Woodrow Hart & the Haymaker coalesced in 2012 when Chicago native Woodrow Hart emerged from his early 2000s hardcore punk roots into a more blues, jazz, and folk-inspired sound. After releasing his first solo album Patience of a Thief in 2013, Woody gradually recruited what would become the Haymaker- initially comprising fiddle player Tom Elliott, trumpeter Graham Stephenson, and drummer Benjamin Brundage. The band’s earlier sound echoed the influences of Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams, and Charley Patton, leading to the release of their self-titled album in 2014.

As the lineup shifted, several others came and went with bassist Jacob Hand and guitarist Alexis Dionnisopoulos rounding out the current quintet in 2016. In 2023, after a pandemic-imposed hiatus, they released their second album, Down in the Belly, to accolades from their peers.

Woodrow Hart & the Haymaker continues to evolve, playing shows around Chicago and exploring new musical territory while staying rooted in their signature blend of American blues, folk, and even hints of soul. The band is currently writing and recording new material and exploring older gems, picking them apart to see how they work. They remain a staple of Chicago’s vibrant music scene, performing at local and regional venues and festivals.