Originally from Dorchester, Joe, a self-taught singer, was first influenced by his father who sang Irish songs and his mother a music lover  and big fan of Louis Jordan.  At an early age, Joe was listening to the music of The Ink Spots, Cab Calloway and Joe Turner.   He was wowed when his mother took him to see Frankie Laine in person.  Later on, he was drawn to the big voices of the Blues, such as BB King in “The Thrill is Gone”, favoring the rough gritty voices of Ray Charles, Muddy Waters, Clapton, The Stones, Tom Jones.  

Joe has been playing in bands with John Capezzuto for over 20 years - which eventually evolved into The Coolerators.  In addition to singing, Joe wanted to contribute more to the bands he played with, so he taught himself to play the harmonica. 

Joe honed his harmonica skills studying with Jerry Portnoy.  His favorites players include Jerry Portnoy, Kim Wilson, Jr. Wells, Little Walter, Rick Estrin, Sonny Boy I, and Howlin’ Wolf.    Joe has most recently shared the stage with Ricky “King” Russell, Jerry Portnoy and Doug James.

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