“As far as the blues shaping rock and roll, the blues had an impact on all music, and I by no means claim to be a historian, but also I personally think all music influences all music in some way and it’s forever evolving.”

Jonathon “Boogie” Long: Louisiana Axe

Jonathon “Boogie” Long is the ultimate example of pure talent and musicianship. With powerful lyrics, breathtaking guitar riffs, and a dynamic vocal range beyond his years, Jonathon 'Boogie' Long has turned his live performances into fan favorites at festivals and venues worldwide. He was the 2011 Guitar Center “King of the Blues” winner for best unsigned blues guitarist in America, is a Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inductee, and was also honored with his own day in the city of Baton Rouge, LA. He has shared the stage with B.B. King, Joe Bonamassa, Gov’t Mule, Gregg Allman, ZZ Top, Robert Cray, Dr. John, The Meters, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and many more. His 4-album discography, 2 of which landed him on the Billboard Top 10 Blues albums, spans a wide range of musical flavors and proves that Boogie’s songwriting and musicianship effortlessly bridge genres—offering something for every kind of listener.

(Photo: Jonathon “Boogie” Long)

From the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, to the Troubadour in LA, to Romania, Kosovo, Germany and more, Boogie Long has brought his magic mix of Bluesin’ rock-n-roll & creole soul to the masses and with each new performance, he continues to redefine what it means to be a bluesman in the modern era. Louisiana Music Hall of Famer Jonathon "Boogie" Long will be a headliner of the 10th New Orleans Cigar Box Guitar Festival to the historic New Orleans Jazz Museum, January 15-17, 2026.

Interview by Michael Limnios       Archive: Jonathon “Boogie” Long, 2021 Interview

Special Thanks: Doug Deutsch

What has been the hardest obstacle for you to overcome as a person and as artist and has this helped you become a better musician?

One of the hardest obstacles has been just staying busy enough to keep from going insane. When I’m at home and not playing for long periods of time it drives me crazy. I want to be out there entertaining and playing music for people.

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

Winning Guitar Center’s King of the Blues for best unsigned blues guitarist in America helped a little but the biggest help was John Blancher from the Rock-N-Bowl in New Orleans introducing me to Quint Davis, owner of Jazz Fest who really helped me get my first real opportunity to play good festivals around the World as well as a tour with B.B. King for 15 shows which was also a highlight of my life. 

You’re a headliner of New Orleans Cigar Box Guitar Festival. How did your relationship with Cigar Box Guitars come about? You’ve worked in many different settings, from clubs and bars to festivals. How do you navigate between these different worlds?

I believe this is my 5th or 6th year doing the Cigar Box Guitar Festival, the days and years blend together sometimes so it’s hard to keep track. (CBGF promoter) Collins Kirby is a great friend and supporter of the music community and if I’m being honest, which I always aim to do, I truly don’t recall the exact first time that we met but I can assure you all that I am grateful that we did and he has been in my corner and a true supporter from day one. As far as navigating each World, all venues have their own feel/vibe; Clubs tend to be more intimate, theaters tend to have very attentive audiences and festivals are always my favorite because the energy is usually high and everyone is rocking. 

“Most of us don’t do this for the money or some kind of “fame”, because most of us never experience anything close to that, if we pay our bills and survive another year, that’s a win. We do this because we genuinely love it and love connecting with people. We do this because if we stopped, it would be like dying. Some are weekend warriors, some of us are lifers, and I’m a lifer.” (Photo:  Jonathon “Boogie” Long has brought his magic mix of Bluesin’ rock-n-roll & creole soul)

What's the balance in music between technique and soul? How did the blues shape rock and roll?

Well it always helps to learn the basics and intermediates as far as theory, scales, chords, etc, but then it all comes down to influences and personal experiences. I wouldn’t be the musician I am today had it not been for my heroes and those who allowed me to play with them as a young man and supported me coming up. As far as the blues shaping rock and roll, the blues had an impact on all music, and I by no means claim to be a historian, but also I personally think all music influences all music in some way and it’s forever evolving.

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I am always writing new things and trying to expand my sound. The blues is the root of my soul but I branch out in many directions and always try to write a little something for everyone. I have a new album coming out towards the beginning of the year and I am doing a lot more on social media these days to try and reach a different audience outside of the blues community that already knows me so well. 

What keeps a musician passionate over the years rock, blues, Southern Roots music? How does your hometown that affect your music?

Most of us don’t do this for the money or some kind of “fame”, because most of us never experience anything close to that, if we pay our bills and survive another year, that’s a win. We do this because we genuinely love it and love connecting with people. We do this because if we stopped, it would be like dying. Some are weekend warriors, some of us are lifers, and I’m a lifer.

Jonathon “Boogie” Long - Home

(Photo: Jonathon “Boogie” Long)