Joe “Survival” Caruso is a seasoned New Orleans-born blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter known for his unique, gritty sound rooted in the classic blues tradition. Born in 1947, he earned his moniker by “surviving” a Vietnam tour and Hurricane Katrina, and he has been performing professionally since age 15.

Early Influences: Growing up across from New Orleans’ Club Desire, he was exposed to legends like Ray Charles and Guitar Slim, developing a style influenced by B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, and Bobby “Blue” Bland. At 15, he formed “The Ecstatic’s Revue,” opening for acts like Etta James and Aaron Neville.

Joe formed the band “Survival” in 1983 and later moved to Oakland, California, in 1984, becoming involved with the Bay Area Blues Society. His albums include I’ll Never Get Out of These Blues Alive (recorded at Southland Records after returning to NOLA in 1992) and the Lakehouse Records release I Gotta Tell Somebody (2013), which was dedicated to his late mother.

Life as a “Survivor: Vietnam War – He was drafted into the Army in 1969 and served a tour in Vietnam, returning in 1971 to resume his music career.

Hurricane Katrina: In 2005, he was on his way to a performance when the storm hit, destroying his home and all his belongings. Following Katrina, he relocated to DeBary, Florida. Caruso is celebrated as a “true Blues listener” artist who embodies the resilience of the blues, continuing to perform and record with a sound that bridges traditional blues, soul, and funk.

Joe Survival Caruso came to Oklahoma City from Florida in mid-August 2024 and during that time he met Selby Sue Minner and they became friends. Selby invited Joe to play his first gig with her and her band at the Red Bug Senior Center. Joe played the Mini Fest in 2025 and later that year Joe Survival Caruso played the Dust till Dawn Blues Festival. Joe has also performed at the Rentiesville Down Home Blues Club Sunday Blues Jam. OBHOF Inductee, Bronko Carr and John Denault have joined with Joe Survival Caruso to form a fantastic group. They recently performed at Cee Gee’s lounge in Edmond OK. Joe Survival Caruso performed at the 2026 Mini Fest “Springing the Blues” and is looking forward to performing at the 2026 Dust till Dawn Blues Festival!