Johnny Iguana is a Chicago-based composer, songwriter, and powerhouse pianist whose career spans the gap between gritty blues tradition and avant-garde rock. Originally an East Coast kid from Philadelphia, Johnny’s musical journey began at age eight. By 16, he was already cutting his teeth in local blues bands and playing organ in the vibrant Philly music scene. His trajectory changed forever at age 22 when he moved to New York City and met one of his greatest musical heroes, Junior Wells. After a live audition at the Boston House of Blues, Johnny was hired on the spot, relocating to Chicago in 1994 to join the Junior Wells Band.
Over the next three decades, Johnny became a fixture of the Chicago music scene, touring the world with legends like Otis Rush and recording with the likes of Carey Bell, Lurrie Bell, and Lil’ Ed. His distinctive, highly rhythmic piano style and "abusive" overdriven organ tones have graced Grammy-nominated albums and led to collaborations with rock royalty, including Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Derek Trucks.
While deeply rooted in the blues, Johnny has consistently pushed boundaries with his own projects. He led the nationwide cult-favorite rock band oh my god and currently fronts the "garage cabaret" ensemble The Claudettes, who are set to release a new album in 2026. Today, Johnny is reaching a massive new audience as the co-composer (alongside longtime collaborator JQ) of the original score for the hit FX/Hulu series The Bear. Whether he is composing for the screen, touring internationally, or recording his next project, Johnny remains a "proud carrier of tradition" who has developed a singular, modern voice that sounds like no one else.
Learn more at JohnnyIguana.com and TheClaudettes.com.
Scoring: Co-composer (with JQ) of the original score for the hit FX/Hulu series The Bear as well as an iHeartRadio podcast.
Award Recognition: For his renowned keyboard skills, Johnny has received "best of the year" nominations from the Blues Music Awards, Living Blues Awards and Blues Blast Awards.
Legendary Collaborations: Recorded with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Buddy Guy, and Johnny Winter, and performed on three Grammy-nominated blues albums.
Solo Leadership: Has released two solo albums on the iconic blues/jazz label Delmark Records: Johnny Iguana's Chicago Spectacular! (2020) and Johnny Iguana: At Delmark (2025).
Global Performer: Has toured extensively across North and South America, Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and the Middle East.
Frontman & Bandleader: Founder of the "garage cabaret" band The Claudettes and the organ-driven cult-favorite rock band oh my god.
Recording Credits: Played all piano on the 2018 album Chicago Plays the Stones and has appeared on dozens of albums as a premier session musician.
Johnny Iguana is a Chicago-based composer, songwriter, and powerhouse pianist whose career spans the gap between gritty blues tradition and avant-garde rock. Originally an East Coast kid from Philadelphia, Johnny’s musical journey began at age eight. By 16, he was already cutting his teeth in local blues bands and playing organ in the vibrant Philly music scene. His trajectory changed forever at age 22 when he moved to New York City and met one of his greatest musical heroes, Junior Wells. After a live audition at the Boston House of Blues, Johnny was hired on the spot, relocating to Chicago in 1994 to join the Junior Wells Band.
Over the next three decades, Johnny became a fixture of the Chicago music scene, touring the world with legends like Otis Rush and recording with the likes of Carey Bell, Lurrie Bell, and Lil’ Ed. His distinctive, highly rhythmic piano style and "abusive" overdriven organ tones have graced Grammy-nominated albums and led to collaborations with rock royalty, including Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Derek Trucks.
While deeply rooted in the blues, Johnny has consistently pushed boundaries with his own projects. He led the nationwide cult-favorite rock band oh my god and currently fronts the "garage cabaret" ensemble The Claudettes, who are set to release a new album in 2026. Today, Johnny is reaching a massive new audience as the co-composer (alongside longtime collaborator JQ) of the original score for the hit FX/Hulu series The Bear. Whether he is composing for the screen, touring internationally, or recording his next project, Johnny remains a "proud carrier of tradition" who has developed a singular, modern voice that sounds like no one else.
Learn more at JohnnyIguana.com and TheClaudettes.com.
