The Country Blues, by Samuel Charters
New York: Rinehart and Co., Inc., 1959. Reprinted with new introduction by the author: New York: Da Capo Press, 1975. The publication of The Country Blues by Sam Charters in 1959 was a major landmark [...]
Dick Waterman
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 [...]
Stevie Ray Vaughan
A major contributor to the resurgence of interest in the blues in the 1980s, Stevie Ray Vaughan inspired a new generation of blues and rock guitarists to follow his lead. Drawing on a variety of [...]
Down Home Blues — Z.Z. Hill (Malaco album track, 1982)
With the George Jackson penned 'Down Home Blues,' Z.Z. Hill is credited with bringing the Blues back to the African American community. In 1982, the album Down Home inspired radio programmers across America to add [...]
Mississippi Delta Blues — Mississippi Fred McDowell ( (Arhoolie, 1964)
Perfect,' was the one word Folk music archivist Alan Lomax penned in his journal the night he recorded 'Mississippi' Fred McDowell. McDowell's bottleneck style of guitar playing exhibited a beautiful touch and resonating voice-like phrasings [...]
Johnny Otis
There was probably no one who played a greater role -- or as many roles -- in catalyzing rhythm & blues on the West Coast than Johnny Otis. Bandleader, club owner, producer, writer, label owner, [...]