June 7-9, 2019 - 36 A ual - FREE ADMISSION - City of Chicago
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Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
Lori E. Lightfoot ∙ Mayor of Chicago
36th Annual
F I C IAL
OF RAM
PROGOK
BO
June 7–9, 2019 chicagobluesfestival.us
11am–9pm FREE ADMISSION #ChicagoBluesFestival
Millennium Park
CHASE AWAY T HE BL U E S
When the sun goes down, the fun heats up
in the Birthplace of America’s Music.
Don’t miss out on your next musical adventure in
Mississippi — sure to chase away the blues.
V I S I T M I S S I SSI PPI .ORG /DO N T MIS S OU T
KINGFISH
B E L H AV E N L I G H T S B E L H AV E N N I G H T S
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
Welcome to the 36th Annual Chicago Blues Festival
On behalf of Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, welcome to with Billy Boy Arnold, Bettye LaVette, Don Bryant,
the 36th Annual Chicago Blues Festival! Latimore, Ruthie Foster, The CONNECTION: Mike
Welch & Friends and Larkin Poe. With six stages
Chicago is the birthplace of the urban blues, of music, Millennium Park will pulsate with the
gospel music, house music, jazz and more. Over power of the blues.
three weeks we are celebrating Chicago’s Music
Legacy in the city’s stunning cultural home – Best of all, it’s free—made possible by our many
Millennium Park. Chicago is an arts powerhouse partners and the hardworking team at the Chicago
and because of our rich musical heritage, a global Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
cultural destination for music lovers. I’m grateful for their support. I encourage our
guests to attend the after-sets and musical
In 2019, the festival is celebrating the influence happenings taking place in our great music clubs
of the blues with tributes and performances by and venues throughout the city. Attending Blues
the genre’s leading artists that include traditional Fest also means going out to our neighborhoods
blues, soul, R&B, hip hop and more on six stages and enjoying our vibrant music scene.
featuring local and national blues artists in the
park and in music venues and clubs throughout Welcome, and enjoy!
the city.
Mark Kelly
Festival headliners performing on the main stage, Commissioner
the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, include: Bobby Rush, Chicago Department of Cultural
Jimmy Johnson Blues Band, Charlie Musselwhite Affairs and Special Events
3 CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL | OFFICIAL PROGRAM JUNE 2019
36TH ANNUAL CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL
by Justin O’Brien
FRIDAY, JUNE 7 toured and recorded as bassist for his
brother, the late guitar wizard Freddie
Pop label. With them she released
Shout out to the Dusthuffer (1995)
BUDWEISER King, who took him to the biggest followed by Sunday Morning Music
CROSSROADS STAGE arenas and largest festivals before (1996). Her song Cry was picked up
(Chase Promenade South) King’s early death in 1976. Turner’s for the premiere season of HBO’s
Emcee: WDCB autobiography, Survivor: The Benny The Sopranos. Beginning in the late
Turner Story (2017), details his 1990s, Davis sang backup for Detroit’s
11am–Noon Joanna Connor incredible life in music. Since 2010 he Kid Rock on two of his CDs and a
Joanna Connor has gained a has released a string of his own single, and she appeared with him
formidable reputation as a Chicago- recordings, including the all-original on “Jimmie Kimmel Live” and at the
based, Texas-style, guitar-slinging Journey (2014) and My Brother’s 2000 VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards at
blues singer and slide player (who Blues, a tribute to the music of his New York’s Madison Square Gardens.
hails from Brooklyn, New York, by way brother Freddie King. His very latest, During her seven-year residency
of Worcester, Massachusetts). Connor Going Back Home, just released on at Detroit’s Music Menu club she
found a spot in slide guitarist Johnny Nola Blue, pairs him with his old friend recorded Thornetta Davis Covered
Littlejohn’s band after making her 1984 Cash McCall from their gospel-singing Live at the Music Menu, which
pilgrimage to the Windy City, and in youth in Chicago. The set is a return to won Best R&B/Blues Recording at
1985 took up Dion Payton’s invitation the traditional Chicago blues they the Detroit Music Awards in 2002.
to join his 43rd Street Blues Band. each knew and performed (though Thus far she has won over 30 Detroit
She toured as a guitarist with sax-man separately) early in their careers, and Music Awards, and in 2001 Davis was
A.C. Reed’s band before committing includes cameos from Turner’s lovely- inducted into the Detroit Music Hall of
full-time to her own band in 1987. voiced daughters. Sadly, Cash McCall Fame. Her 2016 CD Honest Woman
She recorded four well-received passed away in April of this year. garnered more accolades. Davis
albums on the Blind Pig label, toured has done considerable recording for
nationally and internationally, and commercials, and her voice was used
even appeared in a scene on the Fox on the television program Xena Warrior
TV show The Exorcist in 2016. With Princess. She can also be heard
the heart of a road warrior, she had on the soundtrack for the 2001 film
to juggle the demands of gigging and Osmosis Jones.
being a mother, all while the blues club
and recording scene was changing. 2:45–4pm Guy King with special
In 2016, with her two kids grown, guest Chris Cain
she recorded Six String Stories, her As stylish and regal as his name,
first studio album in a while (and her Guy King’s refined guitar playing
third for M.C. Records), heralding a retains the essence of the rowdy
blistering return to the charts. history of blues. The Israel-born King
spent time in Memphis and New
12:15–1:15pm Benny Turner and
THORNETTA DAVIS Orleans before making his presence
Real Blues known in Chicago as guitarist for the
Playing bass and guitar, Benny 1:30–2:30 pm Thornetta Davis late, west side legend Willie Kent,
Turner served with Dee Clark, the Soul Born in Detroit in 1963, whom he worked with for many years
Stirrers and Mighty Joe Young in Thornetta Davis sang R&B as a and recorded with on Comin’ Alive
Chicago, and then became Marva young woman in vocal groups and as (Blue Chicago). His debut CD, Livin’ It,
Wright’s bandleader for two decades a backup singer until scoring a solo released in 2008, was a hit with the
in New Orleans. But early on Turner recording contract with Seattle’s Sub media and fans alike. His 2016 follow-
6 CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL | OFFICIAL PROGRAM JUNE 2019
up on Delmark, Truth, reached the top Cain have both built on the bedrock of traditional
spot on the Roots Music Report for blues guitar stylists B.B. King and Berber rhythms
contemporary blues and garnered a Albert King and found ample room for of the Sahara
Blues Foundation nomination for Best riffing. Cain, who was raised in a home with an energy
Emerging Artist Album. His all-original that treasured the Memphis blues borrowed from
followup will appear on Delmark later traditions, went to his first B.B. King Western rock
this year. For this appearance, King concert at the age of three. He began music to make
will be joined by Chris Cain, known learning guitar at eight years of age haunting,
for his Memphis-style guitar playing and was out gigging in local clubs hypnotic, blues-
and strong, soulful vocals. This will be around San Jose, California, by the like songs and
an interesting pairing since King and time he was eighteen. He studied (and hard-driving,
taught) jazz and became a multi- danceable
instrumentalist, and in 1987 released BOMBINO grooves that
his first album, Late Night Blues City bridge the
Blues, which earned four W.C. Handy traditional and modern worlds. Mostly
nominations (forerunner to the Blues self-taught on the guitar, he practiced
Music Awards). He has recorded three while herding the tribe’s livestock and
albums for the Blind Pig labeland five later studied with renowned Tuareg
for Blue Rock-It and has self-produced guitarist Haja Bebe. He traveled to
a few others. Libya and Algeria where he met with
other musicians and learned from
4:15–5:30pm Bombino Western videos of guitar players. He
Born Goumour Almoctar to a quickly became an accomplished
nomadic tribe of Tuareg in Niger, player and accompanied the band
GUY KING Omara “Bombino” Moctar fuses Tidawt to California where, in addition,
© 2017 ANHEUSER-BUSCH, BUDWEISER® BEER, ST. LOUIS, MO
Closing Date: 5.4.18 Trim: 7.25" x 4.75"
CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL | OFFICIAL PROGRAM
Brand: Bud Iconic Job/Order #: 302196
8 JUNE 2019
PRINT
Item #: PBW2017125 Operator: cs Publication: Chicago Blues Bleed: none" Live: 7" x 4.5"
MUST INITIAL FOR APPROVAL PO: PM: AE: AD: CD: CW: QC:
he recorded on Stone’s World—The Rolling Stones Project
Volume 2, with Keith Richards and Charlie Watts. Back in
Niger, he fled to Burkina Faso after two of his band members
were killed in a Tuareg rebellion. Filmmaker Ron Wyman
featured Bombino in a documentary about the Tuareg and
helped him record Agadez on Cumbancha Records in 2011.
Bombino is the innovator of ‘Tuareggae,’ a combination of 3419 W Irving Park Rd | Chicago, IL
Tuareg blues/rock with reggae.
VISIT MISSISSIPPI Chicago’s Largest Selection
JUKE JOINT STAGE of Vintage Blues & Jazz LP’s,
(Chase Promenade North)
Emcee: Kamel King
CD’s, 45’s, 78’s and more!
11:15am–12:15pm Jimmy Burns Band
Jimmy Burns was born in the Delta town of Dublin,
Mississippi, in 1943 and came to Chicago at 12 years of age.
As a teen he was a street-corner doo-wopper, like his friends
Curtis Mayfield, Major Lance, Jerry Butler and Gene Chandler.
He joined The Medallionaires and recorded on a couple of
doo-wop sides. Burns issued a handful of soul 45s and
toured with the Fantastic Epics. After a hiatus from music he
returned in the 1990s singing blues and playing guitar on his BOB KOESTER
own Delmark recording Leaving Here Walking which made a Monday - Saturday | 10:30 am - 6:30 pm
big splash on the scene, won the coveted Blues Album of the 773-539-5002 | Like us on Facebook
Year award from the National Association of Independent
Record Distributors and led to steady gigs, touring and In 2016 Johnson graduated from Delta State with a
further recording. Thus far he has released four CDs and a degree in audio engineering. Keith Johnson and The
live DVD on Delmark, and he played guitar on his late brother Big Muddy Blues Band won the 2018 Vicksburg Blues
Eddie’s 2002 album, Snake Eyes. He detoured to the Velrone Challenge and advanced to represent the Vicksburg
label in 2011 to record Stuck in the Middle before returning Blues Society in the International Blues Challenge.
to Delmark in 2015 to record It Ain’t Right, yet another great Currently, Johnson and his Big Muddy Band are said to
set of blues, soul and gospel which showcases his silvery and be working on a recording.
authoritative voice.
1:45–2:45pm Karen Wolfe
12:30–1:30pm Keith Originally from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where she
Johnson “Prince of the was born in 1959, Karen Wolfe is today one of the rising
Delta Blues” & The Big stars of southern soul blues. But she began her singing
Muddy Blues Band career in gospel, performing with Soul Unlimited and
Keith Johnson “Prince recording Stop By Here with The Harmonettes. After a
of the Delta Blues” move to Jackson, Tennessee, in 1997 she took up blues,
seems less audacious singing back-up with the legendary soul blues singer
a title for an up-and- Denise LaSalle, with whom she toured for several years
KEITH JOHNSON coming young guitarist
PHOTO BY MARCUS MCCLAMROCK before striking out on her own. In 2006 she recorded
when you consider that
her debut album, First Time Out, on B&J Records and
he is a great nephew of a true king of the blues—Muddy
followed up in 2009 with A Woman Needs a Strong
Waters. Additionally, his grandfather Texcellar Fields was a
Man. In 2012 she released the full-length CD Telling
Delta gospel singer and radio personality. The Glen Allan,
Mississippi, native began singing gospel music after years it Like it Is on Coday, the successor to B&J Records.
of church exposure, performing with the Delta Sensations Then in quick succession, she followed in 2015 with No
before picking up the guitar and branching out into the blues Regrets and again two years later with That Bitch Ain’t
while a student at Delta State University. In addition to guitar, Me (also retitled That Chick Ain’t Me).
Johnson has experience playing keyboards and harmonica.
9 CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL | OFFICIAL PROGRAM JUNE 2019
3–4pm Grady Champion unique vantage point on the blues, as and Stone Academy
Singer, songwriter and he grew up in a house—on the same Blues in the Schools has
harmonica player Grady Champion block as Muddy Waters—where some become a venerable institution that
was born into a big farming family of the greatest Chicago blues provides in-class and after-school arts
in Canton, Mississippi, in 1969 and musicians constantly dropped by. education for all grades, employing
as a youngster sang in the church Kenny’s career reached a pinnacle blues music and history to teach not
choir. As a teen he was drawn to the when he won a Grammy ©Award in only music, but also self-esteem,
rap music industry and went to work 2011 for Joined at the Hip, backing cultural diversity and self-expression.
in Florida as a DJ, a promoter and up his father (who was then playing The Chicago Blues Festival continues
late, as a performer, rapping under harp, his original instrument) as well as its long-standing tradition of opening
the name MC Gold. But he began Waters’ former piano player and the festival with a performance by
experimenting with a hip hop infused bandmate Pinetop Perkins. Yet Kenny Chicago students from the Blues in
blues, took up the harmonica and has never rested on his laurels. He the Schools program, and this year’s
soon self-produced his first album, finds time to play in several bands group once again hails from the Stone
Goin’ Back Home. He got the contemporaneously, is a go-to guy for Scholastic Academy, one of the
attention of Shanachie Records, and session drumming and continues to many schools benefiting from this
with them he released Payin’ for My perfect his craft and learn new styles, wonderful program.
Sins (1999) and 2 Days Short of a instruments and techniques. He’s a Katherine Davis has been
Week (2001), on which he wrote and family man who teaches workshops involved with Blues in the Schools
performed songs that addressed gang and participates in the Blues in the since 1992, contributing her talents
violence and racial profiling. In 2003 Schools program and has recorded for both singing and for working with
Etta James recorded the song Trust developmental music for children. In children to build their self-esteem
Yourself, co-written by Champion 2009 he was nominated for a through music expression. Davis has
with Kevin Bowe, for her Let’s Roll Grammy® Award for his contributions additionally worked to bring art to
album, which won a Grammy® Award to Chicago Blues: A Living History. inner city children through her role as
for Best Contemporary Blues Album Smith is a five time nominee for the a docent at Chicago’s Smart Museum
and a Blues Music Award for Soul/ annual Blues Music Award for Best of Art. She has deservedly earned
Blues Album of the Year. Having Drummer by the Blues Foundation. On a place among the highest ranks of
earned some valuable experience his own Big Eye label he has released traditional blues and jazz vocalists
in the music business, Champion Keepin It Together in 2014 with on the Chicago scene. Her latest
started up his own label, Grady Shady preeminent Chicago bassist Bob recording is Rock This House—Live!
Music, in 2011 and released three Stroger and has just issued Drop the on Sirens Records.
albums including Dreamin’ which was Hammer. Mahmoud Khan is a Chicago
nominated for two 2012 Blues Music keyboard player and composer who
Awards for Best Soul Blues Album is currently working with the 12-piece
and Song of the Year (for “Thank You funk ensemble Souled Out, as well as
for Giving Me the Blues”). Jackson, with the Mike Dangeroux Orchestra
Mississippi-based Malaco Records and The Tropics Reggae Band. He has
signed Champion the following year, many credits for theatrical productions
recording his album Bootleg Whiskey and won the 2010 Black Theatre
a fine offering of southern soul blues. Alliance Award for Sound Design for
In 2016 he followed with One of a the ETA Creative Arts Foundation
Kind. production of A Fool Such as I.
KENNY “BEEDY EYES” SMITH Longtime Chicago drummer Tino
4:15–5:30pm Jam Session with Cortes has a resume that extends
Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith back several decades to performing
A perennial favorite of the FRONT PORCH STAGE with rent-party pianist Jimmy Walker.
Chicago Blues Fest is the jam session (Wrigley Square) He has accompanied Katherine Davis
with Kenny Smith, one of the premier Emcee: Mike Jeffers for several years of Chicago Blues
drummers on today’s blues scene. Chicago Jazz Magazine Festival appearances. Cortes is also
Smith was taught by one of the very the drummer for Tom Holland & The
best—his father, Willie “Big Eyes” 11am–Noon Blues in the Schools Shuffle Kings, who are also on the
Smith, who for years kept the beat for with Katherine Davis, Mahmoud Chicago Blues Fest this year.
the great Muddy Waters. He had a Khan, Tino Cortes, Alan Burroughs Chicago jazz guitarist Alan
10 CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL | OFFICIAL PROGRAM JUNE 2019Burroughs has performed and/or now bandleader in his own right) Guy
recorded with such musical dignitaries King, and he includes a chorus of his
as Martha Redbone, Art Porter, Philip own children on one track. With harp
Bailey, Adam Holzman, Charles contributions by innovator Sugar Blue
Earland, and Miles Davis. Burroughs and bold rising star Omar Coleman,
and Tim Gant both participated in three back-up vocalists and a set list
producer Larry Skoller’s Ladysmith of genre-bending numbers, Hammer
Chicago Gospel Experience, with the represents a big step outside of
Ladysmith Red Lions of South Africa. those big, yet potentially individuality-
restricting, shoes.
One of top five new Blues Festivals
12:30–1:30pm Bob Stroger in the nation by Blues Scene Magazine
Bob Stroger, who turns eighty 3:30–4:30pm Mojo Morganfield &
this year, is thoroughly enjoying a late- The Mannish Boyz
in-life celebrityhood that is rare for Joseph “Mojo” Morganfield, Friday, June 21 &
a bass player. Born in 1939 in Hayti, youngest son of Chicago blues
Missouri, Stroger came to Chicago legend Muddy Waters, is the latest of Saturday, June 22
in 1955. He anchored the bands of Waters’ musical heirs to hit the stage.
Eddie King in the ’60s, Otis Rush in
the ’70s and ’80s, Sunnyland Slim in
He first appeared at the Chicago
Blues Festival with his brother Big Bill
2019
the ’80s and ’90s, and more recently, Morganfield in 2017. Joseph was only
Now at
Mississippi Heat, before teaming in high school when his father died,
up with Pinetop Perkins, Willie “Big nonetheless he was able to learn a few CHIPPEWA
Eyes” Smith, Kenny Smith and Frank things on guitar from him, and also
Krakowski, recording with them on the from his father’s rhythm guitarist, Bob RIVERFRONT PARK
Grammy® Award-winning Telarc CD, Margolin. At that time he was living in Chippewa Falls, WI
Joined at the Hip, in 2010. In 2006 in the large, five bedroom house in
he and his old friend and Sunnyland Westmont that Waters bought late in
Slim bandmate, saxophonist Sam his life, when he consolidated many
Burckhardt, produced Bob Is Back in
NON-STOP
of the family members under one roof.
Town on the Airway imprint, the first Joseph credits his father with saving
domestic solo release in his name. him from a life of drugs and gangs
His most recent project is the 2014
collaboration with drummer Kenny
by making that move. Joseph “Mojo”
Morganfield has recently released MUSIC
Smith, Keepin’ it Together. Mojo Risin’, a self-produced, 4-song
EP that pays tribute to his father’s over 2 days
2–3pm Kenny Smith & The House musical legacy with two covers and
Bumpers two original numbers written by Terry on the RIVER
Kenny Smith, son of the late, Abrahamson (who wrote for Muddy
great Muddy Waters’ drummer Willie himself during Waters’ Chess Records DOWNTOWN
Smith, has taken big strides in his
father’s shoes, hewing to the tradition
days) and Derrick Procell. Backing him
are guitarists Rick Kreher of Muddy’s
CHIPPEWA FALLS!
he knows and loves so well and ably final band, Maurice John Vaughn and
carrying it forward. But Kenny, who
is not only a master of his instrument
Mike Wheeler. Featuring
but also a knowledgeable student 5–6pm Mzz Reese 12 Bands!
of the history of American music, Representing Chicago’s west
is also a product of a newer and side blues tradition is Mzz Reese and Tickets Available online at:
younger generation. Kenny Smith & her band, Reese’s Pieces. The husky northwoodsbluesfest.com
The House Bumpers’ latest release voiced Reese has the vocal ability to facebook.com/NorthwoodsBluesFestival/
Drop the Hammer on his own Big hold powerful command of a crowd FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE
Eye label takes some interesting with her direct, pleading delivery and between Hotels &
liberties with tradition. On guitar he a repertoire of solid soul standards Eagle Ridge Campground to Venue!
has employed Buddy Guy’s son Greg and southern soul blues, which to
and former Willie Kent sideman (and this day remain the staples at west
11 CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL | OFFICIAL PROGRAM JUNE 2019side Chicago clubs such as Dr. J’s Club on West Roosevelt Road in the Doctor Ross and Joe Hill Louis, Gerry
Lounge, Gene’s Playmate Lounge, early 1970s. The self-taught guitar Hundt is a guitar-pickin’, drum-
The Waterhole, Rooster’s Palace and player and singer grew through his thumpin’, kazoo-blowin’ mashup of
Bricks, where she and her band can associations with singer Mary Lane, Blind Boy Fuller, Rube Goldberg and
be found performing with regularity. soul and R&B singer Johnny Christian the entire Mississippi Sheiks. Hundt
She has also performed at Rosa’s and sax man A.C. Reed, who hired has at least two one-man band rigs:
Lounge, and also with John Primer & him in 1987 to be a member of his one is his standard street-corner multi-
The Real Deal Blues Band at Buddy Sparkplugs band. After three years instrumental racket-maker and the
Guy’s Legends in the South Loop. with Reed, Kelly chose to go on his other a walking personal thundering
own and formed the Backstreet Blues blues calliope (picture Dick Van Dyke
6:30–7:30pm Breezy Rodio Band. At various times in the early in Mary Poppins, only much hipper).
Breezy Rodio (born Fabrizio years, his band included guitarist John You can expect to hear fine finger-
Rodio in Rome, Italy), former rhythm Primer and saxophonist Eddie Shaw. picking blues, sweet ragtime, hokum,
guitarist and bandleader for Chicago Signed by Wolf Records of Austria in gospel melodies and early amplified
guitarist Linsey Alexander’s band, with 1992, he has recorded several CDs for Chicago blues—all conjuring the spirit
whom he recorded three albums—two them, including Call Me, which won of a raucous, drum-crashing, cone-
on the Delmark label, has broken out the Living Blues magazine award for rattling, shout-through-the-harp-mike
as a bandleader in his own right. HIs Best New Recording of 1994 (he also Sunday morning at the Maxwell Street
first blues recording was the 2001 was chosen for Artist Deserving Wider Market.
self-produced Playing My Game Recognition), and Joyriding in the
Too, which included guest guitarists Subway, with contributing lyrics and
Lurrie Bell, Rockin’ Johnny, Dave vocals from his daughter Vivian (who
Herrero, Linsey Alexander and Guy has also recorded and is now pursuing
King, He followed with a reggae album her own musical career). In 2018
Tribute to the Cool Ruler (reggae Vance Kelly released How Can I Miss
being his secondary musical love) You When You Won’t Leave, his ninth
before releasing So Close to It (2015), Wolf recording.
which reached the number two spot
in the Chicago Blues category of the PARK GRILL STAGE
ERIC NODEN
Roots Music Report. He again self- Emcee: WDCB
produced the beautifully-engineered
Sometimes the Blues Got Me (with
2–2:45pm Gerry Hundt’s Legendary 3–3:45pm Eric Noden
guest harpist Billy Branch), which was
One-Man Band Eric Noden has developed a fine
picked up by Delmark Records for
Gerry Hundt is likely known to reputation for his percussive guitar
national and Japanese release. The
many blues fans as the singer- style, which is rooted in the pre-war
big-band inspired recording sparkles
songwriting multi-instrumentalist blues traditions of such legendary
throughout with clean guitar lines,
(guitar, bass, harmonica, mandolin and artists as Mississippi John Hurt,
masterfully played, and with plush,
more) touring and recording sidekick Charley Patton, Tommy Johnson
richly-layered arrangements in which
to Corey and the Reverend Gary Davis. In
the horns evoke the early recorded
Dennison, addition to teaching in the Blues in
orchestrations of T-Bone Walker and
and prior to the Schools program, Noden has
B.B. King.
that, guitarist frequently worked alongside blues
Nick Moss.
8–9pm Vance “Guitar” Kelly & The harmonica maven and fellow Old Town
But he has
Backstreet Blues Band School of Folk Music staff member
long enjoyed
Born on Chicago’s near-west Joe Filisko. In addition to his own
a musical
side on January 24, 1954, singer and outstanding recordings, and those
alter-ego as
guitarist Vance Kelly must certainly made as a member of the Sanctified
a one-man
be known today to every Chicago Grumblers, he accompanied Chicago
band.
blues fan, and to countless overseas harmonica legend Billy Boy Arnold
Inspired by
fans as well. He and his west-side on Billy Boy Arnold Sings Big Bill
the spirits of
guitar picking have been a staple at Broonzy, a critically-acclaimed
GERRY HUNDT Jesse “Lone
Chicago blues clubs since he first recording of Broonzy compositions.
Cat” Fuller,
took the stage at the fabled 1815
14 CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL | OFFICIAL PROGRAM JUNE 2019His most recent release is the self- American to acquire bona fides in forgot his inspirations, and in 2008
produced Destination Unknown, his post-war Chicago blues, playing he recorded a lovely tribute CD on
fifth recording in partnership with Joe alongside Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf Electro-Fi, Billy Boy Arnold Sings
Filisko. and others and befriending Big Walter Sonny Boy Williamson, which he
Horton in the early 1960s. He earned followed in 2012 with a tribute to
4–4:45pm Jimmy Nick & Don’t Tell the nickname “Memphis Charlie” another hero, Big Bill Broonzy—both
Mama before heading off to California in the recordings notable for their fresh-
Singer and guitarist Jimmy late 1960s. He has issued more than sounding, period feel. Even more
Nick cites as influences Howlin’ 30 recordings over a 53-year recording recently he recorded The Blues Soul
Wolf, Chuck Berry, Elmore James, history including three nominated for of Billy Boy Arnold for Stony Plain in
Bobby Rush and Angus Young of AC/ Grammy® Awards, and he won the 2014. Billy Boy Arnold was inducted
DC, and he credits the veteran blues Grammy® Award for Best Blues into the Blues Foundation’s Hall of
musicians he first sat in with at north Recording in 2014 for Get Up! with Fame in 2012. This should prove to
side Chicago clubs like Kingston singer and guitarist Ben Harper. On his be a magical pairing of two Hall of
Mines, Rosa’s Lounge and B.L.U.E.S. latest, No Mercy in This Land, he is Famers. Billy Boy went on the road
on Halsted with teaching him a few again paired with Ben Harper. In 2014 playing bass for Charlie in the 1960s
things. He has now won a handful of and 2015 he won Blues Music Awards and Charlie does some of his material.
honors, including twice becoming a for Best Instrumentalist–Harmonica
semi-finalist in the annual International and has to date amassed 33 BMAs 6:30–7:30pm Jimmy Johnson Blues
Blues Challenge in Memphis (2013 overall. Charlie Musselwhite was Band
and 2016), and has recorded several inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in Jimmy Johnson, age 90, whom
CDs, the latest of which is titled 2010. this writer has called “the Charles
Dangerous Decisions & Bad Things. Atlas of Chicago blues and soul, and
The former high school jock from north the Dorian Gray of guitar,” has just
suburban Crystal Lake puts on a wild recorded a new CD, his fourth, for
stage show with his band of local Delmark. Brother to both Chicago soul
stalwarts, getting physical with high icon Syl Johnson and the late bassist
kicks, jumping, leaping, crawling—and Mack Thompson, Jimmy Johnson
head shaking, bobbing and facial
has amassed an impressive catalog
expressions that alone may be medal-
of recordings—all since turning 50
worthy.
years of age—on such respected
ROSA’S LOUNGE labels as Delmark, MCM, Verve,
Emcee: Tony Mangiullo Alligator, Storyville and Ruf Records.
11am–9pm Daily showcase of Johnson, who sang gospel and
Chicago Blues legends and emerging backed all the Chicago soul greats
BILLY BOY ARNOLD after coming to Chicago from Holly
artists that have called Rosa’s Lounge PHOTO BY PAUL NATKIN
home over the last 35 years. Springs, Mississippi, has said that he’s
Chicago-born Billy Boy Arnold still learning the blues. Nonetheless,
JAY PRITZKER idolized Bluebird recording star Sonny the former welder exudes a jazzy
PAVILION Boy Williamson as a boy and would
go to his Bronzeville home for lessons,
sophistication in his polished blues
repertoire (for years his break song
Emcee: Tom Marker up until Williamson’s brutal murder.
Arnold’s classic early compositions,
was Dave Brubeck’s reading of Paul
Desmond’s classic “Take Five”), and
covered by many artists over the even collaborated on an album of
5–6:15pm Charlie Musselwhite with years (notably The Yardbirds, The
special guest Billy Boy Arnold Persian traditional music, Beyond
Paladins and David Bowie), include
Charlie Musselwhite was born Any Form (2014). He is a Chicago
“I Wish You Would,” “Ain’t Got You,”
in Kosciusko, Mississippi, and raised musical treasure and ought rightly to
and “Rockinitis,” and he also played
in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was harmonica on Bo Diddley’s timeless be an internationally-heralded celebrity
mentored on harmonica by Will Shade, “I’m a Man.” He retreated from music for his sublime, soul-imbued vocals,
founder of the Memphis Jug Band. He for a while, then resurfaced with two ethereal guitar work and solid stage
came to Chicago for a factory job and fine recordings for Alligator Records presence.
became arguably the first non-African in the 1990s. However he never
15 CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL | OFFICIAL PROGRAM JUNE 20197:45–9pm Bobby Rush Henry Townsend, Knox has unimpeachable credentials
Perhaps the finest showman in blues today, guitarist, and a bedrock foundation for a blues career. Sam Lay,
harp blower, singer and songwriter Bobby Rush was born who met Knox in Clarksdale, Mississippi, provided
Emmett Ellis, Jr. in 1937 in Homer, Louisiana. He moved to the connections that led to a three-CD deal with Chad
Chicago as a young man to sing blues, then soul and funk. Kassem’s APO label. Manchild, the first of these,
After recording a few singles in Chicago in the 1960s, his recorded when he was 16, was nominated for the Blues
now-classic Chicken Heads (1971) went to number 34 on Foundation’s Best Debut award, and won Living Blues
Billboard’s soul charts and has remained a rousing jukebox magazine’s 2010 Best Debut Recording award as well.
favorite and bar-band standard both north and south. After Knox has recently teamed with Alonzo Townsend,
several moves among styles and geographical locations, Henry’s son, to present a two man show on the elder
retaining a strong grasp of each, he has called Jackson, Townsend’s life in stories and music. Knox has fully
Mississippi, home for more than 30 years and “folk-funk” his recovered from a stab wound to the neck sustained in
style of music. Rush seems to be able to produce award- an attack in 2017. Also that year his current CD Black
worthy CDs at an astonishing pace (nearly one every year And Blue was released.
since 2003), including the full-frontal assault Folkfunk (2004),
the acoustic Raw (2007), Down in Louisiana (2013) and, 1:30–2:45pm Rico McFarland, Carl Weathersby and
most recently Porcupine Meat, which won the Grammy® Wayne Baker Brooks
Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 2017. But it’s his Chicago guitarist Rico McFarland learned a few
incredible stage shows, complete with tight rhythms, punchy things from a couple of lesser-known but significant
horns and well-endowed dancers, that may be his biggest bluesmen, Big Guitar Red and Willie Hudson, who had
hits. Bobby Rush, now in his 80s, is smokin’ hot after more played with his father, a musician before him. McFarland
than fifty years as a performer and is a huge star of the advanced to become a much in-demand sideman
southern “chitlin circuit” as well as blues festivals around and studio guitarist for such local luminaries as Jimmy
the world. Rush was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in Johnson, Big Time Sarah, Cicero Blake, Artie “Blues
2006. Boy” White, Valerie Wellington and several others. He
and his band Amuzement Park also achieved some
SATURDAY, JUNE 8 mainstream success. In 2001 McFarland recorded a
BUDWEISER CROSSROADS STAGE solo album, Tired of Being Alone (Evidence Records),
but he may be best known for his playing behind James
(Chase Promenade South) Emcee: WDCB Cotton, Lucky Peterson and harp monster Sugar Blue,
with whom he has appeared on five recordings. In
11am–Noon Melody Angel
addition he has recorded twice with his old friend Carl
Beautifully named by her mother, who also gave her a
Weathersby, who joins him today.
pawnshop Stratocaster for her 15th birthday, Melody Angel
Carl Weathersby came to East Chicago from
proudly represents the south side of Chicago. Possessed
Jackson, Mississippi as a child. He got a few guitar
of a killer, passionate voice, with a terrific vocal range and
pointers early on from the neighborhood mechanic
impressive stage presence, Angel has a repertoire that covers
and friend of his father’s, who as it turned out was
a wide range of folk, blues, urban, country, R&B, and pop,
Albert King and years later hired him to play in his
and her performances have drawn comparisons to those of
band. After serving in Vietnam and putting in years of
Mary J. Blige and Tracy Chapman, among others. But she is
gigging, touring, and recording, he has finally achieved
beginning to forge an identity for herself with some original
a respected seniority status on the scene. In 2017 Carl
material that melds her emotionally-charged vocals with
Weathersby was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of
some capable storytelling, tackling personal issues and urban
Fame. His musical resume includes fifteen years touring
themes such as drive-by shootings. A self-taught guitarist,
and recording as a member of Sons of Blues with Billy
she still plays that pawnshop Strat. She has recorded two
Branch, five albums with Mississippi Heat, and eight
albums to date, the most recent of which is Angels &
albums of his own.
Melodies.
Guitarist Wayne Baker Brooks, the youngest
son of Chicago bluesman Lonnie Brooks, was born in
12:15–1:15 pm Marquise Knox Chicago in 1970. He first served an apprenticeship in
Young blues performer Marquise Knox, born in 1991 in his father’s band from 1990 to 1997 before forming a
St. Louis, boldly avers that the blues is his heritage and way band of his own. In 2004 he recorded Mystery (Blues
of life. Raised with the knowledge of the blues’ deep history Island Records), which melded blues with a bit of
in his own family, and first taught guitar by his grandmother, rock and funk, and in 2012 he released the EP Tricks
then mentored by the late, legendary guitarist/pianist/singer Up My Sleeves. Brooks is a co-author of Blues for
16 CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL | OFFICIAL PROGRAM JUNE 2019Dummies (Wiley & Sons, 1998) and featured in television shows and movie hometown of Jackson, Mississippi
appeared in the film Blues Brothers soundtracks. where he has long been a fixture
2000. Often credited as one of the and an essential player in the storied
founders of alt-country, Jimmie Dale Farish Street blues scene. Born a
3–4pm Billy Boy Arnold Gilmore also writes poetic lyrics and preacher’s son in Benton, Mississippi
See Friday’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion blends elements of folk, rock, country, in 1944 and raised in Mileston, he
schedule above for Billy Boy Arnold’s blues and bluegrass. Born in Amarillo, first played guitar in church when not
biography. Texas his father played guitar in a working on the family farm. He met the
honky tonk band. The family moved to great Elmore James in Jackson as a
4:15–5:30pm Dave Alvin & Jimmie Lubbock, the birthplace of many great teen and soon was playing with Sam
Dale Gilmore with The Guilty Ones musicians, where, when he was 12, Myers, Jimmy King, Duke Huddleston
Musically, they might be he met Butch Hancock and later Joe and others. In his 20s he worked in a
considered a shotgun marriage of Ely who introduced him to the music television factory in Chicago and on
rockabilly, alt rock, blues, and outlaw of master songwriter Townes Van weekends sat in with heavyweights
country, but Dave Alvin and Jimmie Zandt. A few years after, Gilmore, Ely, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Magic Sam,
Dale Gilmore are definitely an auditory and Hancock formed the Flatlanders. and Freddie King. In 1971 he moved
treat of traditional American music at They recorded their first album in 1972 permanently back to Jackson, and
its finest. (as an 8-track only, but reissued in took up residency with his band at the
1991), but then, lacking promotion, Avalon Court and later hosted Blue
the band broke up. Gilmore left music Mondays at Dorsey’s which led to long
and moved around the country before stints working with Little Milton and
settling in 1980 in Austin where he then as bandleader for Bobby Rush
began playing regular gigs. Finally, in with whom he recorded. In the late
1988, Gilmore released his debut solo 1980s he was a regular performer at
album, Fair and Square, followed by the Subway Lounge (and appeared
his 1989 self-titled album. Gilmore in the documentary film Last of the
soon signed with Elektra Nonesuch, Mississippi Jukes), and in the 1990s
with whom he released three albums, began Blue Mondays at Fields Cafe
DAVE ALVIN & JIMMIE DALE including the Grammy© Award- on Farish Street. He has been honored
nominated albums, Spinning Around with a mention on five Mississippi
Dave Alvin and his brother Phil the Sun, and Braver Newer World. Blues Trail markers. A song he wrote
formed The Blasters in 1979, known Gilmore has released two solo albums with Cassandra Wilson, “Show Me a
for their Americana mix of rockabilly, on Rounder, one the Grammy© Award- Love,” appeared on her Belly of the
punk, and alt rock. Dave left around nominated Come on Back, produced Sun CD in 2002. His first album, Blues
1986 to play in LLos Angeles-based by Joe Ely. In 2011, Gilmore recorded Child, was released in 2004.
alt and punk bands Gun Club, X Heirloom Music, an album of “old-
and The Knitters, appearing on two timey” songs. Today, he appears and 12:30–1:30pm Super Chikan
Knitters albums. He recorded four tours with different amalgamations of A favorite of several previous
solo albums rich with his poetic old friends, including his former band, Chicago Blues Festivals, Mississippi
song-writing and knowledge of The Flatlanders, and of course, Dave folk artist and musician James “Super
roots music before scoring big with Alvin. Chikan” Johnson is a true original.
his fifth—Public Domain: Songs The jovial, gold-toothed free spirit is
From the Wild Land—a collection
VISIT MISSISSIPPI the nephew of Big Jack Johnson, “The
of traditional folk and blues classics
which won the 1997 Grammy© Award JUKE JOINT STAGE Oil Man” of Clarksdale, Mississippi
fame, whose band The Jelly Roll Kings
for Best Contemporary Folk Album. (Chase Promenade North)
gave him his start as a young man. His
He reunited with his brother Phil to Emcee: Kamel King “Super Chikan” nickname harks back
revisit their love for blues, recording to his boyhood penchant for following
Common Ground (2014), a set of Big 11:15am–12:15pm Jesse “Guitar” the chickens around the yard, talking
Bill Broonzy songs, and Lost Time Robinson to them. Starting with a primitive one-
(2015) a collection of covers including Jesse “Guitar” Robinson string diddley bow he graduated to an
four titles by Big Joe Turner. Dave has covered a bit of ground in his acoustic guitar that was lacking four of
Alvin’s songs have been covered by lifetime of playing the blues but is its strings and bought at a Salvation
dozens of major artists and his music most associated with his adopted Army store. Eventually he began
17 CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL | OFFICIAL PROGRAM JUNE 2019selling his own brightly decorated Teardrops. While still with Slim, he 4:15–5:30pm Jam Session with
stringed instruments made out of junk recorded CDs as a bandleader on the Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith
and found items—gas cans, motors, Code Blue, Earwig and Wolf labels. See Friday’s Visit Mississippi Juke
toolboxes—even an old shotgun. By the mid ’90s he was working with Joint Stage for jam description and
Mostly performing solo, he has his own unit, The Real Deal Blues Friday’s Front Porch Stage for more
recorded eight albums since his 1997 Band, and was touring nationally information on Kenny Smith.
debut, Blues Come Home to Roost. and internationally. In 2010 he was
Super Chikan has toured nominated for a Grammy© Award for FRONT PORCH STAGE
internationally and has even played for his role on Chicago Blues: A Living (Wrigley Square)
the President of the United States. But History. To date he has issued more
his regular gig remains Morgan than a dozen albums. The most
Emcee: Mike Jeffers
Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club in recent of these is this year’s Soul of Chicago Jazz Magazine
Clarksdale, where he is reportedly a Blues Man, his third release on his
Freeman’s favorite artist. own Blues House label. Nominated 11am–Noon Mary Lane
for Traditional Blues Male Artist of West side singer Mary Lane has
the Year in 2013 and 2014, Primer lived a life in the blues. Born in
deservedly won this coveted award Clarendon, Arkansas in 1935, in the
from the Blues Foundation in 2016. cotton country southwest of Memphis,
she began singing as a teen with now-
3–4pm O.B. Buchana legendary musicians Robert
O. B. Buchana was born Nighthawk and Joe Hill Louis and sat
in Mound Bayou, Mississippi in in with Howlin’ Wolf at her uncle’s
place, The White Swan, in Brinkley,
the 1960s and spent his youth in
Arkansas. As a young mother, she
Clarksdale, Mississippi. He began
moved in 1957 to Waukegan, Illinois
his musical career at the age of eight
where at a club one night she sat in
singing gospel songs in a Baptist
with guitarist Morris Pejoe. It evidently
church choir. When still a teenager,
went well because they eventually
he became lead singer of the gospel
group The Mighty Suns of God. In the
JOHN PRIMER early 1990s O. B. signed with Blue
River Records and released the single,
“Back Up Lover,” which became a big
1:45–2:45pm John Primer & The hit. Soon after, O. B. signed with Suzie
Real Deal Blues Band Q Records in Shreveport, Louisiana
John Primer, now with two and recorded two CDs: It’s Over and I
Grammy© Award nominations under Got Caught, both of which sold well,
his belt, only grows in stature and the songs “Let’s Get Drunk” and “I
significance with every passing year Can’t Choose” receiving much radio
as an elder of the Chicago blues play throughout the southern states.
scene. He was a principal in the bands Memphis-based Ecko Records signed
of Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters (until Buchana in 2004 to record Shake
his 1983 death) and then Magic Slim
What You Got, which included the
until going on his own in 1995. His
hits “That’s My Bad” and “Shake What
signature guitar “lump” has become
You Got,” and followed it soon after
synonymous with Chicago blues. Born
with I Can’t Stop Drinking. Buchana,
in Camden, Mississippi in 1945, Primer
who cites as inspirations Tyrone Davis,
ultimately worked his way up to join
Bobby Blue Bland, Johnny Taylor and MARY LANE
the house band at Chicago’s famed
Marvin Sease, has amassed quite an PHOTO BY PAUL NATKIN
Theresa’s Lounge in 1974 before being
impressive recorded catalog at this
hired by the great Muddy Waters as
guitarist and bandleader in 1980. point. He and his band—two keyboard moved together to Chicago where she
After Waters’ passing, he then logged players, guitar, bass, drums and three sang with his band through the 1960s
more than a decade with Magic background singers—have been (along with Henry Gray and Willie
Slim’s touring and recording unit The together for an impressive 25 years. Young, before those two left to join
18 CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL | OFFICIAL PROGRAM JUNE 2019Howlin’ Wolf’s band), and had three native south side Chicagoan, is played electric combo blues. Also a
daughters before their marriage renowned for his Hammond B3 fine singer, Spann recorded early in
ended. She became good friends with playing inspired by the playing of his career with Jody Williams, B.B.
Magic Sam, Otis Rush and Elmore Jimmy Smith, Richard “Groove” King, Chuck Berry, Walter Horton and
James and worked at the Avenue Holmes and Jimmy McGriff. He has Robert Jr. Lockwood, and appeared
Lounge on West Madison Street and recorded two CDs with the Deep Blue on a smattering of albums, a few of
Pepper’s and Theresa’s on Chicago’s Organ Trio for Origin Records and them as bandleader. Connoisseurs
south side, before settling on the west two for Delmark Records. For several also treasure the few numbers he
side where the locals played the more years Foreman performed with singer recorded as a duo with his dear friend,
raw-sounding blues that she preferred. Kimberly Gordon at the historic Green drummer S.P. Leary, as intimately
Apart from an unissued single in the Mill jazz club in Chicago’s Uptown captured on Vanguard’s Chicago The
1960s and an obscure 1970s 45, she neighborhood and, with her, recorded Blues Today, Vol. 1. Spann was only
had recorded only a few tracks for Melancholy Serenade on the Sirens in his forties when he died in 1970.
Wolf Records in the 1990s before she label in 2005. Foreman released his
made her first full recording in 1997, own CD Now is the Time on Sirens in 3:30–4:30pm Dom Flemons
Appointment with the Blues (Noir). 2013. Chris Foreman currently plays Multi-instrumentalist and
Today she continues to make local a solo set, “The Flipside Show,” every “American songster” Dom Flemons
appearances in Chicago, the suburbs Friday at the Green Mill jazz club and won one Grammy© Award for his work
and northwest Indiana with her No also performs there for the immensely with the trailblazing African-American
Static Blues Band, anchored by her popular late set every Sunday, in string band, the Carolina Chocolate
husband, bassist Jeffery Labon, often partnership with Joel Paterson and Drops (cited by the Guardian as,
performing before crowds who know drummer Mike Schlick. He is also a “the most electrifying acoustic act
little to nothing of her incredible major part of the Soul Message Band’s around” and praised by Rolling
history, but who are moved 2019 Delmark CD Soulful Days. Stone magazine for their “dirt-floor
nonetheless by her simple, sincere dance electricity”), of which he was
and soulful singing. She is the subject 2–3pm Chicago Blues Piano a founding member. He was recently
of a new documentary titled I Can Master—A Tribute to Otis Spann nominated for another Grammy©
Only Be Mary Lane and her recently with Oscar Wilson, Johnny Award for his own recording,
released CD Travelin’ Woman . Iguana, Sumito Ariyoshi, Rie Black Cowboys (2018), a musical
Kanehira, Roosevelt Purifoy, exploration of the contributions of
12:30–1:30pm Joel Paterson Organ Harlan Terson, Frank Krakowski African Americans to the shaping of
Trio featuring Chris Foreman and Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith the American west. To date, he has
The measure of Joel Paterson’s Those who think that blues released five albums under his own
musicianship may be approximated is about volume and speed, that it name. His research and musicianship
by the number of bands with which he requires shouting or that it’s about with The Carolina Chocolate Drops as
is concurrently working: The Modern guitar, need to know about pianist well as on his own has breathed new
Sounds, The Cash Box Kings, Devil in Otis Spann. There are few piano life into and reclaimed the nearly lost
a Woodpile, The Western Elstons and players who play like Otis Spann— celebratory music of early rural African
the Joel Paterson Trio—which may but then how would one capture that Americans. Originally passionate for
not even represent a full accounting. facility and originality, that ability to the music of the Carolina Piedmont
He has recorded and produced a tidy play a solo that elegantly dovetails region in particular, Flemons has,
catalog of CDs on his own Ventrella into, or contrasts with, the mood, or through research, record collecting
label, including sessions with Carl that unanticipated and heart stopping and collaboration, moved his quest
“Sonny” Leyland and three with The yet nearly unobtrusive fill? further west to document the
Modern Sounds. He has recorded Born in either Jackson or previously-misunderstood breadth
with harpist Jim Liban, The Cash Box Belzoni, Mississippi, Otis Spann of African-American influence on the
Kings, Honeyboy Edwards, The Four came to Chicago in 1946 and was music of this county.
Charms, Deke Dickerson and Wanda mentored by Big Maceo Merriweather,
Jackson. He is truly a masterful eventually replacing him in Muddy 5–6pm Bridges to the Blues
guitarist and a tastefully cool cat who Waters’ band. His life’s work is largely Supported by the Chicago
brings old instruments and vintage defined by the tracks he recorded with Department of Cultural Affairs &
rock, blues, country and jazz tunes to Muddy Waters—approximately 100 Special Events (DCASE) and facilitated
renewed life. studio sides—over a 17-year tenure by Art of Culture, Inc., Bridges to the
Organist Chris Foreman, a with arguably the best band that ever Blues is a multi-generational program
20 CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL | OFFICIAL PROGRAM JUNE 2019that challenges young Chicago 8–9pm Lurrie Bell and grateful survivor and a true
musicians working in diverse genres Lurrie Bell split his early Chicago treasure—not to mention one
to re-imagine the blues. Program years between his grandparents in incredible guitar player.
participants learn blues fundamentals Mississippi and his family in Chicago,
from Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, one where, as the son of blues harmonica PARK GRILL STAGE
of todays’ best blues drummers, as great Carey Bell, he was often in the Emcee: WDCB
well as songwriting and performance presence of many of the luminaries
best practices from Oscar and multi- of the Chicago blues scene passing 2–2:45pm Dom Flemons
Grammy® Award-winning artist through his house. He picked up See today’s Front Porch Stage
Che “Rhymefest” Smith. They then guitar quickly and by the age of 19 above for Dom Flemons’ biography.
collaborate on original music and was a founding member of Sons of
audition for an opportunity to perform Blues with Billy Branch and Freddie 3–3:45pm Harmonica Hinds
at the festival. Dixon (Willie’s son), recording and Making a return to the Chicago
touring with them as well as with Blues Fest stages is Mervyn
6:30–7:30pm Morry Sochat & The singer Koko Taylor as her guitarist. “Harmonica” Hinds, who was born
Special 20s Recordings he made with his father on the island of Trinidad and arrived in
Morry Sochat and The Special and other artists were well received, Chicago in the 1970s by way of New
20s have crafted their music and stage but he was personally struggling. Orleans and Canada. Through much of
presence to evoke a sophisticated and With assistance, he pulled out and the 1970s Hinds was a member of the
sexy musical era that might have ultimately triumphed with a string of house band at Chicago’s legendary
existed—in terms of style— four excellent recordings for Delmark, Theresa’s, alongside Junior Wells,
somewhere between the age of the a 2004 duet with his father on the Sammy Lawhorn, Nate Applewhite
territory bands and Mad Men, but with Alligator label, and a self-produced CD and John Primer. In 1977 he was
largely original compositions based on Let’s Talk About Love, which critics selected to travel to the Berlin Jazz
classic 1950s rock ’n’ roll, swing music raved about. In 2009 he appeared on Festival as a member of “The New
and Chicago blues. Bandleader Morry both volumes of Chicago Blues: A Generation of Chicago Blues,” along
Sochat (pronounced ‘sock-et’) picked Living History, earning a Grammy© with Billy Branch, Freddie Dixon,
up the harmonica after moving to Award nomination. He started his own Lurrie Bell, Larry Taylor and others.
Chicago from Texas in 1990 and Aria BG label in 2012 and released He has performed and recorded with
played in a couple of local bands The Devil Ain’t Got No Music, a well-known Chicago blues artists
before creating The Special 20s in sensitive and celebrated revisiting of Koko Taylor, Eddie Taylor Jr., Moose
2005. In 2006 they released their first, the acoustic blues and gospel music Walker and Larry “Mud” Morganfield.
eponymous album, and the following of his youth, and he was honored For several years he has appeared
year issued Swingin’ Shufflin’ with the Prix du Blues award from the in regular rotation at Buddy Guy’s
Smokin’, produced by fellow prestigious French L’Academie du Legends, performing solo, as a duo
bandleader and guitarist Nick Moss. Jazz for the Best Blues Recording of (with the late Eddie Taylor, Jr.) and
By 2010 when they recorded Eatin’ 2012. He re-signed with Delmark for occasionally with his own band. In
Dirt (produced by Jimmy Sutton), they the 2013 Blues in My Soul, a return to 2012 the Wolf label of Austria released
had added a horn section, which has straight-ahead Chicago blues; the title I’d Give You Anything If I Could,
come to define their current sound— track, which he wrote, won a Blues a compilation of tracks from Hinds’
full vintage and well-orchestrated. Music Award for Song Of The Year. In earlier self-released CDs.
Their most recent album, released in 2015 he won the Blues Foundation’s
2015, is titled Dig In. award for Best Traditional Male Blues 4–4:45pm Doktu Rhute Muuzic
Artist. Can’t Shake This Feeling, Singer, guitarist, actor, and
recorded for Delmark in 2016, was educator Roy Hytower changed his
nominated for a Grammy© Award and name to Doktu Rhute Muuzic several
earned another Blues Music Award years ago, in part because he had
for Traditional Recording Of The became known internationally for
Year.. And last year, Lurrie returned his signature number Root Doctor,
to Delmark—with his brothers Steve, and also to both honor his father,
James and Tyson—to record Lurrie an herbalist or root doctor, and
Bell and the Bell Dynasty: A Tribute incorporate aspects of the principles
MORRY SOCHAT to Carey Bell. Lurrie Bell is a jubilant of Kwanzaa. Originally from Mobile,
21 CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL | OFFICIAL PROGRAM JUNE 2019Alabama, Hytower came to Chicago 2003, releasing Latt Is Back, and Memphis-based Bo-Keys. With them,
in 1962 where he cut some soul reconnected with his old friend Henry he recorded the album Don’t Give Up
singles for small, indie labels Avin, Stone—for whom he first recorded in on Love, released by Fat Possum in
Anthem, Jiffy, Expo, Brainstorm and the 1960s—to record Back ’Atcha 2017. He was also a highlight of the
Mercury’s Blue Rock subsidiary. He in 2007. He is also in demand as a Take Me To The River tour. A stylish
played rhythm guitar for Otis Rush session pianist and appeared on Joss recent music video of him performing
for a time, as well as with other Stone’s albums The Soul Sessions his composition “How Do I Get There”
Chicago blues notables, but soon was and Mind Body & Soul. In 2017, shows him dancing and singing in fine
leading his own band. Hytower’s 1988 Latimore was inducted into the Blues form, a great indication of the treat we
album Root Doctor (with his band, Hall of Fame. are in for.
Motif) was issued by Diamond Gem
Records. In recent years Hytower has 6:30–7:30pm Don Bryant 7:45–9pm Bettye LaVette
self-released a couple of CDs under Singer-songwriter Don Bryant, Soul singer Bettye LaVette has
the name Doktu Rhute Muuzic. His who began singing gospel as a child been said to possess a voice that can
latest album All Time Favorites is on seventy years ago, might easily be “move from satin to sandpaper,” and
Root Doctor Records. As an actor, he remembered solely for I Can’t Stand her success throughout her more than
has portrayed Muddy Waters and Otis the Rain, the enduring Top 40 hit that 50-year performing career is largely
Redding in Chicago’s Black Ensemble he co-wrote in 1973 with vocalist Ann due to her ability to infuse her dyed-in-
Theater (BET) productions. Peebles, the woman he soon married. the-wool R&B sensibility into virtually
But he has gone on to be credited on any material. After all, she grew up
ROSA’S LOUNGE as many as 154 titles and has enjoyed in a Detroit home with a jukebox
Emcee: Tony Mangiullo a lifetime of beautiful songwriting and in the living room and a parade of
11am–9pm Daily showcase of music making and could easily be said traveling musicians dropping by.
Chicago Blues Legends and emerging to be today in top performing shape— At age 16, her first recording, “My
artists that have called Rosa’s Lounge at age 77. Man—He’s a Loving Man,” reached
home over the last 35 years. The Memphis-born Bryant the #7 spot in the R&B charts and
moved from gospel to secular singing won her a spot on a tour with Ben
JAY PRITZKER as a teen and with his band The Four E. King, Otis Redding and Clyde
PAVILION Kings, began fronting Willie Mitchell’s McPhatter. In 1965 her single “Let
band for local gigs. Mitchell then Me Down Easy” on the Calla label
5–5:15pm
hired him to sing and lead his band, hit at the #20 R&B spot and landed
and found that Bryant could also her on TV’s Shindig. She charted
Emcee: Tom Marker write songs. Bryant penned I Got three more times in the 1960s and
To Know in 1960 for the 5 Royales, ’70s. She hung up recording for a few
5:15–6:15pm Latimore which Mitchell was then producing. years to star in the touring Broadway
Soul and R&B crooner and In 1969 Don Bryant had a shot as a musical Bubbling Brown Sugar with
pianist Latimore (shortened from his solo artist himself with the release of Honi Coles and Cab Calloway. It
birth name, Benjamin Lattimore) struck an album, but at the time, the field wasn’t until 1982 that she released
gold in 1974 with “Let’s Straighten was thick with great singers and he her first album, Tell Me A Lie, backed
It Out,” a number one R&B hit that retreated to the writing booth. He by the Memphis Horns on Motown.
also charted at number 31 on the spent the 1980s and ’90s focused on Since 2000 she has released several
Billboard Hot 100 chart and still has writing and producing gospel albums compilations of earlier work and five
lasting power on playlists today. until he was invited to sing with the CDs on the Anti- label. In 2009 she
Originally from Charleston, Tennessee,
he sang gospel before turning his
attention to R&B and moving to Miami,
where he still makes his home. He
recorded mostly covers on a number
of small labels before his first big
hit, then released five albums on the
Glades label, before moving over to
the Malaco label in 1982 where he
recorded seven albums. He signed
with Mel Waiters’ Brittney label in
23 CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL | OFFICIAL PROGRAM JUNE 2019You can also read
