Blues America

An in-depth conversation about one the strangest characters of the Blues and Rock-N-Roll, Screaming Jay Hawkins with author Steve Bergsman. Details of Hawkins life is based on Bergsman new autobiography called, I Put a Spell on You: The Bizarre Life of Screamin' Jay Hawkins. Part 1 of this 2 part series will cover Hawkins early career which both, sensationalized and marginalized by his many character flaws.

An in-depth conversation about one the strangest characters of the Blues and Rock-N-Roll, Screaming Jay Hawkins with author Steve Bergsman. Details of Hawkins life is based on Bergsman new autobiography called, I Put a Spell on You: The Bizarre Life of Screamin' Jay Hawkins. Part 1 of this 2 part series will cover Hawkins early career which both, sensationalized and marginalized by his many character flaws.

James Armstrong is a veteran westcoast guitarist who cut his teeth as a teen on the Los Angeles blues scene with Smokey Wilson. He launched a successful solo career during the 90’s after being discovered and signed-to Hightone Records by Bruce Bromberg. He mastered the slide guitar after a tragic and violent altercation damaged his fret-hand. He’s released many studio efforts since this time, including the critically acclaimed ‘Blues Been Good to Me.’ James is known to perform in a diverse contemporary style with rock overtones, but his latest release captures the depth of his downhome upbringing.

James Armstrong is a veteran westcoast guitarist who cut his teeth as a teen on the Los Angeles blues scene with Smokey Wilson. He launched a successful solo career during the 90’s after being discovered and signed-to Hightone Records by Bruce Bromberg. He mastered the slide guitar after a tragic and violent altercation damaged his fret-hand. He’s released many studio efforts since this time, including the critically acclaimed ‘Blues Been Good to Me.’ James is known to perform in a diverse contemporary style with rock overtones, but his latest release captures the depth of his downhome upbringing.

Keesha Pratt is a Houston Native who was born in Mississippi and grew-up singing gospel in the church. In 2018 she took Memphis by storm to win the International Blues Challenge. Her critically acclaimed debut studio effort is titled, Believe and features 12 original tracks produced by bass man, Shawn Allen.

Keesha Pratt is a Houston Native who was born in Mississippi and grew-up singing gospel in the church. In 2018 she took Memphis by storm to win the International Blues Challenge. Her critically acclaimed debut studio effort is titled, Believe and features 12 original tracks produced by bass man, Shawn Allen.

Charley Crockett is a self-taught guitarist who cut his teeth busking on the streets of America. He hails from the same Texas border town as Freddy Fender. He has a talent for seamlessly integrating traditional blues with country. Charley has cut several studio records, his latest is called Lil GL’s Blue Bonanza. The album features original songs and a few covers of blues standards including Jimmy Reed’s hit, ‘Bright Lights Big City’ and GL Crockett’s south Chicago hit, ‘There’s a Man Down There.’

Charley Crockett is a self-taught guitarist who cut his teeth busking on the streets of America. He hails from the same Texas border town as Freddy Fender. He has a talent for seamlessly integrating traditional blues with country. Charley has cut several studio records, his latest is called Lil GL’s Blue Bonanza. The album features original songs and a few covers of blues standards including Jimmy Reed’s hit, ‘Bright Lights Big City’ and GL Crockett’s south Chicago hit, ‘There’s a Man Down There.’

Christone Kingfish Ingram became an internet sensation during his early teen years being followed by the likes of Bootsy Collins and the Game. After bursting on the scene from Clarksdale, Mississippi under the tutelage of Howlin’ Madd Perry, Kingfish could be seen on network television programs like the Rachel Ray Show and the Steve Harvey Show. His first studio releases appeared on the Netflix hit series, Luke Cage. Kingfish recently signed to Chicago’s famed Alligator records to release his debut single, Fresh Out featuring the legend, Buddy Guy for the upcoming album, Kingfish. The album is produced by Tom Hambridge and features Keb Mo and Billy Branch.

Christone Kingfish Ingram became an internet sensation during his early teen years being followed by the likes of Bootsy Collins and the Game. After bursting on the scene from Clarksdale, Mississippi under the tutelage of Howlin’ Madd Perry, Kingfish could be seen on network television programs like the Rachel Ray Show and the Steve Harvey Show. His first studio releases appeared on the Netflix hit series, Luke Cage. Kingfish recently signed to Chicago’s famed Alligator records to release his debut single, Fresh Out featuring the legend, Buddy Guy for the upcoming album, Kingfish. The album is produced by Tom Hambridge and features Keb Mo and Billy Branch.

Thaddeus Krolicki is a young guitar player on the Chicago scene who cut his teeth playing for Willie Buck, the Taildragger, Harmonica Hines and Barrelhouse Chuck. He often performs with Lil Ed and currently finds a home with the band of Mojo Mark. Recently he cut some studio sides with Willie Buck and was featured on showcases in Westcoast venues. He received hi undergraduate degree from Purdue. Additionally, Thad has found guidance from Billy Flynn, Billy Boy Arnold and Illinois Slim.

Many people are glad to put 2018 in the rearview mirror after another year of wild rides. The headlines were dominated with news about wild fires, mid-term elections and trade-wars; but all of that is for some other show. At Blues America there was no royal wedding, no #metoo scandal or talk about a wall. We added more stations, listeners and produced over 20 new programs that featured legends and the top talent in the business. Saddly, we lost too many blues heroes including Preston Shannon and Eddy Clearwater who spoke with us shortly to their passing. Before we close the book and write a new chapter in 2019 for season 5 of Blues America, we rewind the tape to hear what the year sounded like featuring some of the best guests and outtakes from 2018.

Thornetta Davis is the reigning Queen of Detroit Blues whose latest album “Honest Woman” has been climbing the music charts and earned her two Blues Music Award nominations. She confesses that her recent studio effort that has earned national critical acclaim was 20 years in the making. She was mentored by the great late Alberta Adams. The Queen has also had her music featured on the hit cable series Sopranos and has performed many times with Bob Segar, Kid Rock and Iggy Pop.

Lindsay Beaver is a multi-instrumentalist from Halifax, Nova Scotia who is the most recent young talent to sign with Chicago-based Alligator Records. Her debut studio effort for Alligator, 'Tough as Love' showcases her deep love for roots music and features a helping hand from Marcia Ball and amazing talent like Laura Chavez, Sax Gordon and Dennis Gruenling (among others). Lindsay tours extensively as Tough as Love has risen to the top of the roots charts.

Whitney Shay is a talented upcoming blues talent from Southern California with 2-San Diego Music Awards under her belt. She’s hit the road with Igor Prado and is seen locally on nearly 200 shows per year. Recently, she cut her sophomore studio effort, A Women Rules the World, at Kid Andersens’ renowned Grease Land studios with an all-star cast of player that included Igor Prado and Aki Kumar, among many others.

Sugar Brown is a multi-talented instrumentalist who cut his teeth on Chicago’s Westside and the Delta Fish Market backing the Tail Dragger and Rockin’ Johnny Burgin. He earned his PhD from New York University and is a professor at the University of Toronto where he has resided for the past 18 years. He celebrates his third studio effort, “It’s a Blues World” which showcases his understanding for deep blues in the vein of greats like Frankie Lee Sims, Little Mack Simmons and Big Bill Broonzy while adding hints of outside roots influences such as, Tom Waits.

Shemekia Copeland is the Grammy-nominated reigning Queen of Chicago Blues who released her 8th studio effort on Alligator records, ‘America’s Child.’ The album was produced by Will Kimbrough and features all-stars like John Prine, Emmy Lou Harris and Steve Cropper. Shemekia carries on the legacy of her family name in the blues made famous by her legendary father, Johnny Copeland. She’s won numerous Blues music awards.

Dom Flemons is a multi-instrumentalist and native of Arizona who emerged onto the roots scene as the co-founder of the Grammy-Award winning folk band, the Carolina Chocolate Drops. After leaving the group to pursue a solo career he quickly lived up to his moniker as the American Songster performing in front of music coinsures around the world, including at Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry. Recently he teamed with the Smithsonian Folkways label to produce his latest studio effort titled, Black Cowboy. A roots experience that highlights the forgotten culture and history of African American Cowboys.

Walter “Wolfman” Washington cut his teeth backing the legendary R&B legend, Lee Dorsey (Ya Ya) who took the young teen on the road and legendary venues like the Apollo theatre. Later, Wolfman learned details about singing and the music biz while backing Johnny Adams for many years. He released critically acclaimed records during the 80’s and 90’s for some of the top labels of the day, like Rounder and Point Blank. The New Orleans native is rooted in deep blues but cut many funk grooves and naturally commands deep soul ballads with tremendous feeling. His debut studio effort for Anti-Records is a stripped down bluesy contemporary-Jazz project called “My Future is My Past.”

"Long-Tall" Marcia Ball earned world-wide fame as a two-fisted barrelhouse piano player who delivers a fiery twist of Louisiana swamp blues and Texas stomp-rock. The award winning Southern piano player has been cutting critically acclaimed studio records since the mid-80’s. Her latest effort is called, Shine Bright, produced by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos and available everywhere from Chicago’s renowned, Alligator records. In 2018, she was inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame.

Shawn Holt is an international blues star who carries on the tradition and family legacy of his father, the legendary Magic Slim. He picked up the guitar and performed with dad at only 17, before becoming the leader of his dads famous band, the Teardrops that featured Shawn's famous uncle, Nick Holt and the great John Primer. Shawn performs out sold-out venues around the world and released his debut studio effort for Blind Pig records, 'Daddy Told Me" that won a blues music award.

He led a remarkable life filled with struggles and tales of bad luck but also stories of worldly adventures and meetings with seminal blues figures such as Muddy Waters, Little Walter and Champion Jack Dupree. Along the way he recorded extensively, first as Rocky Fuller for Chess, later contributing to some of the best lowdown blues the genre has ever produced; like ‘Red’s Dream’, ‘Sweet Blood Call’, and ‘I’m Too Poor to Die.’ In total, he recorded almost 50 albums during a career spanning 65 years and received multiple awards internationally.

Remembering the legendary Eddy Clearwater (1935 – 2018). Born in Mississippi, raised in Alabama and entered the blues scene in the early 1950’s Chicago behind Magic Sam before cutting sides for his uncle, Houston Harrington on the small Atomic-H label. During the early 80’s, Eddy would forever be known as the Chief, from the popular title of his Rooster Records Label debut which featured the exciting showman in a Native American headdress and riding a horse. He would continue to impress fans worldwide, releasing 17 albums, being nominated for a Grammy Award and winning a handful of blues music awards.

Johnny Tucker started playing in the local clubs of Fresno during the early 60’s with his family band. Later, he cut his teeth as a drummer for Phillip Walker. This put Johnny on the road and he would later work with Floyd Dixon, Robert Cray, Johnny Otis, Lowell Folson, Johnny Copeland and many more. In the late 90’s he cut a studio album with James Thomas before launching a solo career with the release of “Why You Lookin’ at Me” some years later. Today he celebrates a long career in Big Jon Atkinson’s vintage 1-track studio to cut the downhome blues project, Seven Day blues released on the High John label.

Mud Morganfield is the eldest son of the legendary Muddy Waters. He has never lived in the country; he was born and raised in the inner city of Chicago during the Motown era making his path into the blues much different from his famous father. When he commands the stage the similarities of his powerful vocals with that of his father is uncanny; giving blues fans a sense that the spirit of Muddy Waters is alive. In 2015, Mud earned a Blues Music Award for his album, ‘For Pops.’ Mud celebrates the release of his fourth studio effort, ‘They Call Me Mud’ on Severn records.

With a career spanning forty years, award-winning soul, blues and R&B star, Curtis Salgado is a one-of-a-kind talent whose music is as compelling as his story. From co-fronting The Robert Cray Band to leading his own band (and recording nine solo albums) to helping transform John Belushi into "Joliet" Jake Blues to touring the country with Steve Miller and Santana, he is a true musical giant. In 2013 he won the coveted BMA for B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year—the highest honor the blues world has to offer. His latest studio effort for Alligator records is a stripped-down traditional blues project cut with his long-time friend and guitarist, Alan Hager.

Blues guitar ace, Bernard Allison marks his return to Ruf records with “Let It Go”, another solid studio album to his already distinguished recording career. Bernard is the son of legendary blues icon, Luther Allison. Like his father, he molded his passion for blues and skills as a band leader in France. Today he is one of the top talents on the scene and leading the contemporary blues charge for the next generation of players while bearing the traditional blues torch passed down by his father.

Nick Moss is a formidable Chicago blues guitarist who cut his teeth with Jimmy Dawkins, Jimmy Rogers and Willie Big Eyes Smith before cutting solo records for his own critically acclaimed Blue Bella Records. He started on bass with Barrelhouse Chuck before switching instruments. Recently, he found a natural home with Chicago’s powerhouse record label, Alligator. Releasing premiere album for the label, The High Cost of Low Living with longtime bandmate, Dennis Grueling. Dennis is a harmonica ace from New Jersey who brings commanding vocals and raw harp to the Nick Moss band.

Quique Gómez is an international blues star from Spain. He migrated to Chicago in search of his blues hero’s and found regular work with legends like the Tail Dragger, Willie Buck, Eddie C Campbell, Bob Stroger and today’s second special guest, Rockin Johnny Burgin. As a harmonica ace and crooner, Quique has cut over 12 records in the traditional post-war Chicago blues style.

George Bowman is a famed singer in his home state of Arizona where he is a Blues Hall of Fame inductee and connected to his cities long legacy of blues and soul going back to the days of Dyke & the Blazers. After moving to Arizona from Mississippi, George befriended famed funk icon Dyke Christian and became hooked on the groove. Shortly after he formed a band, Memphis Soul and began to cut singles and opening for Charles Brown and Taj Mahal. George has recorded several full-length studio albums including ‘Badd Boy’ which featured renowned guitarist Lucius Parr. Recently George collaborated with Bob Corritore on a single for the upcoming Delta Groove Records release, ‘Don’t Let the Devil Ride.’

The late great Preston Shannon is internationally recognized as the King of Beale Street. He gained international recognition during the 90’s after forming his own band releasing a string of successful albums on the Rounder Bullseye label and being nominated for two Grammy Awards. The native of Olive Branch, Mississippi was an experienced musician who cut his teeth in the band of platinum selling Grammy-winning soul great, Shirley Brown. Preston was recently featured on the cover of the Living Blues magazine and his latest studio effort, ‘Dust My Broom’ pays tribute to Elmore James and received critical acclaim.

Sweet Pea Atkinson is a veteran singer who rose to fame when his Detroit-based soul funk band Was (Not Was) scored a top ten Billboard pop hit in 1989 called, ‘Walk the Dinosaur.’ Following this success, he spent the next few decades as a member of the Boneshakers and performing with the likes of Lyle Lovett, Bonnie Raitt and Kris Kristofferson. In 2017, working with Keb Mo, he released his first solo studio album in 30 years, a contemporary blues-soul project called ‘Get What You Deserve’ for famed Blue Note Records.

2017 was a wild ride! Headlines were dominated by politics, hurricanes and fake news. But all of that is for some other show and here at Blues America it was a great year! To be sure, there was no sex scandal and we did not collude with the Russians. Before closing the book on 2017, we rewind the tape to hear what the year sounded like with some of the best interview segments packed into one show. Featuring: Bobby Rush, John Primer, Oscar Wilson, Bob Corritore, Jimi Primetime Smith, Miss Blues, Harrison Kennedy, the Taildragger and more.

John Tefteller is a world-renowned collector of rare records and 78’s but in particular, pre-war classic blues and more specifically, the Paramount blues catalog. John spends much of his time traveling around the world in search of rare records. In 2009, the New York Times featured John in a major soft news feature. In 2013, John made headline news by purchasing a Tommy Johnson 78 on eBay for $37, 100. John is often mentioned or used for source reference in music news and publications. In 2004, John began putting out a blues calendar which features rare blues advertising illustrations from the 1920’s and is accompanied by a rare classic blues CD compilation.

A downhome acoustic showcase with the best in-studio live performances from 2017. Featuring Grammy award winner John Primer, blues hall of famer Henry Gray, 5-time drummer of the year Cedric Burnside, Minnesota blues hall of famer Jimi Prime Time Smith, award winning harmonica ace Bob Corritore, Rockin’ Johnny Burgin and finally, Trenton Ayers.

A BBQ smothered Christmas special featuring Oklahoma’s blues elder and reigning queen of the blues, Dorothy Ellis, better known under her moniker, Miss Blues. We also hear season’s greetings by Tommy Castro, Rockin’ Johnny and more. On the second half of the program, enjoy an offbeat, laugh-out loud, off the wall Christmas story about the mysterious B.B. Kringle who saves the small town of Bluesville from the miserly grips of Eli’s Pawn proprietor, old Ebenezer Slim. This family fun tale was written by the creative children from a local shelter group exclusively for Blues America. It’s narrated by actor and multi-instrumentalist Monty Banks. Throw on your bad Christmas sweater, untangle those lights and spike the eggnog as we gather around the stovepipe for Santa’s favorite show, the Blues America juke joint jingle jam.

When the Howlin’ Wolf gives you a name it sticks. He told Arkansas native, Crawlin’ James Yancey to stop draggin’ his tail and from that day, the Tail Dragger was born on the Chicago blues scene. He took tips from Mad Dog Lester Davenport, Lee Shot Williams and Chico Chism before soon becoming one of Chicago’s most formidable singers and hiring a gamut of top talents to back him including Willie Kent, Little Mack Simmons, Johnny B Moore, Carey Bell, Lurrie Bell, and Eddie Shaw. Later, he frequently molded young white players; some have moved-on to make significant contributions to the blues, like Bob Corritore and Rockin’ Johnny Burgin.

Mojo Mark Cihlar is a Chicago native who cut his teeth performing guitar and harmonica with some of most legendary players of his day like Kansas City Red, Big Smokey Smothers, Eddie King, and Little Arthur Duncan. After 30 years on the scene, he still performs traditional Chicago blues with the great Willie Buck, the Taildragger or a combination of his own band. In 2010, he was featured on the legendary Eddie C. Campbell’s award winning Delmark studio release. In 2016, he celebrated the release of his own project, co-produced with his brother, Grant, called Chicago Blues Party.

Anson Funderburgh is a blues guitar master who is best known as the band leader for the Texas hallmarks Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets. Recently he’s been part of the Golden State Lone Star Blues Revue and touring with the Andy T Band. Our second guests, Stephanie Tice is a blues producer, promoter and vlogger who recently released two commercial projects, Howlin at Greaseland all-star compilation and the Rockin’ Johnny studio album.

Rockin Johnny cut his teeth on the Chicago scene with the likes of Jewtown Burkes and the Taildragger. Since then he’s released 7 critically acclaimed albums, most on famed Delmark Records. Johnny led one of the most requested house bands in Chicago working with Billy Boy Arnold, Jimmie Lee Robinson, Willie Buck, Paul De Lay and many more, before relocating to California. He just released his second studio effort as a Californian, both recorded at the renowned Greaseland. His latest is Neoprene Fedora, a theme which represents his assimilation into West coast culture. The album features Kid Andersen, Aki Kumar and Alabama Mike among others and features a smashing version of Johnny Littlejohn’s ABC hit, Guitar King.

Johnny Rawls is a Southern Mississippi soul-blues legend who cut his teeth with ZZ Hill, and Joe Tex before becoming O.V. Wright’s band leader. After O.V.’s death he led Little Johnny Taylor’s band before launching a solo career and scoring several hit records, Red Cadillac and Lucy (Get Juicy). Rawls has been featured on many magazine covers and in 2009 was honored with a Blues Trail Marker next to Tyrone Davis and Little Milton, located at the original site of the Hi Hat Club in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He has been nominated for 14 Blues Music Awards.

Alligator recording artist Tommy Castro is a Westcoast blues legend who is one of the most recognizable names in the business. The 2010 BB King Entertainer of the Year harkens back to a simpler time during his San Jose roots on his latest nostalgic studio album, ‘Stompin’ Ground,’ recorded at Kid Andersens Greaseland studios. Since starting his recording career with Warner Brother’s recording artist, the Dynatones, he’s released 15 solo albums; most of which for Alligator.

Dorothy Ellis is better known by her stage name, Miss Blues. A moniker earned, not in church, but the cotton patches and juke joints of Direct, Texas; a town barely found on the map and where a preacher once declared everyone born there was headed directly to hell. Her mother died before she reached her mid-teens. Broke and hungry, she took a bus as far North as a few cents would take her looking for opportunity and arriving in Oklahoma City. There she fronted a band called the Rockin’ Aces which featured Chuck Berry’s guitarist, D.C. Minner. Tired of working in kitchens for white people, she worked towards a higher education, earning a Master’s degree. Today, Miss Blues is considered a legend in Oklahoma and appropriately resides in the Blues Hall of Fame and the Jazz Hall of Fame. Although she hasn’t toured much, she has released a handful of critically acclaimed studio albums and regularly performs at festivals in Oklahoma.

Joe Nosek is a Wisconsin based harmonica ace and songwriter from Chicago who founded and fronts Chicago’s favorite houserocking party band, the Cash Box Kings. Over the years’ members have included an all-star cast of top-notch players from Oscar “Mr. 43rd St” Wilson, Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith to Billy Flynn and the late Barrelhouse Chuck. Their recent smash hit album, ‘Royal Mint’ is the debut studio effort on Chicago’s famed Alligator records following a string of critically acclaimed releases on the Blind Pig record label. Nosek is a self-described blues fanatic who spent his youth soaking up blues music. He took up the harmonica during his teens and quickly cultivated his own aggressive, fluid style.

With his wily and unforgettable original songs and his hipster, street-smart vocals, no one on the blues scene writes or sings like harmonica ace Rick Estrin. No one looks like him either, as Estrin is always dressed to the nines, sporting his trademark pencil-line mustache and pompadour haircut. The San Francisco native cut his teeth as a teen with ZZ Hill, Fillmore Slim, Travis Phillips and Roger Collins before finding a place with the legendary west coast hallmark band, Little Charlie in the Night Cats during the 70’s. Rick became the band leader when Charlie departed in 2008 and released his fourth studio effort for Chicago’s famed Alligator records, “Groovin’ in Greaseland” which features 13 new tracks recorded in the home studio of bandmate wonder kid, Kid Anderson who is a rising blues star in his own right. Rick is self-described as ‘peculiar’ and has won several awards for his extraordinary harmonica talent.

Linsey “Hoochie Man” Alexander has been a fixture on Chicago’s Northside blues scene for decades. He has a knack for writing colorful and provocative songs to present an authentic and modern offering that is upbeat with a party atmosphere while continuing to promote the traditional blues format. He celebrates his latest Delmark Records studio release “Two Cats” marking his third release for the famed Chicago label. Before breaking out as a solo artist, he performed with Buddy Guy, AC Reed, Magic Slim and BB King.

Standing 6’ 5” 300 pounds, Sugaray Rayford is a formidable force. Critics consider Sugaray Rayford to be one of the greatest and last blues shouters; in the same league, as: Big Mama Thornton, Jimmy Rushing, Big Joe Turner. Rarely does a singer appear carrying within him the gift of universal appeal that towers above tastes and trends. Grammy Award nominated, Sugaray Rayford is such an artist. Nominated for BB King Entertainer of the year multiple times.

Canadian-born Harrison “Sweet-Taste” Kennedy is a multi-instrumentalist and a founding member of the famed Detroit R&B-Pop band Chairmen of the Board who scored a number of hits including the 1969 chart topper, “Give Me Just Little More Time.” The late great Sonny Terry taught him how to play the harmonica during his early teens. After many years with his band, Harrison naturally gravitated towards the blues following in his uncle’s footsteps, Canada’s legendary music pioneer, Jackie Washington. Harrison’s childhood home wash filled with legendary musicians and famous visitors such as Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday and Lonnie Johnson. In 2016, Harrison won a Juno award for “Blues Album of the Year.”

Jimi Primetime Smith was groomed to join the family business made famous by his mother, Chicago Blues legend Johnnie Mae Dunson “The Big Boss Lady.” He learned blues guitar directly from a master, the great late Jimmy Reed who lived in Jimi’s childhood home for a short period. Other legends, such as GL Crocket, Koko Taylor, Eddie Taylor, JB Hutto and Hubert Sumlin would also frequent his home. Later, as a teen he performed with Jimmy Reed on stage during some of Reed’s most memorable performances; including the famed Ann Arbor Blues Festival. Smith lived in Minneapolis for a number of years were he was considered one of the top performers and developed a close working relationship with the legendary Big Walter Smith who often introduced Jimi as his son.

Bill Howl-N-Madd Perry cut his teeth on the gospel scene behind the Blind Boys of Alabama and Shirley Caesar before touring with Little Milton. Later the Mississippi native was seen behind Freddie King, Little Richard, Cash McCall, Johnnie Taylor and T-Bone Walker before breaking out on his own and cutting several fine records over the years. In 2009, he acted alongside Cuba Gooding Jr and Clarence Williams III in the major motion film, The Way of War. Today Howl-N-Madd Perry is considered a living legend who tours extensively with his daughter, the rising blues star, Sharo “Shy” Perry. In 2011, Bill was imprinted on the 143rd Mississippi Blues Trail marker posted in downtown Oxford, Ms.

Producer and harmonica ace Steve Krase is a Houston transplant from Long Island, New York. He cut his teeth with Houston legends Big Walter Price, Jerry Lightfoot and Trudy Lynn before fronting a solo career. Along the way he spearheaded the label, Connor Ray Music which has been involved in capturing some of the greats like, Pete Mayes and released a variety of contemporary and traditional blues including some of Trudy Lynn’s best work.