John Lomax, Sr., one of America's most important folklorists, documented a variety of musical genres in his extensive studies, recording more than 10,000 songs for the Library of Congress. He was the man who brought [...]

Bill “Hoss” Allen, Gene “Daddy” Nobles, and “John R.” (John Richbourg), the late-night announcing crew of WLAC radio in Nashville, were inducted together into the Hall of Fame in 1994 for their groundbreaking work in [...]

Agent, manager, producer, promoter, Dick Waterman established himself in the Blues community as a diligent advocate for the artist and the art. Waterman is primarily known today as a photographer and archivist for his commitment [...]

Bill “Hoss” Allen, Gene “Daddy” Nobles, and “John R.” (John Richbourg), the late-night announcing crew of WLAC radio in Nashville, were inducted together into the Hall of Fame in 1994 for their groundbreaking work in [...]

Before the Blues Hall of Fame instituted a separate category in 1994 to honor those involved in the business, production, promotion, and documentation of the blues, only one non-performer had been elected: Leonard Chess, in [...]

Phil Chess, younger brother of Leonard Chess, was a key figure at Chess Records throughout the label's 19-year tenure under the brothers' ownership. The Chess musical empire began at Chicago nightspots, primarily the Macomba where [...]

Every record producer dreams that the music he or she helps create will become timeless. But very few producers can claim to have made 'Classic' records. In the blues world, no one can surpass the [...]

Great Blues clubs stand as the foundation for every great Blues city. In Chicago Theresa's (also called T's basement) was the place to be since it's opening in December of 1949. Theresa Needham (birthname: McLaurin) [...]

As a staff record producer -- back when the common industry term was 'A&R man' -- Ralph Bass was responsible for many important blues, jazz and R&B singles and albums during his storied career. Bass [...]

Born in lower Silesia, Germany, Chris Strachwitz came to the United States to attend the University of California at Berkeley. In the summer of 1959 he met Lightning Hopkins in Houston, Texas, where the Texas [...]