Scrapper Blackwell
Scrapper Blackwell, born Francis Hillman Blackwell, left an indelible mark on the blues scene as a virtuoso guitarist and collaborator with Blues Hall of Famer Leroy Carr. Though widely recognized for his role in the [...]
O.V. Wright
O.V. Wright, recognized for his powerful fusion of blues, soul, and gospel, brought unparalleled emotion-drenched intensity to his music. Born Overton Vertis Wright on October 9, 1939, in Lenow, Tennessee, near Memphis, he began his [...]
Jimmy Rushing
Jimmy Rushing, affectionately known as “Mr. Five By Five” due to his stout stature, was a groundbreaking figure in the world of blues and jazz. Born on June 15 or August 26, 1899 (though he [...]
William R. “Bill” Ferris
William R. “Bill” Ferris, a prominent figure in the world of blues, is celebrated for his multifaceted contributions as an author, folklorist, professor, lecturer, and administrator. Born on February 5, 1942, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Ferris [...]
Odetta
Odetta, hailed as “The Mother Goddess of Folk Blues” by The New York Times, left an indelible mark on the world of folk music for five decades. Her influential career not only showcased her extraordinary [...]