. The album featured two of their most famous songs, 'Hook' and 'Run Around.' Not only did the album sell big, but the Grammy-winning single 'Run Around' is the longest-charting single in the history of the Billboard charts with a staggering 49 weeks in the top 100.
Lead singer/harmonica player John Popper is the ringleader of this crew of wanderers. The original band also featured guitarist Chan Kinchla, bassist Bobby Sheehan, and drummer Brendan Hill. After the success of four, Blues Traveler's success did not stop. They performed on Saturday Night Live in 1995, and also had their song 'Secret Agent Man' featured in the Hollywood blockbuster Ace Venture: When Nature Calls. In 1996, not only did 'Run Around' win a Grammy, but the band was nominated for the American Music Award for Favorite New Pop/Rock Artist. Also during 1996, Blues Traveler's three newer albums, Save His Soul, Live from the Fall, and Travelers and Thieves, received gold status. John Popper also helped form the H.O.R.D.E. tour in 1992 which, in the following years, featured Blues Traveler on the main stage along with the Allman Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Natalie Merchant, Rusted Root, Lenny Kravitz, and others.
After the tragic death of founding bassist Bobby Sheehan in 1999, the band agreed unanimously to continue touring with a new bassist, Tad Kinchla, brother of guitarist Chan. Blues Traveler got back on track in 2001 when they released Bridge. After the smashing success of the H.O.R.D.E. tour and their personal fame from their many hit albums, Blues Traveler struck out on a solo tour which filled venues with ticket holders from across the country. Still actively recording, Blues Traveler released Truth Be Told in 2003, receiving praise from fans and reviewers. Live performances have been compared to like-minded bands such as Dave Matthews, Phish, and Widespread Panic, all of whom Blues Traveler has shared bills with. The band has been known to play in tiny music clubs as well has larger venues giving their fans a show to remember.
