Popa Chubby
Popa Chubby, born Theodore Joseph Horowitz on March 31, 1960, in the Bronx, New York City, is an American blues-rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter known for his aggressive guitar playing, soulful vocals, and high-energy live performances that blend blues traditions with rock, punk, and funk elements.[1][2][3] Growing up in a musical household in New York City, Horowitz started playing drums at age thirteen before transitioning to guitar, drawing early inspiration from artists like the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, and Eric Clapton.[1][4] In his early twenties, he gained experience as a backing musician in the New York punk scene, supporting figures such as punk poet Richard Hell and Irish songwriter Pierce Turner, while also performing at iconic venues like CBGB's alongside bands including the Ramones.[3][5] Adopting the stage name Popa Chubby—a playful reference to slang for arousal—in the early 1990s, he shifted focus to blues-rock and rose to prominence in New York City's club scene at spots like Manny's Car Wash, earning the 1992 New Artist of the Year award and opening the Long Beach Blues Festival that same year.[1][2] Over the subsequent decades, he has built a global career, releasing more than 25 studio and live albums on labels including O-Key, Blind Pig, and earMUSIC, with standout titles such as Booty and the Beast (1995), The Hungry Years (2001), The Fight Is On (2010), Tinfoil Hat (2021), and I Love Freddie King (2025).[6][3][7] His influences, spanning blues legends like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf to rock icons like Motörhead, inform a distinctive style marked by raw emotion and technical prowess, solidifying his reputation as a fierce ambassador of urban blues-rock.[5][2]Early life
Birth and upbringing
Popa Chubby, born Theodore Joseph Horowitz on March 31, 1960, in the Bronx, New York City, was raised in a Jewish family of modest means during the 1960s. His parents owned a small candy store in the Bronx, where his father worked, supporting the family in a working-class environment amid the neighborhood's gritty urban landscape. His father died when Horowitz was seven years old, contributing to the family's challenges. He took his son to see Chuck Berry perform when he was six years old.[1][8][9][10] The young Horowitz experienced the bustling energy of New York City's diverse cultural milieu from an early age, with the family candy store featuring a jukebox that played popular hits, serving as an early hub for various musical sounds that permeated the city's streets and venues. Growing up in this dynamic setting shaped his formative years, surrounded by the eclectic influences of the era's urban life.[1] Around age 13, Horowitz shifted from everyday childhood pursuits to a budding interest in music, initially taking up the drums before soon transitioning to the guitar.Musical influences and training
Popa Chubby, born Theodore Joseph Horowitz, began his musical journey at age 13 when he started playing drums in the Bronx, New York. However, the noise prompted his parents to discourage the instrument, leading him to switch quickly to guitar after being captivated by the Rolling Stones' sound, particularly tracks like "Brown Sugar." He acquired his first instrument—a inexpensive acoustic guitar—and taught himself the basics by ear, restringing it as needed and practicing relentlessly without any formal lessons due to his family's financial constraints.[9][11][12] His early influences were rooted in the blues-rock explosion of the late 1960s and 1970s, shaping his aggressive, expressive playing style. Jimi Hendrix profoundly impacted him with innovative guitar techniques and psychedelic energy, inspiring Chubby to experiment with effects and improvisation from a young age. Cream's fusion of blues with rock power, led by Eric Clapton's emotive solos, taught him the value of trio dynamics and raw intensity, while Led Zeppelin's heavy riffs—exemplified by Jimmy Page's work in "Heartbreaker"—encouraged his development of forceful, riff-driven phrasing. Muddy Waters' gritty Chicago blues provided a foundational rawness, influencing Chubby's vocal delivery and slide techniques as he delved into the genre's emotional depth.[9][13][14][15] Chubby's training remained entirely self-directed throughout the 1970s, relying on vinyl records played at reduced speeds on a turntable to decipher riffs and chords, often in informal New York settings like street corners and subway stations. This method honed his intuitive ear and technical proficiency, allowing him to blend rock's volume with blues' soul without structured guidance. His Bronx upbringing offered urban exposure to diverse sounds, further fueling his immersive practice sessions.[9][12][14]Career
Beginnings and breakthrough
In the early 1980s, Ted Horowitz entered the professional music scene in New York City's vibrant punk and underground circuit. He gained initial live performance experience by serving as a backing guitarist for punk poet Richard Hell and his band, the Voidoids, as well as Irish songwriter Pierce Turner, sharing stages at iconic venues like CBGB's alongside acts such as the Ramones and the Cramps. These early gigs honed his skills in high-energy environments, blending his blues roots with the raw edge of punk rock.[5][15][16] He adopted the stage name Popa Chubby in 1990. Throughout the late 1980s, Chubby built a local following through consistent club performances in New York, where his self-taught guitar prowess and dynamic stage presence began attracting attention from industry scouts. In 1991, he participated in a nationwide blues talent search sponsored by KLON, a public radio station in Long Beach, California, which provided crucial wider exposure beyond the East Coast scene.[17][16] This momentum culminated in a breakthrough in 1992, when Chubby won the New Artist of the Year award from the KLON search, earning him the opening slot at the Long Beach Blues Festival. The performance marked a pivotal moment, showcasing his fusion of blues, rock, and punk to a larger audience and solidifying his reputation as an emerging force in the genre. Following the festival success, he attracted initial label interest, signing with OKeh Records, which paved the way for his debut recordings.[18][15][19]Solo albums and evolution
Popa Chubby's solo recording career began with the release of his debut album It's Chubby Time in 1994 on his own Laughing Bear label, which firmly established his signature blues-rock sound characterized by raw guitar riffs and energetic performances.[20] The album captured his New York street-toughened style, blending electric blues with rock influences drawn from his formative years, and marked his transition from club performer to recording artist following his breakthrough win at the 1993 KLON National Blues Talent Search.[21] In the mid-1990s, Chubby expanded his output with Booty and the Beast in 1995, released through OKeh Records, which showcased a fuller production while retaining his gritty, high-octane blues-rock core.[22] This period saw him solidify his independent ethos, shifting away from major labels after 1996 to maintain creative control, allowing for a series of self-directed releases that emphasized his vocal intensity and improvisational guitar work.[23] Entering the 2000s, Chubby's evolution became evident in albums like How'd a White Boy Get the Blues? (2001) on Blind Pig Records, a concept-driven effort that infused his blues-rock foundation with deeper storytelling and subtle soul elements, exploring themes of personal struggle through electric and acoustic textures. By 2008's Vicious Country on Dixiefrog Records, he further diversified by incorporating funk-inflected grooves and country-blues swagger, collaborating closely with his band Galea to create a dynamic sound that bridged traditional blues with rhythmic experimentation.[24] The 2010s and 2020s reflected Chubby's maturation as a songwriter and producer, with The Catfish (2016) on earMUSIC demonstrating his ability to fuse blues standards like Robert Johnson's "C'mon in My Kitchen" with original tracks that highlighted refined emotional depth and genre-blending prowess.[25] Culminating in Emotional Gangster (2022) on Dixiefrog Records, his work evolved toward introspective yet forceful narratives, balancing his trademark aggression with polished production and influences from rock, funk, and soul, underscoring decades of artistic independence.[26]Collaborations and tributes
Throughout his career, Popa Chubby has engaged in notable collaborations that highlight his versatility and connections within the blues and rock communities. One significant joint project was his 2008 album Vicious Country, recorded with his ex-wife Galea Horowitz, a bassist and singer who had previously released her own blues album produced by Chubby. The album blends blues-rock with country elements, featuring covers like "Race with the Devil" and originals that incorporate twangy guitar riffs and rhythmic vitality, released on the French label Dixiefrog.[27][24][28] Chubby's affinity for Jimi Hendrix led to the tribute recording Electric Chubbyland (Popa Chubby Plays Jimi Hendrix), a double-CD live album released in 2006 on Dixiefrog, capturing performances from shows at the Corner Stage in Middletown, New York, and other venues. The collection reinterprets Hendrix classics such as "Spanish Castle Magic" and "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" alongside deeper cuts, emphasizing Chubby's fiery guitar interpretations in a raw, energetic format without additional guest vocalists or musicians beyond his band.[29] In 2025, Chubby released I Love Freddie King on Gulf Coast Records, a star-studded tribute to blues guitarist Freddie King featuring 11 tracks from King's catalog, produced by Chubby with executive production by Mike Zito and mixing by V.D. King. Recorded at G.B.'s Juke Joint, the album includes collaborations with prominent guests: Joe Bonamassa on "I'm Going Down," Christone "Kingfish" Ingram on "Big Legged Woman," Eric Gales on "My Credit Didn’t Go Through," Albert Castiglia on "Love Her With A Feeling" and "The Stumble," Mike Zito on "She’s A Burglar," Arthur Neilson on "Hideaway," "San Ho Zay," and "Heads Up," and V.D. King on "Same Old Blues," with Chubby's band handling "Pack It Up." This project underscores Chubby's long-standing admiration for King, whom he has cited as a key influence since the 1970s.[30][31] Beyond these tributes, Chubby has contributed to collective efforts, including performances at Intrepid Artists' 30th anniversary celebration in Charlotte, North Carolina, in November 2024, where he joined other roster artists for acoustic sets and tributes to figures like Chuck Berry. Post-1996, following his shift to independent releases, Chubby pursued European recordings that fostered international partnerships, such as his 2000 album How'd A White Boy Get The Blues?, produced in collaboration with French producer Olivier Durand on the Dixiefrog label, which helped expand his audience across the continent.[32][13][33]Musical style
Core influences
Popa Chubby's musical identity is deeply rooted in the innovative guitar work of Jimi Hendrix, whose experimental approach to electric blues and rock profoundly shaped Chubby's playing style and stage presence.[34] He has frequently cited Hendrix as a pivotal influence, evident in his tributes and covers that capture the raw, psychedelic edge of Hendrix's sound.[14] Similarly, Freddie King's fiery Texas blues guitar, known for its aggressive tone and rhythmic drive, serves as a foundational element in Chubby's high-energy performances, as demonstrated by his 2025 tribute album I Love Freddie King, where he honors King's role as a bridge between blues and rock.[7] The power trio dynamics of Cream, blending blues improvisation with rock intensity through the interplay of Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker, further inform Chubby's trio-based arrangements and extended jam sessions.[35] Chubby's style also integrates broader genre elements, drawing from the Rolling Stones' gritty rock swagger and rhythmic bite, which adds a street-level edge to his compositions.[34] Led Zeppelin's hard rock infusion of blues riffs with heavy amplification and dynamic shifts influences his heavier, riff-driven tracks, amplifying the blues foundation into arena-ready power.[14] At its core, Muddy Waters' Chicago blues provides the raw, electric authenticity and storytelling grit that anchors Chubby's work, blending post-war urban blues with rock sensibilities to create a hybrid sound he describes as "Motörhead meets Muddy Waters."[36] These influences evolve in Chubby's original songwriting, where he channels blues traditions into narratives of working-class struggles and social critique, as seen in tracks like "Working Class Blues," which reflects blue-collar resilience and everyday hardships.[37] His lyrics often incorporate pointed commentary on societal issues, such as healthcare inequities in songs addressing preexisting conditions, transforming inherited blues motifs into contemporary protests against economic and systemic challenges.[35] In arrangements and live settings, these inspirations manifest through layered guitar textures echoing Hendrix's feedback and effects, alongside blues-shuffle rhythms from King and Waters, while Cream's model enables fluid band interactions. Chubby's concerts emphasize Hendrix-inspired improvisation, featuring spontaneous solos and jam extensions that build on core riffs for visceral, audience-engaged energy.[15]Guitar technique and gear
Popa Chubby's guitar technique features razor-sharp, biting leads that fuse blues-rock with swing, shuffle, rock, and funk elements, delivered through a New York-infused "wild" sensibility emphasizing improvisation and emotional depth over technical precision.[38][39] He often relies on the minor pentatonic scale, such as in Bb minor, to craft dynamic solos that blend aggressive riffs with syncopated rhythms, prioritizing feel and raw expression in his playing.[38] This approach allows for seamless transitions between tender blues ballads and blistering rock improvisations, showcasing his versatility as a guitarist and vocalist with gut-driven delivery.[40][41] In live performances, Chubby maintains a high-energy stage presence, characterized by powerful, varied solos that sustain audience engagement through constant variation and interaction, often extending sets with spontaneous jams.[42] His shows evoke a raw, confrontational intensity—likened to "the Stooges meet Buddy Guy"—while he has toured extensively, often performing over 200 club dates annually in previous years, to deliver this visceral blues-rock experience.[39][43] Chubby's signature gear centers on a well-worn 1966 Fender Stratocaster sunburst model, which he frequently uses for its responsive tone in live settings.[44] He pairs it with a late-1960s Fender Vibrolux Reverb amplifier upgraded with Eminence Lil Buddy speakers for clean headroom and warmth, occasionally employing a Fender '65 Princeton Reverb for similar vintage punch.[44] Effects include an Analogman Tubescreamer 808 overdrive pedal to achieve Jimi Hendrix-inspired tones, a Wampler Tape Delay for subtle echoes, a Dunlop Mini Jimi Hendrix wah, and a prototype Deja Vibe for psychedelic modulation, all contributing to his signature biting, fused sound.[45]Personal life
Family and relationships
Popa Chubby, born Theodore Horowitz, was previously married to Galea Horowitz, a bassist and singer who contributed to his musical endeavors.[27] Their relationship intertwined personal and professional elements, notably through the 2008 album Vicious Country, a collaborative project blending blues-rock with country influences that reflected their shared creative synergy.[24] This work, released on the Dixiefrog label, marked a pivotal fusion of their talents, with Galea providing bass and vocals alongside Chubby's guitar-driven arrangements, influencing his exploration of genre-crossing sounds during that period.[46] The couple resided in New York, where Chubby maintained a relatively private family life despite his demanding touring schedule. This low-profile domestic sphere allowed him to balance the rigors of a performing career with personal commitments, fostering a sense of stability amid frequent travel. Chubby and Galea had twin daughters, whose presence in his life later inspired reflective songwriting, such as the track "Fly Away" on his 2022 album Emotional Gangster, which contemplates their growth and independence.[47] One daughter, Tipitina Horowitz, has pursued music herself, contributing trumpet to Chubby's 2018 release Two Dogs.[48] Following their divorce, Chubby remarried in 2020 to Mary Beth Stolz during a live performance at The Falcon in Marlboro, New York, an event that underscored his tendency to weave personal milestones into his artistic world.[49] As of 2025, he continues to describe a supportive personal network centered in New York, emphasizing the role of close relationships in sustaining his career and well-being.[35] This circle, including family and long-time friends, provides a grounding influence that has indirectly shaped his resilient approach to music-making.Health challenges
In 2024, Popa Chubby encountered severe health complications from a long-standing degenerative spine disorder, including lumbar spinal stenosis, spinal instability, and multiple disc herniations, which escalated to a life-threatening condition affecting his mobility and professional activities. This led to an emergency room visit on May 28 for cellulitis in both legs and ventricular tachycardia, followed by hospitalization at Saint Barnabas Medical Center and transfer to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, New Jersey, for intensive therapy targeting cauda equina syndrome and spinal damage. Despite managing the disorder for over three decades, the progression necessitated surgery and prolonged rehabilitation, rendering walking and daily tasks extremely challenging.[50] The health crisis prompted the postponement of all tour dates, including his 2024 European itinerary and a scheduled Swiss performance in May 2025, as well as outright cancellations such as an October 2024 show at Infinity Hall in Norfolk, Connecticut.[51][52][53] To cover substantial out-of-pocket medical expenses—exacerbated by inadequate insurance coverage—Chubby initiated a GoFundMe campaign in June 2024, which continued into 2025 to fund ongoing treatments, including consultations with specialized neurosurgeons and a required surgical deposit. Supporters also organized benefit events, such as an all-star jam in July 2024 at the North Jersey Blues Society featuring guest musicians, to aid his recovery efforts. Additionally, Chubby sold portions of his personal guitar collection to offset bills related to procedures, travel cancellations, and rehabilitation.[51][52][53] In May 2025, Chubby announced plans to continue touring despite ongoing physical challenges and treatments.[54] However, complications led to spinal surgery in early August 2025, after which he experienced severe nerve irritation and required further rehabilitation. He was released from inpatient rehab at Kessler Institute on November 6, 2025, with a diagnosis of incomplete paraplegia, indicating some return of movement and potential for regaining function through ongoing care.[55][56] As of November 13, 2025, he had begun outpatient physical therapy at Kessler while expressing determination to recover.[57] Chubby performed select shows earlier in 2025, including on January 1 at The Loft at City Winery in New York, and rescheduled tours for late 2025 and 2026, such as dates in France starting November 12, 2025, and a Swiss appearance in January 2026.[58][59][60] In updates, he credited fan support, including donations and messages, for bolstering his optimism, stating on his website, "There is nothing I want more than to be back playing for you. Thank you so much for your love and support!"[51]Discography
Studio albums
Popa Chubby's studio albums represent his core output as a solo artist, encompassing more than 20 original recordings that blend blues-rock with influences from rock, funk, and beyond, often self-produced in later years to maintain creative control. These works highlight his signature guitar-driven anthems and thematic explorations of urban life, personal struggle, and musical homage, released primarily through independent labels like Dixiefrog, Blind Pig, and Provogue. Early efforts were self-released, while later albums reflect collaborations with producers like Tom Dowd and a shift toward more polished production. The following table lists his studio albums chronologically, including release years, labels, and track counts where documented:| Title | Year | Label | Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|
| It's Chubby Time | 1994 | Laughing Bear | 11 |
| Gas Money | 1994 | Laughing Bear | 12 |
| Booty and the Beast | 1995 | 550 Music / OKeh | 12 |
| One Million Broken Guitars | 1997 | Dixiefrog | 12 |
| Brooklyn Basement Blues | 1998 | Dixiefrog | 13 |
| How'd a White Boy Get the Blues? | 2001 | Dixiefrog | 13 |
| The Good, the Bad and the Chubby | 2002 | Blind Pig Records | 12 |
| Peace, Love & Respect | 2004 | Dixiefrog | 12 |
| Stealing the Devil's Guitar | 2006 | Dixiefrog | 13 |
| Deliveries After Dark | 2008 | Blind Pig Records | 12 |
| The Fight Is On | 2010 | Provogue | 12 |
| Back to New York City | 2011 | Provogue | 11 |
| Universal Breakdown Blues | 2013 | Provogue | 12 |
| I'm Feelin' Lucky | 2014 | Dixiefrog | 13 |
| The Catfish | 2016 | Dixiefrog | 12 |
| Two Dogs | 2017 | Self-released | 11 |
| Emotional Gangster | 2022 | Self-released | 12 |
| I Love Freddie King | 2025 | Gulf Coast Records | 11 |