The Artist:

The Artist: Sixty Years in the Groove Matthew "Pops" Fletcher Goodwin doesn't just play the blues — he's lived them for over half a century. His story begins at thirteen under a single spotlight in a junior high auditorium, and has since wound through YMCA teen dances, sprawling 1980s rock clubs, and opening slots for legends like Elvin Bishop. Proudly calling himself "the soulful white boy from Beloit," Pops delivers a signature groove-centric sound he describes as "rocking, funking, blues." Ear-trained and emotive, he bypasses technical flash in favor of raw feeling — famously noting “It’s not about what I know, it’s about what I feel.”

The Band: A Rhythmic Powerhouse

After decades hauling Hammond organs across the Midwest and playing second fiddle to other frontmen, Pops formed The Hucksters in 2013 to take the reins and showcase his original songwriting. He commands the veteran lineup like a General — with Certified Hammond Artist Todd Phipps as his Flamethrower on the right and lead guitarist JD "Mitch" Mitchell as his Gatling Gun on the left. Anchored by the rock-solid rhythm section of bassist Tim Walter and drummer Nic Fugate, Pops has the freedom to take risks and own the stage. The Hucksters lineup includes:

• Pops Fletcher: Vocals, Guitar, Wurly, and occasional Bass

• JD "Mitch" Mitchell: Lead Guitar, Slide Guitar

• Todd Phipps: Keyboards (Certified Hammond Artist)

• Tim Walter: Bass (and album co-producer)

• Nic Fugate: Drums and Percussion

The Album: Almost Live (2025)

The band's 11-track debut, Almost Live, was born from urgency. Deep into his 70s with multiple albums' worth of unrecorded material, Pops knew he had to get it on tape before his runway ran out. Recorded with minimal overdubs to capture the band's raw, electric chemistry, the album reflects his core belief that rhythm is a universal language — blending contemporary blues, funky guitar, and deep, irresistible grooves. The result has resonated: Almost Live climbed to #46 on the Roots Music Report's Top 50 Blues Album Chart.

Critical Acclaim:

• "Rarely do records start by effortlessly dropping you right in the middle of a groove, but 'Almost Live'... does just that. Everything is tight and loose in all the right places and it just works to near-perfection." — Michael Limnios, Blues.Gr.

• "Pops is a good, clear vocalist and the experienced band members provide excellent support. The album sounds good and is well produced and mastered, making for an enjoyable listen." — John Mitchell, Blues Blast Magazine.

Essential Links:

• Official Website: www.popsfletcher.com

• Listen on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Spotify: Pops Fletcher & The Hucksters

• Deep-Dive Podcast Interview: Making A Scene! EP2377 (https://www.makingascene.org)

• Artist Q&A Feature: Blues.Gr – "Blues Grounded in Soul: Q&A with veteran musician Pops Fletcher"

• Album Review: Blues Blast Magazine – "Pops Fletcher & The Hucksters – Almost Live"