There are plenty of rags to riches stories in the blues but few, if any, compare to the interesting career of singer/songwriter/harmonicist Chris O’Leary. His is a much different story than the rags to riches type. He fought in the Middle East as a Marine during the Gulf War. He guarded nuclear weapons as a Federal police officer, and yet his love for the blues landed him as the frontman for Levon Helm and the Barn Burners, including stints in New Orleans. The characteristics of discipline, confidence, aggression, poise, and passion are all part of his makeup. Discerning listeners will find these in his songs.
His self-produced Blue Collar is O’Leary’s seventh release and second for Alligator Records, following 2024’s The Hard Line. This high…