Joe Taino is a legendary guitarist who has played with some of the biggest names in blues, jazz, rockabilly, country, and rock and roll music. He is a Blues Hall of Famer and one of the finest guitarists in the New York — New Jersey metro area. His career spans nearly 50 years, and he is known for his virtuoso guitar playing and improvisational skills. He plays many styles, from classic blues to psychedelic rock, and he has a loyal fan base that follows him everywhere he goes. He also does guitar repair and has worked as a guitar tech for high-end guitar dealers and stores.

Joe was born in Santurce, a neighborhood in San Juan, Puerto Rico. His exposure to American music came from his uncle, who exclusively tuned in to the radio during the late 50s and early 60s. At that time, Joe’s uncle was in the Navy, stationed in Puerto Rico. Joe’s Saturdays were often spent at a naval base swimming pool, where he soaked in the sounds of rock and roll. A pivotal moment occurred when, at the age of nine, Joe watched the Beatles’ movie “A Hard Day’s Night,” igniting his passion for the electric guitar.

By the age of eleven, Joe had joined his first band, entertaining crowds at house and school parties. A significant musical influence came at twelve when he acquired the blues/rock record “Fresh Cream,” featuring Eric Clapton. This marked the beginning of Joe’s fascination with the blues. In 1972, while still in high school, Joe began nightly performances at the Hippopotamus Club in San Juan. The band covered songs from iconic rock bands like the Allman Brothers, Santana, and Fleetwood Mac, as well as blues tunes by B.B. King, Albert King, and Johnny Winter.

In 1976, Joe relocated to New York City, joining a 10-piece R&B group and touring across the USA. A subsequent move to Chicago exposed him to authentic blues, further shaping his musical taste. Joe returned to Puerto Rico in 1980, playing in concerts alongside renowned artists like Peter Frampton, Rick Derringer, and Judas Priest.

His musical journey continued in Florida from 1980, where he immersed himself in blues and R&B, sharing stages with Johnny Winter, Jaco Pastorius, and other luminaries. Joe’s move to New York City in 1989 and later to New Jersey marked a return to the blues circuit. Over the years, he toured extensively, recorded seven CDs, and collaborated with artists like Popa Chubby.

Joe’s accolades include inductions into the NY Blues Hall of Fame (2013), NJ Blues Hall of Fame (2013), and the Puerto Rico Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2015). Despite the honors, Joe remains humble, acknowledging the dues he’s paid. His guitar style, blending blues, country, rockabilly, R&B, jazz rhythms, and Latin influences, continues to captivate audiences. Joe, a legendary guitarist, shares his experiences and influences through his autobiography, a work in progress that promises more chapters in his remarkable musical journey.

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