Nick Curran RIP

From Bob Corritore

 RIP Nick Curran - September 30, 1977 to Oct 6, 2012. It is heartbreaking to report the passing of blues / roots guitarist Nick Curran who lost his battle with cancer. He was 35. Nick had an old soul with an innate understanding of the historic intricacies of 1950s style blues and rock & roll. Born in Biddleford Maine, Nick began a pro carrer at age 19, touring with veteran rock & roller Ronnie Dawson. He moved to Texas and would then work with Rockabilly queen Kim Lenz before launching his own career as a blues artist. His stirring first two releases, Fixin' Your Head (2000) and the Nitelife Boogie (2001) on the Texas Jamboree label set him apart from the crowd as he handily recreated a classic 1950s jump blues sound and showcased his classic guitar and a fantastic voice. He made his recordings with vintage studio equipment and achieved a nuanced classic sound in all his recordings. He signed with Blind Pig Records in 2003 and released 2 more more top shelf CDs, Doctor Velvet (2003), and Player (2004). Doctor Velvet won Nick a 2004 Handy Award for "Best New Artist Debut." Also in 2004 Nick began a 3 year stint with the Fabulous Thunderbirds before reactivating his solo career with his highly acclaimed 2010 CD Reform School Girl on the Delta Groove label. Later that year he was diagnosed with oral cancer. His last recording was as a guitarist on R.J Mischo's Make It Good CD, again on the Delta Groove label. Nick was a musician of the highest order and in his short life he won many fans and made great recordings. He has left us before his time and that hurts. We are thankful for his great contributions that will lead to his lasting legacy.

Johnnie Bassett RIP

From Bob Corritore


RIP Johnnie Bassett - Oct 9, 1935 to Aug 4, 2012 Detroit blues guitarist and vocalist extraordinaire Johnnie Bassett, died from complications of liver cancer on Saturday, August 4 at Saint John Hospital in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He was 76 years old. Born in Marianna, Florida, Johnnie and his family moved to Detroit in 1944. He did his first recordings as a member of Joe Weaver's band who also recorded behind Nolan Strong & The Diablos, and Andre Williams for Fortune Records. He also played and recorded with the Miracles on their 1958 recording of "Got A Job."  Johnny seemed to emerge as an artist in his own right late in his career, with his great mid '90s recording work including Cannonball Records various artist collection Blues Across America; The Detroit Scene and his first CD I Gave My Life To The Blues on the Dutch Black Magic label. He made further recordings for Cannonball before switching to Mack Avenue Records and found many awards and nominations for his work. He also backed up Alberta Adams on her recordings for Cannonball Records. He will always be remembered as one of the the greatest blues musicians of the Detroit scene. To see a great video of Johnnie on TV singing "A Woman's Got Ways," click here, and a live performance of "Bassett Hound Blues," click here.

Ernest Lane RIP

•    From Bob Corritore
  
  RIP Ernest Lane - March 16, 1931 to July 8, 2012 Clarksdale, Mississippi native Ernest Lane was a highly respected blues piano player who was perhaps better known by his musical peers than by the general public. Ernest seemed born into blues piano; not only was his father an acomplished player but at an early age Ernest and his childhood buddy Ike Turner studied under fellow Clarksdalean Pinetop Perkins. Ernest will likely be best remembered for stirring piano on the late 1940s Robert Nighthawk session that produced "Sweet Black Angel" and "Anna Lee." Ernest would also work with Earl Hooker and Houston Stackhouse in the Southern music circuit. He would relocate to California in 1956 where he performed with Jimmy Nolen and George "Harmonica" Smith before becoming a part of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. He also made records with the Monkees and Canned Heat. He quit music for a number of years until once again joining Ike Turner for Ike's musical comeback. Ernest led the band at Ike's 2007 funeral performing classics by his lifelong friend. In recent years Ernest released 2 CD's under his own name. We say goodbye to a true piano great. To hear  Ernest Lane playing piano on Robert Nighthawk's "Anna Lee" click here.  Ernest Lane's website is http://ernestlaneblues.com/.

Nate Reese RIP

From Bob Corritore

RIP Nat Reese - March 24, 1924 to June 8, 2012. West Virginia blues artist Nat Reese represented the rich regional songster tradition of combining blues, swing, folk songs and standards into a well rounded reperitoire. He posessed a great voice, solid guitar technique and a charismatic stage presence. He died Friday at age 88. Nat began playing the guitar as a young man and performed in various string bands throughout the coalfield areas of Virginia. He later became the leader of the Starlight Gospel Singers before teaming up with fiddler Howard Armstrong. He recorded a number of albums and ocassionally toured Europe. In 2009 he was inducted in the West Virginia Music Hall Of Fame. He most recently collaborated with harmonica player Phil Wiggins and a album by the pairing has been recorded and will hopefully be released soon.

To read an in depth interview with this great musican click here. Though not a well known artist outside of his home-base, Nat Reese was a hero to those that knew him. We thank him for his rich musical contributions.

Lou Pride RIP

From Bob Corritore

CHICAGO, IL – Another classic soul-blues voice has been stilled with the announcement today of the passing of Severn Records artist, Lou Pride, who died in his hometown of Chicago June 5th, of natural causes while in hospice care. Pride had undergone numerous medical challenges for many years, having suffered several heart attacks and additional circulatory problems. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of the great soul singer Lou Pride,” said Severn Records President David Earl. “Lou lived his life through his music and through the belief that love is always the solution to any worldly problems. It was an honor to know him, call him my friend and to have the opportunity to document his music. We will miss him.”

Over the course of many months last year and into early 2012, Lou Pride had been recording a new album for Severn Records, and that CD, Ain’t No More Love in this House, will be released in the fall. Lou Pride’s powerful soul-drenched voice will be heard on a number of new songs, as well as an amazing version of the Simply Red classic, “Holding Back the Years,” which will leave an indelible legacy of the artist’s career.

Severn Records released three prior CDs on Lou Pride, including Words of Caution in 2002 and Keep on Believing in 2005, as well as compilation of some of his greatest early singles and unreleased tracks, titled The Memphis/El Paso Sessions (1970-73). That CD included a number of tracks recorded at Willie Mitchell’s famous Royal Recording Studios in Memphis and featured him backed the Hi Records house band of Teenie Hodges (guitar) Charles Hodges (organ), Leroy Hodges (bass) and Howard Grimes (drums), along with the Memphis Horns and Memphis Strings.

Although not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, such as Bobby “Blue” Bland, Little Milton and Johnnie Taylor, Lou Pride’s talent and soulfulness were the equal of any of those iconic singers. He was known for his electrifying live shows and a vocal delivery that went from a whisper to a commanding growl.

Born George Lou Pride on May 24, 1944 in Chicago , he grew up on the Windy City ’s north side and first experienced singing gospel music, attending the Baptist Church pastored by Nat King Cole’s father. Watching a live B.B. King performance converted Pride, however, and he was soon on his way singing soul and blues on the Chitlin' Circuit throughout the South and Midwest . His first acclaimed singles were recorded in the early ‘70s while living in El Paso , Texas , and he soon relocated to New Mexico . He toured early on with such artists as B.B. King, Clarence Carter, Betty Wright, Koko Taylor and Kool and the Gang.

After returning home to Chicago , he was introduced to the great Curtis Mayfield, who recorded him for his Curtom Records label. He later recorded for a number of other labels, including several albums for Ichiban in the ‘90s before hooking up with Severn Records at the turn of the 21st century.

Carrie Smith RIP

From Bob Corritore

• RIP Carrie Smith - August 25, 1925 to May 20, 2012. Jazz / blues singer Carrie Smith will be warmly remembered for her work on the Broadway musical revue, Black & Blue. Se died of cancer in Englewood, N.J on May 20th. She was 86. She possessed a beautiful, husky voice and a kind stage persona. Born in Fort Gaines, Georgia she started her career as a gospel singer, appearing at the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival with the Back Home Choir of the Greater Harvest Baptist Church in Newark. In the 1960s Carrie Smith began working in various jazz settings in which she would often perform the blues. Carrie became internationally known in 1974 playing Bessie Smith (no relation) in Dick Hyman's Satchimo Remembered at Carnegie Hall. She starred in the Broadway musical Black And Blue Broadway musical from 1989 to 1991 and would also find popularity touring in Europe. Carrie Smith recorded a number of albums in both jazz and blues. To hear an example of Carrie Smith's beautiful voice singing "In The Dark" click here.

Donna Summers RIP

Donna Summers has died.  While she was known as a disco diva her songs much like the Tramps and a few other disco artists, had a strong basis in Soul and Funk.  For more information Click HERE.

Donald Duck Dunn RIP

Donald Duck Dunn has died according to the Chicago Tribune. For the article Click HERE. Dunn's was known as the bass player for Booker T. and the MGs, as well as years later for the Blues Brothers.  More info when It becomes available.

UPDATE

Form Bob Corritore

RIP Donald "Duck" Dunn - November 24, 1941 to May 13, 2012. If ever there was a definitive soul / blues bass player it wasDonald "Duck" Dunn. Best known as the house musician forStax Records, and a member ofBooker T& The MGs,Duck Dunn is responsible for some of the most memorable bass-lines in history. ThinkAlbert King "Born Under A Bad Sign",Sam & Dave "I'm A Soul Man",Otis Redding "Sitting On The Dock Of The Day", andEddie Floyd "Knock On Wood" as examples of his great work. His contributions include thousands of classic recordings made over many years. He was also in the originalBlues Brothers and appears with acting parts in both of the movies. He received a lifetime achievementGrammyaward in 2007. He died while on tour in Tokyo at age 70. To see his amazing discography clickhere. To see the article inRolling Stone clickhere. Thank youDonald "Duck" Dunn for your groundbreaking contributions to American music!

Michael Burks RIP

From the Arkansas Times.  More info as it becomes available.

http://www.arktimes.com/RockCandy/archives/2012/05/06/rip-michael-burks




UPDATE

From Bob Corritore

RIPMichael Burks July 30, 1957 to May 6, 2012.Guitarist / VocalistMichael "Iron Man" Burks was well known for his fine contemporary blues records on the Alligator label and for his powerful live performances. Michael had a heart attack at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Georgia after returning from a European tour. He was 54. Michael was a hero at the King Biscuit Blues Festivalin Helena, Arkansas and had legions of fans across the globe. He was a kind, gentle soul offstage and a powerhouse on. He played a Gibson Flying V guitar much like that of his mentor,Albert King. His untimely passing has sent shock throughout the blues community. To seeMichael Burks website with CDs, photos, music and a complete bio, clickhere.

Bob Corritore Blues News

Thursday, April 26, 2012

• Bob Margolin, Bob Corritore & The Rocket 88s appear Friday at the Rhythm Room! Former Muddy Waters guitarist Bob Margolin comes to the Rhythm Room in Phoenix on Friday April 27 to join his frequent blues partner Bob Corritore along with the Rocket 88s (Bill Tarsha, Susie Tarsha & Dave Forster). Look for some powerful Chicago blues to happen this night. Doors open at 8pm with a 9:15 pm showtime. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85014. To see the flyer for this event click here.
• Tail Dragger & Bob Corritore Media Reaction! The new Delta Groove CD, Longtime Friends In The Blues has been on a winning streak. After being #4 in the March Living Blues Radio Charts, this CD has just been announced as #1 in the French Powerblues charts! It was also album of the month in the UK blues magazine, Blues & Rhythm. The album has received 30 rave reviews from across the globe which you can read by clicking here. A1 Blues just posted a podcast featuring music and interview by Tail Dragger and Bob, which you can see by clicking here . Artist Connection did one podcast on Tail Dragger (click here), and one on Bob Corritore (click here). The Blues-Finland.com website just posted a wonderful review of the Tail Dragger and Bob's performance at the Stompin At The Savoy Festival, which you can see by clicking here.  While in Finland, Tail Dragger and Bob Corritore were both interviewed by Dave McGuire of the US Embassy and you can see there interviews by clicking here, and here. The March issue of Italy's IL Blues Magazine focuses on Chicago blues and features a Tail Dragger interview with a side bar interview from Bob Corritore! There will be a CD release party for Tail Dragger & Bob Corritore / Longtime Friends In The Blues on Thursday, June 7 at BLUES On Halsted in Chicago (more on that later). Thanks!
• Candye Kane Surgery Update and Benefit Shows. Blues singer Candye Kane continues her fight with pancreatic cancer and has her next surgery scheduled for May 6th. We send our prayers to Candye for a successful procedure. After her last procedure Candye had a couple years of health and touring, and we wish her a full and quick recovery as round 2 is anticipated. Numerous benefits have and are yet to be held for Candye. Already past are benefits held by Croce's in San Diego (March 31), the Rhythm Room in Phoenix (March 18), and Alberta Rose Theatre in Portland (April 1). The following upcoming benefit shows have been sent to us via Michael Kinsman:

April 29, Joe’s Great American Bar & Grill, Burbank
Featuring Kelly Zirbes, The 44s, Gino Matteo, Jason Ricci, Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps.

April 30, Belly Up, Solana Beach
Tommy Castro, Janiva Magness, Dave Alvin & the Guilty Ones, Kim Wilson, Anson Funderburgh, Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Debbie Davies, Earl Thomas, Jack Tempchin, the Beat Farmers and current and former members of the Candye Kane Band.

Get well cards and / or donations can be sent to this address:
Candye Kane
1604 Alvarado Street
Oceanside, CA 92054

• Star-studded Louisiana Red Memorial Tribute the day after BMAs at Hard Rock Cafe on Beale! As we all gear up for the Blues Foundation's Blues Music Awards on Thursday, May 10th we also look forward to the day afterwards where a memorial tribute will be held to honor the late Louisiana Red. This will take place from 1 to 4pm Friday, May 11th at the Hard Rock Cafe, 315 Beale Street, Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 529-0007. Proceeds all go to support the Generation Blues Educational Fund! The lineup includes
  HOST BAND Bob Margolin, Bob Corritore, David Maxwell, Willie J. Campbell and Jimi Bott with special guests Lazy Lester, Maria Muldaur, Diunna Greenleaf, John Primer, Randy Chortkoff, Big Pete, Billy Flynn, Michael Frank, Chris James & Patrick Rynn, Nick Moss, Rich DelGrosso, Jostein Forsberg & Morten Omlid, Billy Gibson & JT Lauritsen, Marquise Knox, Matt Hill, Cleome Bova, Anson Funderburgh with Andy T, Nick Nixon, and Markey Jeannette, Phil Wiggins, Lightnin' Malcolm, Richard Rosenblatt, JW Jones, Zac Harmon, Barbara Blue, Bill Sims & Mark Lavoie, RB Stone, Adrianna Marie, Enrico Crivellaro & Raphael Wressnig, Brad Vickers, and more! For more information about the Blues Foundation and the Blues Music Awards, click www.blues.org. To see the beautiful flyer created for this event by Amy Brat of Brat Girl Media, click here.
• Three Bob Corritore Productions in this week's Roots Music Charts! This week on the Roots Blues Charts, Mud Morganfield / Son Of The Seventh Son on Severn Records is # 11, Tail Dragger & Bob Corritore / Longtime Friends In The Blues on Delta Groove Productions  is #26, and Diunna Greenleaf / Trying To Hold On on Blue Mercy Records is # 29! To see the chart, click here.
• RIP Bob Carter Feb 24, 1952 - April 19, 2012. Beloved Chicago area blues drummer Bob Carter passed away this week near Belleville, IL. after an extended battle with cancer. He was 60. Bob performed and/or recorded in The Dirty Wurds (Chess recording artists), The Fabulous Fish Heads with Mark Hannon, Steve Freund, The Mighty Blue Kings, Nick Moss & The Flip Tops, Little Frank & The Premiers, Dave Specter, RJ Mischo. and countless other Chicago blues, rock and jazz bands. S.P.A.C.E. in Evanston is having a memorial concert on May 27th. which was originally scheduled as a benefit for Bob. More details and a donation link here. Bob was an amazing drummer and a kind, understated person. He will be greatly missed in the blues world. Special thanks to Dave Specter for much of this information.
•  RIP Andrew Love - November 21, 1941 to April 12, 2012. Saxophonist Andrew Love is best known for being a part of The Memphis Horns, the famous house horn section for Stax Records. Andrew died of complications from Alzheimers on April 12 at age 70. As a member of The Memphis Horns he played on all Stax recordings with horns including songs by Albert King, Little Milton, The Staples Singers, Johnnie Taylor, Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas and others. In later years this celebrated horn section would pair down to just 2 peices consisting of Wayne Jackson on trumpet and Andrew on sax, and would work extensively with The Robert Cray Band as well as making numerous high profile soul and pop music guest appearances. The Memphis Horns crisp sound help to define soul music as we know it and the thousands of recordings featuring Andrew Love's sax with forever be a part of the American songbook. To read more about the Memphis Horns, click here. To read the Rolling Stone article of the death of Andrew Love, click here.
• Son House and Buddy Guy on YouTube! The unlikely combination of Mississippi bluesman Son House and Louisiana to Chicago next generation bluesman Buddy Guy perform a song together from 1968. You can see this moment in time by clicking here.

Levon Helm RIP

From Bob Corritore

RIP Levon Helm - May 26, 1940 to April 19, 2011 Drummer/ vocalist/harmonica player/actor Levon Helm is best known in popular culture for his work withThe Band andBob Dylan, but he had a lesser-known affiliation with the blues. He passed away yesterday in New York, after a long struggle with cancer. Levon Helm's musical contributions are many and well documented, and we will refer to the Wikipedia page for his bio:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levon_Helm. Though we will not detail his pop music activity in this obit, let's review some of Levon's very active blues offerings: As a native of Arkansas he was influenced at an early age by the work ofSonny Boy Williamson II,Robert Lockwood, Jr., and James "Peck" Curtis (who Levon credits as his early drum inspiration). In the early 1960s Levon would land a gig with Canadian blues / rock 'n rollerRonnie Hawkins, and in 1964 he would appear on theJohn Hammond album So Many Roads. In the mid 70s, while The Band was at the height of their career, Levon appeared onMuddy Waters' Grammy-winning Woodstock Album. Levon was also crucial in gettingMuddy Waters (withPinetop Perkins,Paul Butterfield andBob Margolin) onThe Band's 1976 finale concert / documentary film,The Last Waltz, and when the organizers of that show considered a last minute cut of Muddy's segment due to time and budget concerns, it was Levon who stood up to organizational pressure and refused to perform unless Muddy's part of the show was honored. In his post-Band years, Levon's work would gravitate to a blues format as he hosted regular star-studded "Barn Concerts" that were literally at the barn of his Woodstock, New York residence. His group would feature a series of harmonica player / vocalists who would serve as the frontmen includingChris O'Leary,Little Sammy Davis, andSteve Guyger. Levon was also involved inLouisiana Red's 2002 CD, A Different Shade Of Red, The Woodstock SessionsonSevern Records. Levon's reputation among the blues world was of the highest order.Bob Margolin refers to Levon as "an amazing musical soul." We thank this great man who, while rising to the heights of pop stardom, always worked to better the blues. To see a great article byBob Margolin about his recollections ofThe Last Waltz, clickhere. To see the New York Times obit clickhere.

From The South Skunk Blues Society

Waltz, clickhere. To see the New York Times obit clickhere.

From The South Skunk Blues Society

• Sad as it is to loose such a great, Levon Helm has passed away. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/18/the-band-songs-levon-helm-cancer_n_1434688.html Here is a You Tube link that has some more recent of his tunes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMXCM5TCrv8
  He and his music were my very favorites. I will miss that he will not be recording any more for us. --Craig
  Yours Bluely,
  

  Just after I sent the email on Levon's death I got an email from Wolfegangs Vault. I am going to send it to you all.
  http://www.wolfgangsvault.com/blog/index.php/2012/04/levon-helm-dirt-farmer-american-minstrel/?utm_source=wvip&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=remembering-levon-helm If you get a chance to check out this
  
  Wolfegangs Vault web site you will find loads of live recordings from the vault of Bill Graham (Filmore). They have live concerts free to listen to and they have started including some videos as well. Here is a sample of what they have for Levon that you to listen to free:
  http://www.wolfgangsvault.com/playlists/levon-helm-tribute/playlist-16089519.html
  
  Bluely Yours,
  Craig

Bob Corritore Blues News

Friday, April 18, 2012

• Dave Riley &Bob Corritore appear Saturday afternoon at the Multi-Cultural Festival inEl Mirage, AZ! Dave Riley &Bob Corritorewill perform tomorrow, Saturday, April 21st at the Multi-Cultural Festival 2012 in New Gateway Park,10100 E. El Mirage Rd, El Mirage, Arizona. Dave and Bob will represent the blues portion of the proceedings and other acts, from many musical genres includeElaine Stepter (formerly of Rose Royce),Fel Davis,Denitra Champ,Carvin Jones,Pastor Wade with theMCBC Choir, Monica Castro, Two-Tone Lizard Kings, and B.Scales. The show runs from 1pm to 8pm and Dave and Bob hit at 5pm for a half-hour set. This show is put on by the AZNBHO.Org. For more information call 623-204-0959. Admission is free! To see the flyer for this event, clickhere.
• Hohner Harmonica's new Blues Harp packaging!Hohner Harmonica now has a new packaging for their Blues Harp brand. The Blues Harps now come in a carton with a sharp design that includes 3 harmonica players:Dan Smith (the great gospel harmonica player), Bob Corritore, andJunior Wells. Bob is honored to be included on this packaging and to be included with such fine company. To see the new sharp design for theHohner Blues Harp packaging, clickhere.
• New Mannish Boys CD and RJ Mischo to be released May 15th on Delta Groove!New Photo Page ofMannish Boysrecording session!The Mannish Boys are somewhat of a modern day blues phenomenon. Led by the vision ofRandy Chortkoff, this group has become known as an amazing revue of the West Coast's top blues players with family of special guests that represents Randy's deep conviction to the blues. The new double CD will be calledDouble Dynamite and will be officially released May 15th onDelta Groove Productions. Here is Amazon's editorial pre-review of the CD:
  (2-CD set) The Mannish Boystranscend their five previous critically acclaimed recordings withDouble Dynamite - an unprecedented double studio album containing outstanding musicianship with many spectacular and notable special guests. Featured artists includeFinis Tasby,Sugar Ray Rayford,Mud Morganfield,Jackie Payne,Elvin Bishop,Rod Piazza,James Harman,Jason Ricci, Bob Corritore,Randy Chortkoff,Kirk Fletcher,Frank Goldwasser,Junior Watson,Kid Ramos,Nathan James,Mike Finnigan,Fred Kaplan,Rob Rio,Willie J. Campbell,Bill Stuve,Jimi Bottand many more!
  We must also note that another highly anticipatedDelta GrooveCD will be out on the same release date with the label debut of harmonica masterRJ Mischo and his new discMake It Good.To see theDelta Groove artist page forRJ Mischo and to hear a sample of his music click here.Thank you Delta Groove for the commitment to traditional blues. We have constructed a web page of beautiful photos from the sessions for theMannish Boys CD which you can see by clicking here.
• Thank you to Stompin' At the Savoy Festival!Last weekend the Scandinavian town of Helsinki, Finland became a hub for the blues as theStompin' At The Savoy Festival presented a wonderful program of blues and roots at the beautifulSavoy Theater. Thanks to our friends fromStompin' At The Savoy, theFinnish Blues Society, and theUS Embassyfor bringingTail Dragger &Bob Corritore to this event. Thanks to the amazingTomi Leino Band for their stellar backing work. Thanks to all our friends and fans in Helsinki who made the trip a memorable and positive experience! Thanks to all the great musicians for some great camaraderie and for some great after party jams! To see a cool video ofTail Dragger, Bob Corritore and theTomi Leino Bandperforming atStompin' At The Savoy, click here.
• Radio Interview withJimmy Rogers' son this Sunday onKJZZ! This Sunday Bob Corritore will interview JD Mosley, the adopted son of Chicago blues architect Jimmy Rogers, who will share stories of growing up in a house filled with the blues. You can expect to hear stories of Jimmy's Gold Tailed Birdalbum, Jimmy's work withHowlin' Wolf, Jimmy's encouragement fromJohnny Littlejohn to return to music after a short retirement and much more. By the way you can see JD and the Jimmy Rogersfamily standing on their porch on the back of Jimmy's Gold Tailed BirdLP onShelter Records. Along with the interview will be lots of priceless music by the masterfulJimmy Rogers!Bob's radio show, Those Lowdown Blues is aired each Sunday from 6 to 11pm Arizona time, at www.kjzz.org. And this Sunday, April 22, you can hear the interview in the last two hours of the show, from 9 to 11pm.
• RIPLevon Helm - May 26, 1940 to April 19, 2011 Drummer/ vocalist/harmonica player/actor Levon Helm is best known in popular culture for his work withThe Band andBob Dylan, but he had a lesser-known affiliation with the blues. He passed away yesterday in New York, after a long struggle with cancer. Levon Helm's musical contributions are many and well documented, and we will refer to the Wikipedia page for his bio:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levon_Helm. Though we will not detail his pop music activity in this obit, let's review some of Levon's very active blues offerings: As a native of Arkansas he was influenced at an early age by the work ofSonny Boy Williamson II,Robert Lockwood, Jr., and James "Peck" Curtis (who Levon credits as his early drum inspiration). In the early 1960s Levon would land a gig with Canadian blues / rock 'n rollerRonnie Hawkins, and in 1964 he would appear on theJohn Hammond album So Many Roads. In the mid 70s, while The Band was at the height of their career, Levon appeared onMuddy Waters' Grammy-winning Woodstock Album. Levon was also crucial in gettingMuddy Waters (withPinetop Perkins,Paul Butterfield andBob Margolin) onThe Band's 1976 finale concert / documentary film,The Last Waltz, and when the organizers of that show considered a last minute cut of Muddy's segment due to time and budget concerns, it was Levon who stood up to organizational pressure and refused to perform unless Muddy's part of the show was honored. In his post-Band years, Levon's work would gravitate to a blues format as he hosted regular star-studded "Barn Concerts" that were literally at the barn of his Woodstock, New York residence. His group would feature a series of harmonica player / vocalists who would serve as the frontmen includingChris O'Leary,Little Sammy Davis, andSteve Guyger. Levon was also involved inLouisiana Red's 2002 CD, A Different Shade Of Red, The Woodstock SessionsonSevern Records. Levon's reputation among the blues world was of the highest order.Bob Margolin refers to Levon as "an amazing musical soul." We thank this great man who, while rising to the heights of pop stardom, always worked to better the blues. To see a great article byBob Margolin about his recollections ofThe Last

Jerry "Boogie" McCain RIP

More info as it becomes available

Update

Bob Corritore

• RIP Jerry McCain - June 18, 1930 to March 28, 2012 Harmonica master Jerry McCain passed away yesterday at age 81.  He was born in Gadsden, Alabama which remained his home town throughout his life. He became a harmonica player at an early age and made his debut recordings for Trumpet in 1953. This would be followed by brilliant recordings for Excello, Rex, Okeh, Jewel, Romulus, GAS, Ichiban, Cedar, and Music Maker. McCain is worshiped by blues harmonica lovers for his great sense of phrasing, some wonderful trademark licks, and a beautiful full-bodied tone. He was also a great singer and a brilliant and often humourous songwriter, and on some of his classic recordings are considered the bedrock of early rock & roll. He will be best remembered for his now classic double single on Rex Records of "She's Tough" with it's catchy vocal break, and the flip of the evergreen harmonica instrumental "Steady." Both of these songs are often covered band-stand favorites. The Fabulous Thunderbirds re-popularized "She's Tough" with a version on their 1979 debut record which brought wider attention to McCain's original version. We thank Jerry McCain for his many great and timeless recordings and the profound infuence he had on the blues.

               For Jerry McCain's bio by Larry Benicewicz click here

To read about his passing in the Gadsden Times click here
To hear Jerry McCain's "Steady" click here
To hear "She's Tough" click here  
To hear his version of "Red Top" on the Okeh label click here
To hear "My Next Door Neighbor" click here  
To hear Jerry first record "Wine-O-Wine" on Trumpet, click here .