Hammer into Hall of Fame

John Hammer, of Owatonna, has been voted into the Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame. He goes in as a Supporter of the Blues. 

The Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame announced their Hall of Fame class over the weekend.

John "Blues Hammer" Hammer (Writer/Photographer/Publisher/Broadcaster)

Mr. John Hammer has been supporting Minnesota and regional blues since 1993 when he began publishing the "Hammered by the Blues" newsletter on-line. This experience led to his work as a staff writer-photographer (over 45,000 blues photos in his catalog) and distributor of the Blues Bugle from 2001 to 2004. Beginning in June of 2004, John began publishing Blue Monday Monthly which is produced both on-line (since 2007) and in print. John serves as writer/photographer/editor and distributor of Blue Monday Monthly.

Since 2007 John has served as the entertainment director, fundraiser and emcee for the Smokin' in Steele Blues Festival held annually in Owatonna, MN. John has booked 100s of Blues acts for this three-day festival. From 2005 to present John has contributed both written features and photography to the national produced, Blues Festival Guide.

Because of John's obvious love of the Blues and larger-than-life personality, he has emceed several blues festivals including the Bayfront Blues Festival (2006 to present), Paramount Blues Festival, Great Northern Blues Society - Blue Cafe series and the former Morton Casino Blues shows.

In addition, John has done graphic design work for Blues artists such as Scottie Miller and Dave Lambert in addition to design work for Spike Productions.

Given John Hammer’s long and varied history of successful efforts to support blues music, artists and events, John Hammer is a prime candidate for the Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame in the "Supportive of the Blues (Non-Performer)" category.

Other inductees include

• Jimi "Primetime" Smith, performer
• Jeremy Johnson, sideman
• Marc Norberg, Black and White Blues (book)
• Joe Juliano, A Hot Cup of Rhythm & Blues, recording
• Curt Obeda, "Crying To Do," song