Popa Chubby: From the Streets to the Stage an Inspiring Rise to Fame!
Popa Chubby, the larger-than-life blues rocker known for his raw, soulful guitar licks and husky vocals, has one of the most inspiring underdog stories in modern blues. For over 30 years, Popa Chubby has gone from anonymously busking on the streets of New York to headlining festivals and venues across the globe.
The Call of the Blues
Like many great blues artists, Popa Chubby was drawn to the blues at a young age. Born Ted Horowitz in 1960 in the Bronx, New York, the blues spoke to his soul. “I knew this was the music for me the first time I heard Howlin’ Wolf,” Popa recalls. As a teenager in the 1970s, Popa began venturing into the city’s gritty punk scene while channeling blues guitar legends like Jimi Hendrix and Albert King.
By day, he was doing construction work for cash. By night, he was playing guitar licks on street corners and in punk clubs under the stage name “Popa Chubby” – a play on his burly frame and the stoner culture of the time. Popa was building his chops on the sidewalks and absorbing the raw energy of punk rock, which would infuse his future blues recordings.
The Big Break
Popa’s street-honed talent eventually paid off in 1994 when he landed a regular gig at a NYC club called Manny’s Car Wash. His fiery blues/rock shows started gaining buzz, with huge blues artists like Ronnie Earl raving about this unknown phenom.
The turning point came when Popa’s raw club performance was heard by an unlikely pair – comedy icon Richard Lewis and his producer buddy Tim Stack. They were so blown away that they got Popa into a professional studio to record his debut album, 1994’s “It’s Chubby Time.” That record announced the arrival of a major new blues talent.
Building an International Reputation
From those humble Bronx beginnings, Popa Chubby catapulted onto the global blues scene. His explosive live sets and string of acclaimed albums like “Hit the High Hard One” and “Big Man Big Guitar: Popa Chubby Live” earned him a reputation as an electrifying blues rock performer.
He landed features in Blues Revue, Guitar Player, and Rolling Stone. Soon he was touring worldwide, blowing the doors off venues from California to Germany with his Hendrix-inspired licks and punk rock energy. “I play 200 club dates a year,” he told Guitar World. “I’m writing, recording, and touring constantly.”
Despite his success, Popa stayed true to his roots, playing benefits on the street for 9/11 charities and the homeless. “New York City made me tough enough to deal with this business,” he said.
Still Evolving and Inspiring
Now over 35 years into his career, Popa Chubby continues releasing new music at a fiery pace. He has over 30 albums under his belt and drops new singles every few months.
His most recent studio albums, 2019’s “It’s a Mighty Hard Road” and 2020’s “I’m Feeling Lucky,” showcase Popa’s evolution as an artist, blending genres like funk, soul, and psychedelia into his trademark blues foundation. “Every record is a picture of where I was at that time,” he says.
When he isn’t laying down new tracks, you can find Popa Chubby still touring worldwide, easily holding his own on stage alongside legends like Buddy Guy who inspired him as a teen. In 2017, he realized a career dream when he was invited on the Live from Daryl’s House show to jam out blues classics with host Daryl Hall.
“I’m still reaching for my dreams,” says the 62-year-old guitarist. “There are always new songs to write, new sounds I want to play with. The blues keeps life exciting.”
After humble street beginnings, Popa Chubby stands today as living proof that unrelenting passion and singular talent can take you from playing on street corners to rocking the world’s biggest stages. His story inspires all artists to stay true to their vision. As this blues prophet promises: the best is yet to come.
Early Life and Discovery of the Blues
Popa Chubby was born Ted Horowitz in 1960 in the Bronx, New York. A self-described “rebellious and wild” teen, Popa found purpose in the honesty of the blues, particularly artists like Howlin’ Wolf and early blues rockers Cream. “The blues was calling and I had to follow,” Popa recalls.
Too young to sneak into blues clubs, Popa ventured into the punk scene, which fit his rebellious spirit. He started going by the nickname “Popa Chubby” and absorbed the raw energy of NYC punk, which he would later blend into his music.
By day, Popa worked odd jobs in construction and as a bike messenger. By night, he practiced his guitar skills on street corners and in subway stations across the city. Popa was driven to master the blues, inspired by legends like Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, B.B. King, and Duane Allman.
Gaining Recognition on the NYC Blues Circuit
By the late 80s, Popa’s street performing started gaining him invites to play backing guitar at blues jams around the city. His raw talent earned him a regular weekend gig at the infamous Manny’s Car Wash club.
It was there Popa’s explosive energy and “big man, big guitar” style electrified crowds and blew away seasoned musicians. In 1994, one legendary show was witnessed by comedian Richard Lewis and producer Tim Stack, who were so impressed they got Popa into a real studio to record.
The resulting album, It’s Chubby Time, announced Popa as a fiery new blues guitarist. “I was still wild back then,” laughs Popa. “I attacked my guitar like a punk rocker and just let loose.”
Over the next two years, Popa released two more acclaimed albums on his own independent label. Word of this unsigned phenom started spreading through the international blues community.
Breaking through Internationally
In 1997, Popa got the big record deal he’d been waiting for, signing with major label Sony/Red Ink and launching his career worldwide.
His 1998 major label debut, The Good, The Bad and The Chubby, earned rave reviews. “It’s Hendrix meets Van Halen meets Buddy Guy,” declared Guitar One magazine. Popa’s subsequent albums and fiery live shows earned him a global fan base.
From Australia to Brazil to Japan, Popa blew the doors off venues and played major festivals. He signed autographs for lines of fans after shows. “It validated how hard I’d worked,” Popa recalls. “The blues gave me everything – success, my audience, my life.”
Continuing to Evolve as an Artist
Twenty-five albums into his career, Popa Chubby continues releasing new music at a breakneck pace, about two albums per year. He pours all his passion into studio releases like 2019’s It’s a Mighty Hard Road.
Popa’s palette has expanded over the years, incorporating elements of funk, soul, psychedelia, and punk into his blues foundation. His lyrics offer social commentary on struggles like drug abuse, depression, and loss.
“I’m not just playing the same old licks,” he says. “I want my music to reflect who I am today.” But at his core, Popa says, “I’ll always just be this punk kid from the Bronx with a deep love for the blues.”
Live Performer, Mentor and Blues Ambassador
Popa Chubby still performs over 200 live shows a year across the globe. His following spans generations thanks to his raw, inclusive energy.
In addition to his own gigs, Popa loves collaborating on stage with young blues guitarists. “I want to pass on everything I’ve learned,” he says.
Popa has played at benefits for everything from Hurricane Sandy to homeless shelters, embodying the spirit of the blues. “I came from nothing,” Popa reflects. “Now it’s time to give back. That’s what the blues means to me.”
Discography: The Essential Popa Chubby Collection
Over the course of his prolific 35+ year career, Popa Chubby has released an impressive 30+ albums. For newcomers, these essential recordings capture the magic and evolution of this blues icon.
It’s Chubby Time (1994)
Popa’s raw debut announced a star in the making. Songs like “Somebody Let the Devil Out” showcase Popa’s dense, fat guitar tones and bluesy growl.
Hit the High Hard One (1996)
Popa’s second studio album marries blues tradition with modern attitude through Chubby’s punk energy. Highlights include “Hey Joe Redux” and the title track.
One Million Broken Guitars (2006)
This release captures Popa’s live intensity. His reinvention of “Come Together” channels ’60s rock through a blues lens.
How’d a White Boy Get the Blues? (2017)
Popa dives deep into personal loss and the origins of his musical journey. The title track covers his early discovery of blues as a “white boy from the Bronx.”
It’s a Mighty Hard Road (2019)
A critically acclaimed later album showing Popa’s artistry. Songs like “I Can’t Take It No More” blend authentic blues with Popa’s contemporary influences.
Tinfoil Hat (2020)
The album “Tinfoil Hat” includes political commentary and addresses current events. The explicit and direct messages make it feel more like a news report than a musical journey.
Emotional Gangster (2022)
The album showcases Popa Chubby’s love for the blues and his ability to create roots music that resonates with modern fans. It features his guitar slinging, songwriting, and energetic performances.
Live At G. Bluey’s Juke Joint NYC (To be released Sept 2023 )
Popa Chubby’s latest album was recorded at G. Bluey’s Juke Joint in Long Island City, New York, on October 24 and 25, 2022. It showcases Popa Chubby on guitar and vocals, with his renowned “Beast Band” that includes Mike Merritt on bass (known for playing with Conan O’Brien and Billy Gibbons), Mike Dimeo on keyboards (previously with Johnny Winter and Tommy James), and Stefano Giudici on drums.
What’s Next for Popa Chubby
Even after 35 prolific years, Popa Chubby shows no signs of slowing down. He continues writing and recording new music at a feverish pace.
Popa will be penning his Autobiography – Popa is currently writing his memoir, recounting his improbable journey from NYC streets to global blues fame. An inspiring read for music lovers.
As he passes milestones like 35 years in the business, Popa remains humble: “I’m just this kid from the Bronx still reaching for bigger dreams.” It’s safe to say the best from Popa Chubby is yet to come.
FAQ’s
Q: Who is Popa Chubby?
A: Popa Chubby, whose real name is Theodore Joseph “Ted” Horowitz, is an American blues singer, composer, and guitarist. He is known for his electric style and powerful performances.
Q: How did Popa Chubby get started playing music?
A: Popa Chubby started playing the drums at the age of 7 and later learned to play the guitar. His love for music began when he heard the music of Jimi Hendrix.
Q: Who were Popa Chubby’s musical influences?
A: Popa Chubby was heavily influenced by artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Muddy Waters, Led Zeppelin, Chuck Berry, and Richard Hell.
Q: What is Popa Chubby’s style of music?
A: Popa Chubby is primarily a bluesman, but his music incorporates elements of rock and roll, soul, and even punk. He has coined his own style as “the Stooges meets Buddy Guy”.
Q: Has Popa Chubby released a new album recently?
A: Yes, Popa Chubby has released multiple albums throughout his career, with his most recent album being “Prime Cuts: The Very Best of the Beast from the East”, released in 2020.
Q: Where has Popa Chubby performed?
A: Popa Chubby has performed at various venues around the world, including the Infinity Music Hall in Norfolk, Connecticut, and the famous CBGB’s in New York City.
Q: Is Popa Chubby a founding member of any bands?
A: While Popa Chubby has been a part of various musical projects, he is not considered a founding member of any specific band.
Q: Has Popa Chubby been involved in any collaborations?
A: Yes, Popa Chubby has collaborated with artists such as Screaming Mad George and others during his career.
Q: Has Popa Chubby ever been recognized for his musical talents?
A: While Popa Chubby may not be a household name, he has gained recognition within the blues and rock communities. He was even invited to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Q: What is one interesting fact about Popa Chubby?
A: One interesting fact about Popa Chubby is that he has a reputation for being a tough and fearless performer. In fact, there have been stories of him packing a gun and not hesitating to use it if necessary.
