
Powell St. John is a legendary American singer, songwriter, musician and artist. His musical career began in the mid 1960’s in Austin, TX, performing folk songs on the harmonica and guitar. During this period, Powell was a member of the Waller Creek Boys; a folk blues trio featuring Lanny Wiggins and a young Janis Joplin. Janis would later go on to make a hit of Powell's song "Bye, Bye, Baby".
Over the years, many notable musicians have recorded Powell’s songs. A partial list includes:
- Janis Joplin: "Bye, Bye Baby"
- Boz Scaggs: "I’ll Forever Sing"
- Roky Erickson: "Right Track Now"
- Doug Sahm: "You Don’t Know"
- 13th Floor Elevators: Six songs including "Slide Machine" and "Monkey Island"
Powell and his wife, Toby, reside in Northern California. In addition to writing

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“Powell is a fantastic songwriter."
Boz Scaggs
“Today, St. John’s voice is as strong as ever, emotional and effervescent, backed to the hilt when necessary by a dusty harmonica sound straight out of his Laredo hometown.”
Bill Bentley
former VP at Warner Bros. Records
“I think he is a first-rate harmonica player and I am glad he is still doing it. His songs are some of my favorites!”
Roky Erickson
"In the midst of the budding psychedelic sound, Powell's music was unique, completely original and brilliant. He gave us validation as something more than a derivative R&B band and he inspired me to stretch out beyond my desire to be Irma Thomas. I think he was the most significant and profound artist (and by the very nature of that, the least appreciated) of the era. I'm so glad he's making music again."
Tracy Nelson
“The sightings of the sultan of psychedelia, Powell St. John, and his backing band have been substantiated. For those who believe only what they hear, the truth is out there –“
SF Chronicle BANDWIDTH

