How do you know when you’ve really made it? When you’ve turned the corner from new kid on the block to seasoned veteran, to star, and finally to legend? For some people, maybe it’s hitting #1 on the Billboard Blues charts – 13 Times. For others, it might be playing the Vienna Opera House, or Royal Albert Hall, or Radio City Music Hall or Carnegie Hall. Yeah, could be. For Joe Bonamassa, it’s being the answer to a Jeopardy question.

On November 19, 2015, Joe Bonamassa reached an exciting new milestone in his career. No, it didn’t have anything to do with playing a bucket list venue or playing a song on Rory Gallagher’s Strat – not this time, anyway. Instead, Joe found himself weaved into the fabric of culture in an entirely new way. This time, Joe found himself as the answer to a question on one of America’s most beloved and longest-airing game shows, Jeopardy!

It’s worth noting that the particular episode that will now forever go down in the books of the Bonamassa archives, was a Tournament of Champions. That means not just your regular ol’ Jeopardy geniuses. This was the best of the best. In other words, Jeopardy! deemed Joe Bonamassa worthy of inclusion as a question for the show’s strongest contestants.

The category of note was “Their Main Instrument”. The idea was, Alex Trebek would name a musician, and then the contestants would have to respond with the main instrument that the musician played. Joe Bonamassa’s question was valued at $800. Alex Trebek simply uttered “Joe Bonamassa.” The contestants were silent. Alex Trebek replied, “That would be the guitar”. Contestants, you have been schooled. In all seriousness, Joe was very humbled and honored to have been mentioned on such a prestigious television show, the ultimate trivia show, beloved by millions. Joe doesn’t play for the fame or the glory. He plays for the love of the guitar and the music and the fans, and he is often astonished by how far he’s traveled. This was another special moment in a career teaming with special moments. But Joe knows it’s all thanks to you. To the fans.

It’s Thanksgiving. A time to take stock and be grateful for all that we have. Joe thanks you for being there, for helping to make his career what it is, for supporting year after year on the road. And for getting his name on Jeopardy! And Joe looks forward to continuing on each and every day, playing the music that he loves, with a heart full of gratitude.