Biography

Joel Zoss has enjoyed a worldwide reputation as a songwriter and guitarist since Bonnie Raitt recorded his “Too Long at the Fair” and “I Gave My Love a Candle.” Featuring his own million-selling compositions and folk and blues classics by American masters such as Elizabeth Cotten, Lead Belly, and Big Bill Broonzy, Zoss’s unique fingerpicking style and moving vocals have entertained audiences from blues clubs and concert halls to the Philadelphia Folk Festival. From 2007-2009 he opened shows for B.B. King and Etta James in theaters across the country. He has performed and recorded with many highly regarded artists including  David Bromberg, Taj Mahal, James Taylor, Paul Butterfield, and Howlin’ Wolf. 

Joel cut his teeth in the 1960’s in Chicago with some of the world’s greatest bluesmen and began his recording career with Arista in the 1970’s. Reflecting his years living in North Africa and Spain, some of his songs are as at home in the World Music category as they are in American Roots. Joel performs solo; as a duo with upright bass; and as an acoustic blues trio with upright bass and drums.

Joel’s album Florida Blues, released on August 1, 2015, was the RMR Chart's Top Acoustic Blues Album for the Year 2015. It was recorded and mixed by Grammy-Award-winning engineer Ron Taylor at Echo Beach Studios in Jupiter, Florida.

Joel’s LILA album was produced by legendary guitarist and founder of the group Fanny, June Millington. Multi-platinum UK diva Katie Melua released her version of Joel’s much-covered “Too long at the Fair” in 2012. Bonnie Raitt’s original version appears in the documentary film Troubadour, released in 2011.