JOHN BRADY - BMHOF CLASS OF 2003

John G. Brady was a widely renowned Western New York performer, songwriter, producer, band leader, sideman, and music educator. John was a multiple Buffalo Music Award winner and received the WNY Blues Society's "Muddy Award" for Class Act of the Year. As a music educator, he communicated the joy of music to dozens of students through private instructions. 

Brady graduated from Cardinal O’Hara High School and gained a degree in English and Fine Arts from SUNY Buffalo State. He went on to play gigs all over Western New York, the US and Canada over his 40-year career. His CDs, including Human Hands, Phases and Snake In the Valley, received rave reviews from listeners and musicians alike. Numerous other recordings include Dillon and Brady produced by Gary Mallaber, standout performances on DMH's Hot Guitars, and songs placed on CDs by Billy McEwen, Yvonne Schmidt, and others. His song “Hooked On You'” was covered by blues legend Albert Collins​ on his album Cold Snap, which was nominated for a Grammy Award. 

Brady’s performance projects included solo shows, duo performances (including with BMHOF Inducted Member Maria Sebastian), and a prominent role in the Black Cat Blues Band. He joined the band Jelly Jar in 2007, playing straight-ahead blues, popular rock, soul and R&B at a variety of nightclubs and festivals. 

John played at the WNY Blues Society’s AMJAM for many years and was known as a pleasure to work with, sharing the stage with many other performers. He was called instrumental in bringing back the AMJAM after the COVID pandemic ended. 

His music-teaching efforts benefited dozens of students, generally working with 15 to 25 private students at a time. He was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame in 2003 as a Musician/ Composer. 

John Brady passed away in December 2024 after a battle with prostate cancer.