Downchild Blues Band

The Downchild Blues Band
Bassist Gary Kendall holds down the bottom end in the band.
Background information
Origin	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Genres	Blues
Years active	1969 - Present
Associated acts	Blues Brothers Whiskey Howl McKenna Mendelson Mainline Electric Flag Rhinoceros Lou Reed Canned Heat Cameo Blues Band Tony Flaim and The Dukes Kendall Wall Blues Band Big Daddy G Revue Fathead Powder Blues Band The Blasters BB Odom and the Gold Tops The Fabulous Thunderbirds Chuck Jackson and The Allstars Gary Kendall Band
Website	www.downchild.com
Members	Donnie Walsh Chuck Jackson Michael Fonfara Pat Carey Gary Kendall Mike Fitzpatrick
Past members	Robert "Bob" Fitzgerald Richard "Hock" Walsh Dave Woodward Cash Wall John Tanti Jim Milne Malccolm Mccaig Jane Vasey Michael O'Connell Wayne Wilson Tony Flaim John Witmer Billy Bryans Kenny Neal Wayne Jackson Phil Alperson Frank Russell Tony Rodolone Paul Nixon Nat Abraham James Warburton Vic Wilson Gene Taylor Bob Heslin Mike Skinner Pete Macnamara Jim Casson Pat Rush Dennis Pinhorn Marty Vickers Doran Katz Mike McKenna Craig Kaleal Bill Brennan

The Downchild Blues Band is a Canadian blues band, described by one reviewer as "the premier blues band in Canada". The band is still commonly known as the Downchild Blues Band, though the actual band name was shortened to "Downchild" in the early 1980s. The Blues Brothers band was heavily influenced by Downchild Blues Band.

"(Donnie) Walsh has been called the 'father of Canadian blues' and with good reason. He is a blues pioneer on the Canadian scene. It was Walsh who paid the highest dues so that later Canadian blues acts, such as the Jeff Healey Band, the Colin James Band, the Powder Blues, Sue Foley, The Sidemen and The Highliners could also enjoy their success. The Canadian blues scene, which has blossomed nicely in the last few years, was relatively barren in the late 1960s when The Downchild Blues Band first started out.'"

Don't ever forget where the blues came from, or why.

Never forget why you play the blues; if it was to make big money, you probably won't.

The Downchild Blues Band was formed in Toronto in 1969 and continues to perform today. It was co-founded by two brothers, Donnie ("Mr. Downchild") Walsh and Richard ("Hock") Walsh. The band's international fame is partially due to three of its songs, the originals "I've Got Everything I Need (Almost)" and "Shot Gun Blues", and its adaptation of "Flip, Flop and Fly", all from its 1973 album, Straight Up, being featured on the first Blues Brothers album, Briefcase Full of Blues (1978). "Flip, Flop and Fly" has been Downchild's only hit single, and became the signature song of Hock Walsh. The band's musical style is described as being "a spirited, if fundamental, brand of jump-band and Chicago-style blues".

The band name came from the Sonny Boy Williamson II song, "Mr. Downchild". The initial band membership was Donnie ("Mr. Downchild") Walsh, who remains the sole constant band member, with younger brother Rick "Hock" Walsh on vocals, accompanied by Dave Woodward, Cash Wall, John Tanti and Jim Milne. They were the house band at the fabled Grossman's Tavern from 1968 to 1970, managed briefly by former folk musician, Ron Gerston. Classically trained pianist Jane Vasey joined the band in 1973.