Joe Bonamassa (born May 8, 1977) is an American blues guitarist/singer, well known for his gritty voice and technically accomplished playing; Guitar One Magazine has stated that he just might be the best guitarist of his generation.April 2007 issue of Guitar One Magazine, page 21. His style is considered in the same blues-rock style as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Jonny Lang. Early life Bonamassa was born in Utica, New York. At the age of 11, during a short period of being mentored by country musician Danny Gatton he learned such styles as country and jazz. During this time with Gatton, Bonamassa sat in with Gatton's band whenever they played in New York. He first opened for B. B. King at 12 years of age. At 14, he was invited to attend a Fender guitar event; during that trip to the West Coast he met Berry Oakley, Jr. Joe and Berry founded the group Bloodline with Miles Davis's son Erin and Robby Krieg