JOE MAZZARI Gritty Guitars. Honest Songs. Real Rock 'n' Roll.

"Play it like you mean it." – Johnny Thunders

About Joe Mazzari

Joe Mazzari is a veteran singer-songwriter and guitarist with over 40 years of experience crafting and performing original music that blends raw rock, blues, and Americana. Known for his passionate vocals, powerful guitar work, and heartfelt lyrics, Joe has built a career defined by authenticity, resilience, and a commitment to music that connects on a deep level.

A lifelong creator, Joe’s songwriting draws from personal experiences, road stories, and influences like Bob Dylan, Link Wray, Howlin’ Wolf, and the swagger of classic rock. His music delivers emotion, conviction, and that unmistakable New York edge—delivered with Mississippi grit.

Bands & Current Projects

61 Ghosts (with Dixie Deadwood) Outlaw Americana / Badlands Rock. Joe Mazzari (guitar & vocals) teams up with powerhouse drummer Dixie Deadwood for a raw, dynamic duo (often expanded) that fuses Mississippi hill country blues, rock, and heartfelt storytelling.

Dixie Deadwood brings explosive energy and deep blues roots to the band. She toured the world for three years as the drummer for legendary Mississippi bluesman Leo "Bud" Welch, performing at major festivals across the US, Europe, and Africa. Playing with no bass player and no safety net, Dixie developed a fearless, high-conviction style that she now channels into every 61 Ghosts performance. She is featured on Leo’s Blues Trail Marker in Bruce, Mississippi, and appears in documentaries about the blues icon.

Together, Joe and Dixie deliver high-energy, no-safety-net performances full of conviction and soul.

East Coast Thunder  Joe Mazzari’s high-octane rock outfit bringing thunderous original songs and classic edge to stages across the country. Full-band energy with the same songwriting depth and guitar firepower.

History & Legacy

In the early 1980s, Joe fronted The Daughters, a Boston-area band that became the backing band for legendary New York Dolls/Heartbreakers guitarist Johnny Thunders. Joe toured and recorded with Johnny (including multiple albums), stepping in on guitar and bass as needed during chaotic, unforgettable nights. He also played with The Walter Lure Band, The Jerry Nolan Band, and recorded with renowned producer Jimmy Miller (Rolling Stones, Traffic, Motörhead).

Those wild years taught Joe priceless lessons about performance, feel, and playing with heart—lessons he carries into every original song he writes and performs today.

Songwriting Focus

At the core of Joe Mazzari’s career is songwriting. His originals tell real stories—of love, loss, the road, redemption, and raw human experience. Whether in a stripped-down duo setting with Dixie or full-band thunder, the songs hit hard because they come from lived truth. Audiences connect because the music feels honest.