Junction West
R&B band
BMHOF Class of 1998

Junction West. Mention those two words to any 35-50 year old and a whole flood of memories appear. Prom night, high school dances and discoing at a local club are all synonymous with Junction West. In short, for many Buffalonians, Junction West was the 70's. 

Junction West was formed by some young musicians, originally as a rock and roll band. They were looking to change their sound and hired Harry Stewart and Joey James, two young 17 year old singers just about to start their senior year of high school. They started rehearsing in the basement and before long Junction West was out playing high school dances, proms and eventually local clubs. Their sound was solid funk. Their appeal was outstanding. Junction West became the house band at the Executive and Playboy Club for years in the late 70's, as well as touring down the east coast to the Florida Keys. They enjoyed a loyal following wherever they played.

In the 80's Joey decided to venture out of the music business, but Harry Stewart kept the band alive for more than a decade. He compiled many of the best musicians in Buffalo, always working and always surrounding himself with the best of Buffalo. In that decade he won numerous awards, including Best Top 40 Band and Outstanding Entertainer.

After a short hiatus from Junction West, Harry decided to reunite with Joey for a 25 year reunion show in November 1997 at The Tralfamadore. It proved to be such a success that they decided to continue pleasing sold out audiences at periodic dates over the next year. In 1998 Joey decided to move to California and Harry has put together a new incarnation of Junction West with 3 vocalists and a horn section. Their last special show at The Tralf in November was again a sold out show and they keep bringing those memories back with their signature funky sound.