Coco Montoya and Jim McCarty & Mystery Train

Blues-rock guitarist Coco Montoya, born in Santa Monica, started as a drummer influenced by rock & roll. Known for blending Chicago blues with R&B and Latin rhythms, he gained fame with Albert Collins and John Mayall's bands in the '90s. His albums frequently hit the blues Top 10, with notable works like "Gotta Mind to Travel," scoring a W.C. Handy award. Montoya’s style evolves from heartfelt blues roots, contributing significantly to the genre's modern landscape.