The Dukes of Destiny + The Two Johns: Johnny Never and John Colgan-Davis

In 1985, six young, local musicians got together and began playing old blues songs in a rambling three-story house in Philadelphia. They decided to take the act on the road as The Dukes of Destiny, a name they got from a matchbook cover urging the reader to “Be the Captain of Your Own Destiny.” At first, The Dukes of Destiny played house parties in Germantown, generating interest by word of mouth. A gig at the now-defunct Taker’s Café in Germantown launched their public career, and 37 years later they are still playing some of the hottest, most danceable blues and old school soul in the Philadelphia area. Today The Dukes of Destiny reign as Philadelphia’s longest-lived and best loved blues act. There have been changes in the act: guitarists left and came back, bass and sax players moved and or left the band, and sadly, singer and founder Steve Brown died in March of 2000. But through all of the change the approach and commitment of the band has remained constant, resulting in a band with a unique tightness and an original approach to the music.  With a mix of powerful original songs, outstanding instrumental and vocal work, and unique arrangements of blues standards, The Dukes of Destiny continue to grow and develop as they share their music through countless performances at clubs, festivals, and on recordings. They are truly Philly’s,” longest lived and best loved blues act.”

The "Two Johns" sometimes referred to simply as "The Johns" brings together two MidAtlantic regional blues artists, Johnny Never and John Colgan-Davis. The latest album, Blue Delta, has gotten rave reviews and radio play all around the world. Johnny Never is a highly regarded finger-style blues guitarist who has studied and performed Delta and Piedmont style blues for decades. It has been said that during performances Johnny Never channels the deep rooted spirit and soul of the original Delta and Piedmont blues greats. His music is inspired by the old-time blues masters such as Blind Boy Fuller, Robert Johnson, and Charlie Patton, but he is no mere musical mimic. His robust interpretation of vintage blues standards is as original as it is honest to the spirit of the music. His own compositions possess the qualities of the genuine article, delivered through deft finger-style guitar work and heartfelt vocals. He performs both solo and with accompaniment in blues and folk festivals, bars and music halls, from Memphis to Canada. Johnny and Harmonica Player, John Colgan-Davis will be representing the Central Delaware Blues Society in the 2024 International Blues Challenge (IBC). Johnny was a quarter finalist in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2014. John Colgan-Davis started playing the harmonica in local blues and folk clubs back in the late 1960s while he was still a high school student. He played and recorded with Philadelphia singer-guitarist Jesse Graves and played and recorded with Bonnie Raitt when she lived in Philadelphia in the early 1970s. Through Bonnie, John got to meet and play with Mississippi Fred McDowell, Arthur Crudup, Buddy Guy, Skip James, Mississippi John Hurt, and others. He has toured the Midwest and recorded two CDs, Cold and Lonesome on a TrainandHeroes and Hard Times, with Tennessee bluesman Sparky Rucker. He performed and toured for three years with The John Cadillac Band. He is a founding member of The Dukes of Destiny.