THE ESCARPMENT BLUES SOCIETY HALL OF FAME
2025 Inductee - Harrison Kennedy
A Lifelong Passion for the Blues
Harrison Kennedy’s journey through music spans decades and genres, marked by an unwavering dedication to the blues. Born and raised in Hamilton, Kennedy began his career in the late 1960s and rose to international prominence as a member of the Detroit-based group Chairmen of the Board, whose blend of soul, funk, and R&B helped define an era.
Returning to his hometown roots, Kennedy went on to forge a successful solo career, becoming one of Canada’s most respected blues musicians. His work has earned multiple nominations and awards, including JUNO Awards, Maple Blues Awards, and recognition from the Blues Music Awards (U.S.).
Known for his powerful storytelling and emotional delivery, Kennedy’s music blends traditional blues with contemporary influences, reflecting his deep connection to both his community and his craft. His performances continue to draw audiences who appreciate his authenticity and passion for the genre.
What a night ! November 25, 2025 Harrison Kennedy was inducted into the Escarpment Blues Society Hall of Fame with star studded performances and some surprises!
2024 - The first inductees - THE LEGENDARY DOWNCHILD BLUES BAND!!
The Escarpment Blues Society is honoured to induct the Legendary Downchild Blues Band as our first ever member of our Blues Hall Of Fame.
In 2024 The Legendary Downchild Blues Band conducted their Farewell Tour. After 55 years of hitting the road, the band decided it was time to stop live performances, and they treated fans with a nostalgic Farewell Tour.
Downchild, originally The Downchild Blues Band, was founded in 1979 by Donnie “Mr. Downchild” Walsh and his brother Richard “Hock” Walsh. Donnie provided guitar and harmonica while Hock was Downchild’s vocalist.
And where did the name come from? Chuck Jackson provides the answer. “It’s based on the Sonny Boy Williamson tune. Basically, a Downchild was a slave person that was born, and then behind the 8 ball, and had to ordeal slavery and civil rights.”
Over the years more than 120 musicians have been associated with Downchild since its start in1969, and more than 40 members came and went in the band. Keyboardist Jane Vasey joined the band in 1973, and the band was rocked when she died in 1982. Donnie took a respite from the band and Downchild established the Jane Vasey Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Hock Walsh left the band numerous times but ultimately, he was fired by Donnie in 1990, and Chuck Jackson took over as lead vocalist. Downchild has the distinction of being the model for the Blues Brothers movie and the Blues Brothers recorded several Downchild songs.
The final roster of the band for their 55th Farewell Anniversary tour was Donnie “Mr Downchild” Walsh on guitar and harmonica, Chuck Jackson on vocals and harmonica, Gary Kendall on bass, Jim Casson on drums, Tylera Yarema on keyboards, and Pat Carey and Peter Jeffrey highlighted the horn section. Most of the tunes in recent years have been written by Donnie Walsh or Chuck Jackson and the band became known simply as Downchild.
The band garnered a boatload of awards over the years.
1981 JUNO Award, Best Album Graphics (We Deliver)
1992 Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Great Canadian Blues Award
2005 Maple Blues Award, Recording of the Year (Come On In)
2005 Maple Blues Award, Electric Act of The Year
2005 Maple Blues Award, Entertainers of The Year
2006 Maple Blues Award, Entertainers of The Year
2014 JUNO Award, Blues Album of the Year (Can You Hear the Music)
2018 JUNO Nomination, Blues Album of the Year (Something I've Done)
The Erin McCallum Blues Legend and Legacy Distinction was awarded to Chuck Jackson
The Farewell Tour took the band on a nostalgic tour to venues they have frequented in the past. The second last stop took place in Hamilton at The Studio Theatre where an enthusiastic crowd welcome the band hailed as the best in Canada.
Hamilton was the perfect venue to wind down the tour. Downchild rolled out a rousing set of fan-favourite songs from the band’s repertoire and Donnie and Chuck just killed it. The audience virtually swooned when they played Flip Flop ‘N Fly.
The newly formed, Escarpment Blues Society presented Donnie with a trophy as the society installed Downchild as the first-ever inductee into the Escarpment Blues Soiety Hall of Fame. Ken Wallis, President, handed out the trophy to Donnie and the audience gave the band an enthusiastic five-minute standing ovation.
The best way to sum up the 55-year run of Downchild is provided by some of the band members.
Chuck Jackson: “Downchild personally has been a big part of my life since 1970. That would be the first time I saw the band playing and they became my favorite band. They were a band that I would go out to see whenever possible and I was thrilled to join the band . Receiving our induction to the Escarpment Blues Society Hall of Fame was one of the special moments of our final Tour. Our support from all our devoted Fans and Blues Lovers has been the highlight of my career with Downchild and I’m truly grateful to Mr. Downchild and the fantastic musicians I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with!”
Gary Kendall: “The Downchild Blues Band has been a very important part of my career for 33 years. I feel fortunate to have played on 11 albums, included on 3 compilations and toured a good piece of the world with the group. I owe Donnie "Mr. Downchild" Walsh a big thank you for letting me be part of his great band and his legacy in Canadian blues. Most musicians can’t say that they were in their favorite band. I’m able to do that. Receiving the Hall of Fame Award from The Escarpment Blues Society near the end of Downchild’s Farewell Tour was the perfect way to wrap up 55 years. That honour is appreciated by myself and my brothers in the band very much.”
Peter Jeffrey: “Best damn band I ever played in! Great songs and inspiring musicians.”
It may be the end of the touring, but we’re fortunate to have an extensive library of Downchild albums that we can listen to in the years to come.