Born to an African mother and Australian father, Grunwald grew up listening to classic bluesmen like Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson and then later BB King, James Brown and Jimi Hendrix. This melting pot of blues and soul provided inspiration for what would become his signature eclectic style. Mucking around busking in his teens, Grunwald formed group The Blue Grunwalds and released the album Groove Cafe. Once he'd found his feet a little more firmly in the music scene he started the trio Groove Catalysts in 2001. While both these groups brought success Grunwald was drawn to the solo acoustic side of things. In 2002 Grunwald released his first solo album Introducing Ash Grunwald and took out that year's Melbourne Blues Performer of the Year. This prompted the follow up record I Don't Believe (2004). Despite some commercial success both here and abroad, including reaching the finals in Memphis' International Blues Competition, feedback received about his two albums intoned that they hadn't really captured the raw energy of his live shows. In response, Grunwald released Live at the Corner (2005) and met with wide acclaim, taking out Album of the Year at the Australian Blues Awards. Grunwald continues to tour widely, showcasing his unique one man band style of blues.