John Kattke – A Bright Light Who Touched Many Lives

Chicago bluesman John Kattke boasts over three decades of experience in the music industry, having performed with Buddy Guy, Otis Rush and Junior Wells.

He has been a resident musician at Buddy Guy’s Legends for three decades and has toured extensively. Additionally, he directed horn arrangements and played keyboards on several albums.

Early Life and Education

Kattke is one of Chicago’s more esteemed musical masters. He’s been a staple at Buddy Guy’s Legends for over three decades, playing alongside stars such as Eric Clapton, Otis Rush, Matt Murphy and Junior Wells. Onstage or in the studio, you can find Kattke directing studio horn arrangements or showing off his skills as guitarist and keyboard player.

He is one of the most renowned names in blues music, with recent success at the International Association of Musicians (IAM) competition. Additionally, he was inducted into Chicago Music Hall of Fame and serves on its Board of Curators.

Professional Career

John Kattke is a renowned folk and blues guitarist whose music has been featured in multiple movies and television shows around the world.

He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and has earned two Grammy nominations as well as a Doctorate in Music Performance. Additionally, he was inducted into the Guitar Player Hall of Fame and has performed alongside flamenco and jazz guitar virtuosos Paco de Lucia and Al di Meola.

His professional career has taken him across America and Europe, where he performed extensively as both a sideman and solo artist. His latest release No Border Blues Japan is an American compilation of underground Japanese blues music; additionally, he performed in both the Philippines and Bahamas alongside Phish bassist Mike Gordon.

Achievements and Honors

John was an inspiring leader, inspirational mentor and brilliant teammate. He was known as a beacon of hope that illuminated many lives around the globe.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Washington and has also worked as a process engineer for Intel.

After graduating, he joined Big Brothers/Big Sisters and spent his time mentoring an 8-year-old boy whose father had died of AIDS. Their friendship endured for more than fifteen years.

He took great pleasure in being the best dad he could be for his wife Val. He was always supportive of her ministry, and took great pleasure in raising their daughters. An avid sports fan, Val enjoyed outdoor activities and hosting epic crawfish boils were some of his favorite past times.

Personal Life

Jon began his Financial Services career in 2008 with the mission to cultivate long-lasting relationships through sound advice and an unwavering sense of business ethics. Utilizing technology for enhanced customer experience and efficiency, Jon guides clients through the complex financial landscape while protecting their wealth.

He specializes in wealth accumulation and protection, retirement planning, estate planning and education financing. He believes in the power of knowledge and is always on the lookout for industry trends. Among his most valuable assets are an extensive network of industry professionals as well as the capacity to quickly construct and execute a winning plan. For him personally, nothing beats helping clients make the most of their hard-earned funds by applying effective strategies at precisely the right time.