Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler I'm Gettin' the Blues

I can't believe no one's mentioned Eric Clapton yet. Also Ray Charles, Muddy Waters, and a big second for Susan Tedeschi.

Don't forget Mississippi Gary.

Hi Adrian,

It would be remiss not to mention the great Bessie Smith, "Empress of the Blues," who influenced just about everyone. NOTE: low-fidelity recordings! All of her great recordings were from the mid-1920s to the late 1930s. Despite the limitations of early recording technology, the power and heartbreak in her voice comes through. One of my favorites of hers is "Empty Bed Blues."

Also Bobby "Blue" Bland and Alberta Hunter. Hunter retired after a long career in the 1920s '30s, worked as a nurse for decades in New York and then had an amazing comeback when she was in her late 70s and 80s(!). There is a great video of a concert she gave, called "Alberta Hunter Live at the Smithsonian".

Give a listen to Lonnie Johnson, a great, sweet-voiced New Orleans singer and guitarist, who lived a long time and recorded with many of the greats--Armstrong, Ellington and others. He was still singing and touring in the 1960s, and I saw him live in a Toronto club in the late '60s. He actually died in Toronto in 1970.

Cheers,
Alan

Thanks for all the recommendations guys, WOW!! I'm familiar with a few names mentioned, but lots to go through here....

If the Delta Blues interest you Adrian, here's a neat site with a slew of links that will keep you busy for a day or two. If you click the 'Blues CDs' link on the upper left side of the page it will direct you to a few artist, I especially like that guy 'Super Chikan's' music, good stuff ... Cat Head

Good name.

Mississippi John Hurt