Joe Fry the Guitar Guy
Overview
Joe Fry singer/songer writer from St Louis Mo. One of the best one man band around with 30 years of singing/guitar/harmonica covering rock, blues, country and folk bands, Now performing a solo show all over the St. Louis area from the wineries to schnucks, biker bars, weddings, wine bars, restaurants and lots of partys for any occassion. Performing your favorite hits from the fifties thru the decades and today. Always professional and thoughtful with his goal of making people happy. Playing request and giving your friends something to remember. He can be background or bring it to the foreground and getting folks up and dancing. Book him now and you'll be glad you did!
Reviews
72 reviews
Amy W.
June 29, 2022Joe was a hit!
Joe was incredible from start to finish! Hired him for my sister's engagement party. He's professional, arrived plenty early for set up, and he's an extremely talented musician. I've seen lots of other one man bands and Joe takes the cake! Will certainly be looking to bring him back in the future...
Hired as: One Man Band
Cara M.
October 1, 2013Wedding Extraordinaire!!!
Joe Fry the Guitar Guy was the perfect piece of entertainment to our wedding ceremony and reception. He was very professional, organized and easy to work with. He made several perfect song suggestions for our ceremony that my husband and I loved. This made our diy planning a breeze when it came to the music. He was flexible and went with the flow, even above and beyond, at the ceremony when I was an hour late by playing his guitar and singing for the antsy and hot guests at the ceremony. He then played the first half of the reception during cocktail hour and dinner to create the intimate, romantic ambiance we desired while the guests mingled and ate. Every guest (140 total) raved about his performance. They all wanted to know, "Where did you find him?" and then proceeded to gush about how amazing his sound was, how perfect he was for the occasion and how they wanted to hire him for their next party/event. Well, my husband and I could not have agreed more. His sound truly lends itself to the relaxing, romantic atmosphere we desired to create for our guests. We cannot thank Joe Fry the Guitar Guy enough for his outstanding talent, professionalism and overall perfect touch to our wedding! We highly recommend Joe Fry the Guitar Guy for your wedding ceremony and reception!
Hired as: Cover Band, Easy Listening Band, Guitarist, Harmonica Player, One Man Band, Singing Guitarist, Wedding Band
Jessica C.
September 24, 2013The Fantastic Joe Fry!
We book Joe Fry the Guitar Guy on a regular basis at Augusta and Montelle wineries and are always more than happy with his performance. He is a customer favorite and we're looking forward to the next time we can have him, and his guitar out to the winery!
Hired as: Folk Singer, Guitarist, Oldies Music, One Man Band, Pop Singer, Rock & Roll Singer, Singer/Songwriter, Singing Guitarist
Jill V.
May 13, 2025Great Guy!
I hired Joe to preform at our Party in the Park event on Friday, May 9th. He did a great job! Everyone loved his performance!
Hired as: Guitarist, Oldies Music, One Man Band
Lisa M. R.
April 19, 2025Awesome-as always!
Thank you so much for playing at Wills 50th! Great to see you! The guests loved it!
Hired as: Acoustic Band, One Man Band
Booking information
Price range: $400-$800
Languages: English
Gig length: 120 - 240 minutes
What to expect
I cover the songs that people know and love that bring back memories of yesteryear. I become totally encompassed in my music which also rubs off on the audience. I play from the heart adding my own special touch into the songs I cover with my own style. You may see and feel the heartfelt expressions in my facial expressions. When I'm performing it's like a out of the body expeirience. I love the music and it shows. People always come up to me and express how much they enjoyed the song choices. I like to mix it up for I believe in any size group of people there are always different taste in music. Some like rock n roll while others prefer country or folk. Thats what sets me apart from others is my mix of rock,country,blues,folk and alternative gendras of music. I can blow a harp with the best of them so I throw a song with the harp in periodically to keep people wanting more. Everyone loves the harmonica! I give them a great show every time and give them something to remember.
About
One man band acoustic singer/songwriter Joe Fry was born into a musical family where music filled the air at all different
times of the day. Even from the womb I was tapping my foot to the beat of my father, who was, the original Joe Fry the guitar guy. He passed on to me the love of music and the God given talent, that just so happens to be more caught than taught.
By the young age of 10 I sang in Church, as well as with my father as we entertained in the bars in the city of St. Louis Mo. I would dance and sing on
top of the bar, therefore, soaking up all the attention. That was the hook!
There was no turning back after that. Once you've been bit by the applause of
the crowd and the feeling of all of their eyes beaming up at you, you're
hooked!
By the age of fourteen, I was breathing harmonica. I would wail on the blues
harp! By the age of 16, I met Richard Daniels and joined the band Comstock
Load as their lead singer. Next I joined a blues band, so I could play my
harmonica and blow the blues. I met Tom Shea from Ballwin Missouri and we
started a blues band called "Tom Shea Blues Band". I joined as the lead singer,
rhythm guitarist and , of course, blowing the blues harp.
Led Zepplin's song "Going to California" became my reality. I made the cut from over two hundred auditions in Paul Fussel's band as the lead singer.
Unfortunately, in 1975 Disco mania hit the country. I decided then to try a different approach. I teamed up with Joel Swan from a local Bluegrass band in St. Louis, called "Sassafrass Band". Back in 1977 our band was doing alot of the same songs I'm doing today, only they weren't called oldies LOL! Joel and I played as a duet and conquered classic hits, folk, and bluegrass music in clubs all around St.Louis Missouri. Bogarts Bars was a regular gig. Around 1980 we decided, in order to expand, to invite drummer Shea Tignor, of St. Louis Missouri, to join us. That made up the band of "Wood Axe", where we could play Classic Rock and get into more venues that wanted full bands.
After participating in many bands, playing for my local church, and being encouraged by so many people when I played solo at different gatherings, it prompted me to step out on my own and have the creative freedom to play what I want where I want when I want! I practice when I want and I don't have to worry about a band member deciding not to show up. Life is too short to not live your dreams. I can honestly say this is my dream occupation. I'm loving it!
I'm really laid back and I preform my music from the heart. You might call me
somewhat of a naturalist considering I prefer to play without loop machines or
auto-tuning vocal machines. I play with my natural abilities, just raw, real
talent. I promise you a show to remember and will satisfy everyone in your
party.
Check out my ever-changing song list. Also I've posted some videos and audio clips to give you a sample of my musical talent. There are a lot of good guitar players and singers out there but not many solo performers that have the
ability to do both (and can wail on a harmonica!). Of course, I have my
material for those who want to hear some original compositions. However, my
first and foremost desire is to entertain you with the songs you have grown to
love. I play the popular music of our times. From old Rock n' Roll and old
Country hits, through the decades, up to today's Alternative Rock and new
Country tunes. I play the winery circuit around Missouri, several bars, and
numerous restaurants. I've played everywhere from wineries, high class
restaurants, biker bars, grocery stores (Schnucks), private parties,
corporate parties and high end hotels. I can fit into small venues where my band couldn't. However,
I can fill large venues like corporate parties and tent festivals.
I live and breath every song I interpret. My promise is to make your event a
special musical experience to look back on and never forget. If possible I will
learn to play whatever songs your heart desires. Please keep in mind some
songs are not made to play only acoustically.
I am a professional singer/songwriter who promises to act professional in every
aspect of your vision. It is my pleasure to perform a mind blowing performance
every time. I use state of the art P.A. equipment, beginning with my BOSE sound
system for perfect acoustics sounds replication. I play a MARTIN acoustic
guitar which is considered, by most people, to be the best acoustic guitar ever made.
I will dress and act professional at all times while interacting with your guest
and taking request. Making folks happy is my goal. I love to see people
enjoying the music, dancing, and singing along. It doesn't take long for folks
to see how encompassed I become in the music I play. It gets contagious. Of
course, I can or will transition from background to foreground if the event permits.
Thanks so much for your consideration. Book me now and I will go the extra mile to make you glad you did.
Sincerely,
Joe Fry
Additional booking notes
I play acoustic guitar and I am a pureist. For I don't use anything to enhance or alter my natural sound of my vocals or my guitar. I do not use drum machines or loopers that make you sound like more than a soloist or a band for that matter. Where does it end Imean if your looking for a band then hire a band. I'm just a old hippie who likes thing the natural way. So I've invested in a state of the art Bose sound system that doesn't change anything it just projects the sound as clearly as possible. It's crystal clear with no buzzing or feedback issues just pure perfection. which it turn means I must be on because every thing i do will come through from little mistakes to the sound of my breathing. My guitar is a Martin made in America believed to be the best guitar made by many many people in the guitar playing bussiness. I had several in my life and will never be without one. Even though I have many guitars I prefer the Martin first.
Services offered
Upcoming booked events
July 2025
30
Wednesday
Retirement Community Event
3:30pm - 4:30pm
•
Chesterfield, MO
September 2025
11
Thursday
Corporate Event
3:00pm - 6:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
Past booked events
June 2025
28
Saturday
Graduation
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Fenton, MO
May 2025
10
Saturday
Fundraiser
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Jefferson City, MO
09
Friday
Corporate Event
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
St Louis, MO
April 2025
18
Friday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Pacific, MO
October 2024
26
Saturday
House Party
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Festus, MO
05
Saturday
House Party
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Dow, IL
September 2024
21
Saturday
House Party
7:00pm - 11:00pm
•
Wellsville, MO
August 2024
03
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:30pm - 9:00pm
•
Chesterfield, MO
July 2024
27
Saturday
Birthday Party
2:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Imperial, MO
20
Saturday
Reunion
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Columbia, MO
06
Saturday
Wedding Reception
6:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Columbia, MO
June 2024
19
Wednesday
Restaurant/Bar Event
4:00pm - 7:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
April 2024
08
Monday
Festival
11:00am - 2:00pm
•
McLeansboro, IL
March 2024
08
Friday
Campus Event
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Chesterfield, MO
January 2024
19
Friday
Christmas Party
6:30pm - 10:30pm
•
Maryland Heights, MO
October 2023
28
Saturday
Birthday Party
4:00pm - 7:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
21
Saturday
Wedding Reception
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Bloomsdale, MO
15
Sunday
Festival
10:30am - 12:30pm
•
Hartsburg, MO
September 2023
30
Saturday
Birthday Party
8:00pm - 11:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
09
Saturday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
St Louis, MO
August 2023
19
Saturday
Cocktail Party
6:00pm - 8:30pm
•
St Louis, MO
11
Friday
Restaurant/Bar Event
6:30pm - 9:30pm
•
Boonville, MO
03
Thursday
Personal Occasion
4:00pm - 5:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
July 2023
15
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:30pm - 10:30pm
•
Wentzville, MO
May 2023
06
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 9:30pm
•
St Louis, MO
April 2023
29
Saturday
Grand Opening
1:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Hannibal, MO
February 2023
14
Tuesday
Holiday Party
2:00pm - 4:00pm
•
St Peters, MO
December 2022
31
Saturday
New Year's Party
8:00pm - 12:00am (Sun)
•
Chesterfield, MO
17
Saturday
Christmas Party
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Fredericktown, MO
November 2022
19
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Jefferson City, MO
October 2022
22
Saturday
House Party
4:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Waterloo, IL
01
Saturday
Birthday Party
8:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Dexter, MO
September 2022
27
Tuesday
Corporate Event
11:30am - 1:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
15
Thursday
Birthday Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
St Louis, MO
August 2022
05
Friday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
02
Tuesday
Corporate Event
5:30pm - 6:30pm
•
St Louis, MO
July 2022
28
Thursday
Retirement Community Event
4:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Freeburg, IL
15
Friday
Birthday Party
6:30pm - 9:30pm
•
Valley Park, MO
June 2022
26
Sunday
Cocktail Party
4:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Maryland Heights, MO
25
Saturday
House Party
3:00pm - 5:30pm
•
St Louis, MO
11
Saturday
House Party
7:00pm - 11:00pm
•
Wildwood, MO
08
Wednesday
Nonprofit Event
12:00pm - 3:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
03
Friday
Restaurant/Bar Event
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
May 2022
28
Saturday
House Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Chesterfield, MO
07
Saturday
Retirement Party
5:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Columbia, IL
April 2022
30
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Worden, IL
March 2022
26
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:30pm - 6:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
December 2021
10
Friday
Christmas Party
5:30pm - 9:30pm
•
St Louis, MO
November 2021
20
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Hardin, IL
October 2021
23
Saturday
Cocktail Party
7:00pm - 11:00pm
•
St Charles, MO
September 2021
25
Saturday
Cocktail Party
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
17
Friday
Wedding Engagement
8:00pm - 11:00pm
•
Frontenac, MO
04
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Chesterfield, MO
August 2021
09
Monday
Funeral/Memorial Service
2:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Chesterfield, MO
01
Sunday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
St Charles, MO
July 2021
24
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Arnold, MO
22
Thursday
Corporate Event
5:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Bethalto, IL
20
Tuesday
Reunion
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Salem, MO
04
Sunday
House Party
5:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Eureka, MO
May 2021
23
Sunday
Graduation
4:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Ladue, MO
October 2020
17
Saturday
Corporate Event
6:30pm - 10:00pm
•
Belleville, IL
03
Saturday
Wedding Reception
4:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Wright City, MO
September 2020
26
Saturday
Birthday Party
4:00pm - 6:30pm
•
St Charles, MO
August 2020
29
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Clayton, MO
July 2020
25
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Waterloo, IL
03
Friday
Birthday Party
4:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Ellisville, MO
June 2020
27
Saturday
Personal Occasion
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Wentzville, MO
December 2019
14
Saturday
Corporate Event
11:00am - 3:00pm
•
Columbia, MO
October 2019
12
Saturday
House Party
4:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Hillsboro, MO
11
Friday
Corporate Event
3:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Fairview Heights, IL
September 2019
22
Sunday
Birthday Party
3:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Ladue, MO
07
Saturday
House Party
6:00pm - 9:30pm
•
Wildwood, MO
May 2019
30
Thursday
Corporate Event
10:30am - 12:30pm
•
Columbia, MO
17
Friday
Cocktail Party
8:00pm - 11:00pm
•
St Charles, MO
11
Saturday
Grand Opening
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Swansea, IL
11
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
12:30pm - 2:30pm
•
Worden, IL
April 2019
13
Saturday
Wedding Reception
5:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Madison, MO
October 2018
20
Saturday
House Party
5:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Fults, IL
May 2018
24
Thursday
Personal Occasion
4:30pm - 7:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
November 2017
25
Saturday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
4:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Glen Carbon, IL
October 2017
07
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 6:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
September 2017
30
Saturday
Cocktail Party
7:30pm - 10:30pm
•
Webster Groves, MO
23
Saturday
Wedding Reception
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
August 2017
25
Friday
Cocktail Party
2:30pm - 5:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
19
Saturday
Wedding Reception
4:00pm - 11:00pm
•
Webster Groves, MO
July 2017
29
Saturday
Reunion
7:30pm - 9:00pm
•
Newburg, MO
June 2017
24
Saturday
Birthday (Adult)
12:00pm - 5:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
May 2017
12
Friday
Dinner Party
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
November 2016
25
Friday
Birthday (Adult)
7:00pm - 11:00pm
•
Waterloo, IL
July 2016
31
Sunday
Wedding Reception
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Defiance, MO
May 2016
14
Saturday
Birthday (Adult)
6:00pm - 9:30pm
•
St Charles, MO
April 2016
23
Saturday
Nonprofit Event
6:30pm - 11:30pm
•
Edwardsville, IL
March 2016
12
Saturday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
5:00pm - 9:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
December 2015
05
Saturday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
5:00pm - 6:30pm
•
St Louis, MO
October 2015
03
Saturday
Birthday (Adult)
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Innsbrook, MO
September 2015
19
Saturday
House Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
August 2015
22
Saturday
Birthday (Adult)
7:00pm - 11:00pm
•
Phillipsburg, MO
08
Saturday
Birthday (Adult)
7:00pm - 10:30pm
•
Chesterfield, MO
June 2015
13
Saturday
Birthday (Adult)
2:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Waterloo, IL
May 2015
03
Sunday
Wedding Reception
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
December 2014
13
Saturday
Holiday Party
7:00pm - 11:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
November 2014
29
Saturday
Wedding Reception
8:30pm - 12:00am (Sun)
•
Highland, IL
October 2014
24
Friday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Hermann, MO
August 2014
30
Saturday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Ste Genevieve, MO
April 2014
04
Friday
Corporate Event
6:30pm - 8:30pm
•
St Louis, MO
September 2013
14
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:00am - 9:00am
•
Lenzburg, IL
Set list
These are just samples of the style of music I cover not a current list. I have a more current list on my website. I have over 300 songs that I've been performing the last three years. I alternate them so the venues where I play on a regular basis don't get the same sets every week or every month. Here is a partial list just to give you a sample of the taste of music I share. You will notice everything from rock, country,oldies,blues,grunge and I also have some originals if asked I will perform them as well..
*Please note if you want to choose songs to request please visit my webpage.
3 AM - matcthbox twenty
4 & 20 - steven stills
a change is gonna come - sam cooke
a horse with no name - america
after the gold rush - neil young
aint no sunshine - bill withers
all for you - sister hazel
all shook up - elvis
all you need is love - beatles
amie - pure prairie league
bad bad leroy brown - jim croce
bad fish - sublime
bad weather - poco
behind blue eyes - the who
better man - pearl jam
blue suede shoes - elvis
brown eyed girl - van morrison
cant you see - marshall tucker
cats in the cradle - harry chapin
chasing cars - snow patrol
chicken train - ozark mountain daredevils
choices - george jones
country girl - neil young
danny's song - kenny loggins
daydream - lovin' spoonful
december - collective souls
don't close your eyes - kieth whitley
drift away - dobey gray
everything you want - vertical horizon
family tradition - hank williams jr.
father and son - cat stevens
time of your life - green day
fire on the mountain - marshal tucker
folsom prison blues - johnny cash
for what its worth - buffalo springfield
free fallin - tom petty
friends in low places - garth brooks
girl - the beatles
give a little bit - super tramp
guitar man - bread
hallelujah - rufus wainwright
harvest - neil young
harvest moon - neil young
heart of gold - neil young
hello darlin - conway twitty
hey baby - bruce channel
hey good looking - hank williams sr
home - chris daughtry
home - blake shelton
how to save a life - the fray
I need you - lynyrd skynyrd
I'd love to change the world - ten years after
if you could read my mind - gordon lightfoot
I'll be - edwin mc cain
in my life - the beatles
it's your love - tim mc graw
king of the road - roger miller
knocking on heavens door - eric clapton
landslide - stevie nicks
let her cry - hootie and the blowfish
little red riding hood - sam the sham
little too late - mark chesnutt
lola - kinks
long haired coutry boy - charlie daniels
love the one your with - CSN
lover lover - jerrod niemann
margaritaville - jimmy buffet
mary janes last dance - tom petty
melissa - allman brothers band
midnight rider - allman brothers band
mr. Bo jangles - nitty gritty dirt band
multi colored lady - gregg allman
no where man - the beatles
norwegian wood - the beatles
on the road again - willie nelson
only love can break your heart - neil young
out on the weekend - neil young
painted black - rolling stones
piano man - billy joel
pretty good at drinking beer - billy currington
puff the magic dragon - peter, paul, and marry
ramblin man - allman brothers band
ring of fire - johnny cash
rose colored glasses - john lee
sandman - america
seagull - bad company
shanty - jonathan edwards
sittin' on the the dock of the bay - ottis redding
slide - googoo dolls
somewhere over the rainbow - israel kamakawiwiwo ole
standing on the rock - ozark mountain daredevils
sugar mountain - neil young
sunshine - johnathan edwards
sweet caroline - neil diamond
take it easy - eagles
Talks to angels - Black crows
tamborine man - bob dylan
thats allright momma - elvis
the freshman - the verve pipe
the last time - rolling stones
the letter - joe cocker
the world I know - collective souls
time of your life - green day
tuesdays gone - lynyrd skynyrd
two of a kind - garth brooks
ventura highway - America
wake me up when september ends - green day
what I like about you - romantics
what I'd say - ray charels
wherever you will go - the calling
whoop somebody's - Paul thorn
wild horses - rolling stones
wild world - cat stevens
with a little help from my friends - the beatles
wonderwall - oasis
you and me - lifehouse
you dont even call me by my name - david allen cole
your cheatin' heart - hank williams sr
you've got to hide your love away - the beatles.
GO TO MY WEBSITE FOR AN UPDATED SONG LIST
Influences and inspiration
I like all types of music but growing up in the 60's and 70's I would say the main influences are Elvis, Beatles,Hank williams,Niel young,Eagles,Led Zepplin and so so many others. But even today as I learn new material for my shows I'm exposed to Artist I may never had heard like Augustana and The Decemberist and Ray LaMontange to name a few. so i'm constantly being influenced by all the awesome musicians from all over the world. I do so much believe that music is the universal language and it brings people together like nothing else can.
Setup requirements
a minimum of a 8'x8' area for set up
cover from inclement weather
eccess to unload and load equipment