Billy Lee Janey; with The Janey’s Band plays under the lights as he leads his band at the Appetite for Marion festival Saturday October; 1st; 2001. The Janey's Band belted out several blues songs to the crowd at the event. (Joe Bishop/Freelance)

Guitarist, songwriter and performer, Billy Lee Janey has been compared to such greats as Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. Even though these guitar heroes have been an inspiration to him, Billy Lee’s own soulful and passionate love for music gives him his own unique style and personality.

Billy Lee picked up his first guitar, a German Framus, at an early age. It was during the “British Invasion” that he was taking his first steps in another direction; a direction that would lead him down paths into the music that would shape his future — the blues, jazz and rock. Billy Lee recorded his first record in 1972 and another in 1973.

A member of both the Iowa Rock and Roll and Blues Hall of Fame, his son, Bryce, has followed in his footsteps. “I want to share with people what I feel in my heart, continue to give something new to the people who support live music and challenge myself,” Janey says.

Details – Billy Lee Janey Group| 9 p.m. Friday (12/16) | Parlor City Pub, 1125 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids | Free