DAVID GOGO

David was drawn to the emotional power and raw depth of such performers as Howling Wolf and Son House. Things really fell into place for Gogo when the now legendary guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan arrived on the musical scene. Finally, David had discovered someone with whom he could truly relate! Vaughan summed up everything that Gogo aspired to be. David soon had the chance to meet the Texas guitar icon, who encouraged Gogo to pursue and commit to become a serious blues artist. Shortly thereafter he formed a band called The Persuaders. Quickly Gogo and his band mates began making a name for themselves across Western Canada and they jumped from an after school project to opening for such legendary blues acts as Albert Collins and the Icebreakers.

After a European tour supporting the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Gogo signed a solo deal with EMI/Capitol Music. Although leaving his band was difficult, he realized his destiny was unfolding before him. In just a few short months Gogo was suddenly performing on stage with his idols B. B. King, Otis Rush, Blues Traveller and many others at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and guesting on Tom Cochrane's "Mad Mad World" album.

David joined on the recording by Tom Wilson on the first single "Love in the City" which reached #35 on the national BDS Rock chart in October and by Jeff Healey on "She's Alright". Real Blues Magazine, in their 9th Annual Real Blues Awards, named "Skeleton Key" Top Blues/Rock CD of the year. Gogo was named "Guitarist of the Year" at the 2003 Maple Blues Awards and received 5 nominations for the 2004 Maple Blues Awards.

In 2004 Gogo again performed with host of super performers. The list included: Little Feat, Johnny Winter, Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, Bob Walsh, Downchild Blues Band, Jimmie Vaughan, Colin Linden, Room Full of Blues, Ken Hamm, Tom Wilson, The Tragically Hip, Junkhouse and George Thorogood. These high profile performances along with national radio (CBC Saturday Night Blues) and television exposure (CTV, CHUM, GLOBAL and TSN) increased his name awareness across Canada.

Another important award received was the Alumni Award for furthering Vancouver Island Music in a global setting. This special award was given to him at the 3 rd Annual Island Music Awards - an event he has co-hosted all three years. 2005 started out with a bang as he won the Maple Blues Award for "Guitarist of the Year". He was also nominated for "Entertainer of the Year". The second single "Cry Harder" was released from the VIBE CD in February. Since signing with Cordova Bay, Gogo's records have been released in Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, France Germany, Holland, Belgium and Italy.

These successes have David busier than ever and happy to find acceptance as a world-class blues man. And, oh yes … David Gogo is his real name.

"David is a great blues player. I like his style! " – Johnny Winter