A Timeless Blend of Blues and Rock
A band that started as a side project and became a cornerstone of blues-rock history.
Hot Tuna is an American blues-rock band formed in 1969 by former Jefferson Airplane members Jorma Kaukonen (guitar, vocals) and Jack Casady (bass). Originally a side project to explore their love of traditional blues and folk music, Hot Tuna quickly gained a devoted following for their energetic live performances and masterful musicianship.
The band’s sound blends acoustic and electric blues, drawing inspiration from artists like Reverend Gary Davis while incorporating elements of rock and improvisation. Over the decades, Hot Tuna has released numerous albums, both studio and live, showcasing their evolving style and deep-rooted passion for American roots music.
Despite lineup changes, Kaukonen and Casady have remained at the core, keeping the band's legacy alive with frequent tours and performances.
Listen to The Best of Hot Tuna, free and uninterrupted use ☰ to select track
The core members of Hot Tuna have always been Jorma Kaukonen (guitar, vocals) and Jack Casady (bass), both originally from Jefferson Airplane. Over the years, various musicians have joined them, including:
Will Scarlett (harmonica) – played on early acoustic recordings
Papa John Creach (violin) – joined in the early 1970s, adding a unique sound
Bob Steeler (drums) – contributed to the band's harder rock phase in the mid-'70s
Michael Falzarano (guitar) – played with the band in the 1980s and '90s
Pete Sears (keyboards, bass) – a frequent collaborator
Justin Guip (drums) – a more recent member, supporting their live performances
The lineup has shifted over time, but Kaukonen and Casady have remained the heart of the band, keeping Hot Tuna's blend of blues, folk, and rock alive.
On November 20, 1976, Hot Tuna delivered an electrifying performance at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey, featuring a dynamic setlist that included tracks like Hit Single "Watch the North Wind Rise," and "Funky # 7"...
↪ Watch full Concert Uninterrupted
Hot Tuna's most recent studio album is Steady As She Goes, released in 2011. This album marked their return to the studio after two decades, featuring a blend of Americana rock, blues, and acoustic folk that reflects the band's diverse musical influences... Listen Uninterrupted