John Lyon began his career in the 1960s, singing and playing harmonica with a number of R&B groups from the New Jersey Shore scene. His love of the Chicago blues earned him the nickname Southside Johnny. During this period, the artist became friends with young dynamos Bruce Springsteen and Steve Van Zandt. The latter belonged to the first incarnation of the Asbury Jukes, formed in 1974. Benefitting from the1975 success of Springsteen and his E Street Band, Southside Johnny signed a record deal with Epic Records and, in 1976, released I Don't Want to Go Home. From then on, the group persevered, unswerving in its loyalty to R&B. Its energetic live performances continue to attract devoted fans. Pills and Ammo was released in 2010.