Hart was born in Oakland, California, and spent some time in Carroll County, Mississippi, in his youth, where he was influenced by the Mississippi country blues performed by his relatives.

He is also known as a faithful torchbearer for 1960s and 1970s guitar rock, as well as western swing and traditional country.

Bluesman Taj Mahal once said about Hart: "The boy has got thunder in his hands."

Hart himself said, "I guess my big break came when I opened for Taj Mahal for four nights at Yoshi's.

"[2] His debut album, Big Mama's Door, was released in 1996 on Okeh Records.