Bio
Josh Horton is a guitarist, singer, studio musician, guitarist for hire, guitar teacher and songwriter. He brings musical diversity, professionalism, passion, and experience to every show.
At the age of eleven, Josh began his music career on the Treasure Coast playing with a teenage 50's and 60's show band called the Fabulous Showstoppers. They played fairs and venues throughout Florida including a summer weekly slot at Little Darlin's in Old Town, Fl. There they met, learned from, and opened up for many 50‘s and 60‘s Rock and Roll legends. They even recorded their first “tape”, engineered by Mike Franklin of the Rockin’ Robin band (Little Darlin’s house band and world class back-up band). Though only teenagers, the Showstoppers. quickly learned what it takes to be a professional group. Eventually Josh got the opportunity to play guitar for some of those legends including the Tokens "Lion Sleeps Tonight", Jimmy Beaumont "Since I don't have You", Joey Dee and the Starliters "Peppermint Twist", Ron Dante “Sugar Sugar” and more. During these early years Josh also worked as a fill-in guitarist for local bands and put together his own bands including Nemesis, Fear Not, and the Groove Altar, playing everything from classic and hard rock, to ska, funk, and original music.
At the age of 20 Josh left Jensen Beach and moved to Tampa Bay to try his hand in a bigger city. He joined the Swingin' Mooks, whose Rock approach to the Swing genre quickly caught the ear of Cowhead (then the producer of the Bubba the Lovesponge radio show on 98Rock and now host of the Mike Calta show on 102.5 The Bone). Bubba invited The Swingin’ Mooks to play on his morning show, which greatly widened the band’s fan base and helped them capture the title of Jam Magazine's Best Swing Band in Florida. The Swing craze came to an end, and after two self-produced CD’s, the Mooks reinvented themselves. Revisiting their funk and rock influences, they formed the Saturn 5 which built on the regional fan base of the Mooks. They travelled to New York to showcase for some major labels as well as record a live CD at the legendary CBGB's and Mercury Lounge. In addition to the live CD, the Saturn 5 produced a studio album.
Post Saturn 5, Josh began playing acoustic solo and duo gigs and widening his repertoire even more. He continued fronting his own three piece projects (The Groove Altar, and the Josh Horton Project) as well as being a side man in numerous Tampa Bay bands including, Joey Dee and the Starliters, Velvet Jones, The Rhythm Method, The Mooks, and more.
These bands and experiences have given Josh a strong sense of professionalism as well as given him his own distinct style which can be heard even in his solo performances. Throughout his career, Josh has gotten to open up for many acts including Buddy Miles, Boston, The Black Crowes, The Foo Fighters, Fishbone, Hootie and the Blowfish, Kid Rock, Tesla and many more....
Josh has returned to the Treasure Coast where he can be seen with his trio Horton and the Good Noise as well as doing solo acoustic shows and filling in with many of the Treasure Coast’s favorite bands. He is always looking forward to meeting new friends and fans.
