The Origin Story of Blues Traveler: How John Popper and Brendan Hill Started the Band in 1987

Blues Traveler burst onto the scene in the late '80s and became one of the defining jam-rock bands of the '90s, thanks to massive hits like "Run-Around" (Grammy winner) and "Hook." But their roots trace back to a humble high school garage in Princeton, New Jersey, where teenage friends turned passion into a lifelong career. The Origin Story of Blues Traveler!

The Origin Story of Blues Traveler

In this deep dive, we explore how John Popper (the harmonica virtuoso and frontman) and Brendan Hill (drummer and co-founder) kickstarted Blues Traveler in 1987, evolving from a casual jam session to a touring powerhouse still rocking stages in 2026.

The Early Days: Princeton High School Roots in the Mid-1980s

The story begins in the mid-1980s in Princeton, New Jersey, a college town with a vibrant underground music scene. John Popper and Brendan Hill—both students at Princeton High School—bonded over a shared love of blues, rock, and improvisation.

• Popper, already a standout harmonica player with a powerful voice, had been experimenting with guitar and vocals.

• Hill, a talented drummer, provided the rhythmic foundation.

• They initially called their duo The Establishment (a tongue-in-cheek nod to anti-establishment vibes) or simply Blues Band, jamming in basements and garages.

  
  

By 1987, the pair expanded into a full band. They recruited high school friends: guitarist Chan Kinchla and bassist Bobby Sheehan (who tragically passed away in 1999). The four gathered in Hill's parents' basement or spare rooms at Princeton High School to play covers and originals, blending blues-rock with jam elements inspired by acts like the Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers.

This wasn't a polished project at first—it was raw teenage energy. As Popper later recalled in interviews, they just wanted to "play some music" and have fun. Little did they know it would lead to decades of success.

Official Formation in 1987: Becoming Blues Traveler

The band officially formed in 1987 under the name Blues Traveler. The name came from a creative twist: "Blues" for their roots in the genre, and "Traveler" evoking endless journeys on the road—a fitting prophecy for their touring lifestyle.

• Early rehearsals focused on extended improvisations, harmonica-driven grooves, and Popper's charismatic stage presence.

• They gigged locally in New Jersey clubs, building a grassroots following among college students and jam fans.

• Influences ranged from classic blues (Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf) to rock (Led Zeppelin, The Band) and emerging jam scenes.

  
  

The lineup solidified quickly: Popper on vocals/harmonica/guitar, Hill on drums, Kinchla on guitar, and Sheehan on bass. This core group defined their sound for years.

From Garage Jams to Breakthrough Success - The Origin Story of Blues Traveler

After high school, the band relocated to New York City in the late '80s/early '90s, hustling club dates and honing their live show. Their marathon jams and Popper's harmonica fireworks made them stand out in the emerging jam-band circuit.

• 1990: Debut album Blues Traveler released independently.

• 1994: Breakthrough with Four (including "Run-Around" and "Hook")—multi-platinum success and constant MTV rotation.

• They founded the H.O.R.D.E. Festival (Horizons of Rock Developing Everywhere) in 1992, touring with Phish, Blues Traveler, and others to build the jam scene.

  
  

Tragedy struck in 1999 with Bobby Sheehan's death, but the band persevered, adding Tad Kinchla (Chan's brother) on bass and later Ben Wilson on keys.

Blues Traveler in 2026: Still Touring Strong

Fast-forward to today: Blues Traveler remains a live juggernaut, known for epic improvisational sets and timeless hits. In 2026, they're hitting the road again on a massive summer tour with Gin Blossoms and Spin Doctors—a '90s rock revival dream lineup.

• The tour kicks off in July 2026, with dates across the U.S. (including East Coast stops near their NJ roots).

• Expect classics like "Run-Around," "Hook," "But Anyway," plus deep jams that showcase why they started in that Princeton basement.

Why Their Origin Story Still Resonates

Blues Traveler's beginning is the ultimate underdog tale: four high school friends jamming for fun, turning it into a career spanning 35+ years, Grammy wins, and millions of fans. It proves passion and persistence pay off—especially when fueled by killer harmonica and unbreakable chemistry.

Ready to catch the magic live? Capital City Tickets has the best seats for Blues Traveler's 2026 tour dates, including the Gin Blossoms/Spin Doctors package shows. Secure your tickets today and relive the journey that started in a Princeton garage!

Which Blues Traveler era or song is your favorite? Share in the comments below, and check back for more artist origin stories and tour updates on CapitalCityTickets.com.

Last updated: January 2026. Sources include band bios, Wikipedia, American Songwriter, and official announcements.