WC Handy 150 -- November 16, 2023

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WC Handy was born 150 years ago today, on 16-November-1873. He liked to call himself the "Father of the Blues." He did not invent the blues, as he claimed, but he was the first to write down and publish what had been folk music. 

Albert King 100 -- April 25, 2023

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Albert King, one of the Three Kings of blues guitarists, was probably born 100 years ago, on 25-April-1923. He was famous for his Gibson Flying V guitar. I remember that I brought home one of his albums and my mother hated it. I love "Born Under a Bad Sign."

 
Albert King - Born Under A Bad Sign (Official Lyric Video)

Memphis Minnie 125 -- June 3, 2022

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Memphis Minnie, blues singer, guitarist and composer, was born 125 years ago today on 03-June-1897.

Memphis Minnie - When the Levee Breaks

Memphis Minnie - Me And My Chauffeur Blues

The Famous Mamie Smith and Her Celebrated Jazz Hounds -- April 21, 2021

 

Saint Paul Appeal, 16-April-1921

Mamie Smith was a pioneering blues and jazz singer. Her recording of Perry Bradford's "Cray Blues" sold over a million copies in the first year. Over time, her Jazz Hounds included many famous musicians.

Richmond Palladium and Sun-Telegram, 21-April-1921

Blind Lemon Jefferson 125 -- September 24, 2018

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Blues master Blind Lemon Jefferson was probably born 125 years ago today, on 24-September-1893. Despite his blindness, he played the guitar and sang all around the south.   He recorded for Paramount Records and had several  hits.

John Lee Hooker 100 -- August 22, 2017

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Bluesman John Lee Hooker may have been born 100 years ago today, on 22-August-1917.  He was born on 22-August in some year between 1912 and 1923.

I tried to get some of friends who liked soul music to listen to John Lee Hooker, but I guess he was a bridge too far.

I always liked his socks.  And his hats.

James Cotton, RIP -- March 18, 2017

www.famousfix.com

I was sad to learn of the death of blues harp player James Cotton.  I think I first heard him on a Muddy Waters album.

B. B. King RIP -- May 16, 2015

www.listal.com

B. B. King, often called "The King of the Blues", has passed on.  He had a powerful way of playing the guitar. 

Happy Saint Joseph's Day #6 -- March 19, 2014

Happy Saint Joseph's Day to my fellow Joes.

Big Joe Turner from Kansas City was a great blues shouter.  He worked with boogie woogie piano player Pete Johnson and they composed and recorded "Roll 'Em Pete" in 1938.  This song is one of the candidates for the first rock'n'roll record. 
Here is one version on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnO-Wp4BZMg

Turner replaced Jimmy Rushing in Count Basie's band.  On his own he recorded "Shake, Rattle and Roll," which was a big hit with the newly growing rock'n'roll audience.  Bill Haley and His Comets covered it and made a lot more money. 
Here is a version on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9wTQsAgktg

Big Joe Turner went back to the blues for the rest of his career.  He is a member of the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

Bobby Bland RIP -- June 24, 2013

I was sad to learn that Bobby Bland has passed on.  There was some controversy about the truth of the initial reports, but now it has been reported by major news sources.  I have to dig out my album.  I didn't know much about him till I read a Newsweek story about a comeback album in the 1970s.  Then I learned about the good stuff like "Further on Up the Road" and "I Pity the Fool." 

Firehouse #20 -- June 3, 2009

The Pedro Point Firehouse is older than Pacifica. It was built by the Pedro Point Improvement Association for the volunteer fire department from 1949 to 1953. The Pedro Point Community Association, successor to the PPIA, still owns the firehouse and uses it for events.

Koko Taylor died.