Bluesman John Grimaldi owes his stage name to a Studebaker automobile of which he is the proud owner. Born in Chicago, he started playing the harmonica when he was just seven years old. Later, after hearing Hound Dog Taylor, he learned to play the guitar.In the 1970s, he performed with a blues-rock group that he named The Hawks. His debut album, Straight No Chaser, was released in 1978. During the 1980s, in addition to his musical activities, Grimaldi worked in construction. In 1988, the Belgian label Double Trouble released his third disc, Nothin' But Fun, and a European tour followed. In time, as a result of numerous tours and recordings, his reputation as a pillar of the blues was established.