John "Juke" Logan (September 11, 1946 – August 30, 2013) was an American electric blues harmonica player, musician, singer, pianist and songwriter. He is best known for his harmonica playing on the theme music for television programs (Home Improvement and Roseanne) and films (Crossroads and La Bamba). In addition to playing on many other musicians' work, Logan released four solo albums, and wrote songs for Poco, John Mayall and Gary Primich.[1]
Biography
John Farrell Logan was born in Los Angeles, California, United States.[1] He gained his nickname, following his constant playing of Little Walter's track, "Juke".[2] He originally learned to play the piano, and instigated his own groups the Juke Rhythm Band, and later the Angel City Rhythm Band.[3] During his time playing in Southern California, he played with several musicians who went on to work with John Mayall, such as guitarists Rick Vito, Randy Resnick, and Greg LeRoy (Crazy Horse), plus drummer Joe Yuele.
His early career saw Logan work as a backing musician for Dobie Gray, Leon Russell and by the latter half of the 1980s, Dave Alvin. In addition, Logan's songwriting credits include John Mayall's "Fanning the Flames", Poco's "Starin' At The Sky" (co-penned with Timothy B. Schmit), plus Gary Primich's "The Sound of Money Talkin'" and "Hustler". In 1984, he worked with Ry Cooder on the soundtrack for the film, Crossroads.[1] His own debut album, The Chill, was released in 1995, and after moving to his own Mocombo Records,[3][4] followed this with Juke Rhythm (1999), the live album, Live as It Gets (1999), and his final offering, The Truth Will Rock You (2005).[1] Until 2000, Logan co-hosted a Los Angeles-based weekly radio program, 'The Friday Night Blues Revue', with Ellen Bloom.[2] He met fellow radio DJ and musician Stephanie Riggio,[5] and they remained friends for decades.
In 2009, Logan was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and underwent successful surgery.[8]
In 2010, in conjunction with Rick Holmstrom and Stephen Hodges, Logan appeared on the album, Twist-O-Lettz.
[9] In September 2011, Logan made a club appearance in Tucson, Arizona.[8]
In 2011, Logan's cancer returned. In 2013, a benefit show was presented at Cafe Fais Do Do in Los Angeles, featuring Dave Alvin, The Delgado Brothers, and Rick Holmstrom among others.
In 2013, Logan died from cancer at the home he co-owned with Stephanie Riggio in Joshua Tree, California. He was 66.[10]
