| Graduation Year | Class of 1970 |
| Date of Birth | Jul 24, 1952 |
| Date of Passing | Jun 29, 2024 |
| About | Al Sjoholm, a chemist by day and a musician at night, passed away June 29 after a long illness, just short of his 72nd birthday. Sjoholm was born and raised in Waukegan and performed extensively in Lake County and Kenosha County, as well as occasionally in Chicago, Oshkosh (WI), Indiana and Florida. He was widely known for his unique stylings on the blues guitar and his stirring vocals. In addition to guitar, he also played keyboards and bass, and was most recently learning harmonica after a stroke put an end to his guitar playing. He formed his first band in high school and recorded early on with a local band called Blue Condition. Over the years, Sjoholm also played in several other bands, including AC Blues, a popular local band with a large following. He also hosted regular blues jams on the area, mentoring many other musicians. Sjoholm, who had a joyful outlook on life and a mischievous sense of humor, was widely respected for his appreciation and in-depth knowledge of many musical genres. His passing leaves a big hole in the local music community and he will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life, including a musicians get together, is being planned for a later date. |
