About
Danny Black is a native Chicagoan who created a unique honkytonk sound as rough and tumble as the South Side neighborhood of his childhood. Influenced by Hank Williams, Louis Armstrong, The Mills Brothers, and Tom Waits, Black co-founded The Blacks, one of the most beloved bands on the alternative country movement. Months after forming, the band signed to Bloodshot Records where he recorded two albums, an EP, and several singles that garnered national attention and put him on the road throughout the US for many years. Danny has shared stages and played with artists such as Andrew Bird, Heartless Bastards, Jason Molina (Magnolia Electric Co), Wilco, Flat Duo Jets, and Rev. Horton Heat.
Danny also co-founded the roots-rock trio Health White Baby with Laurie Stirratt of Blue Mountain and drummer Ryan Juravic, releasing one acclaimed album.
After taking a break from music to raise his son, Danny is busy recording new songs with a new Chicago-based band.
“Like X’s John Doe, [Danny Black’s] voice was plaintive with a hint of grit, dramatic but never maudlin, focused on telling the tale rather than showing off … The quartet created a sound and put on a show like nobody else, a cocktail of hillbilly punk, garage rock, red-light-district blues and cabaret, a dash of glam swagger and sensuality, and killer harmonies.”
— Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune
“Blending influences as disparate as their costumes–roots music and hard rock, country and cabaret–with alchemical grace”
— Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader
“The Blacks … one of the finest rock & roll bands you’ll hear this year”
—Riverfront Times
“This band believes in showmanship. They dress for it, and they deliver.”
—No Depression
“Legendary … a show with Danny is like a history of American folk music with each song.”
— Glorious Noise