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2022 Award Recipient

Joe Louis Walker

Joe Louis Walker, a versatile blues icon, blends gospel, jazz, and rock. A prolific artist and mentor, his legacy and influence span generations, keeping the blues vibrant and evolving.

2014 Award Recipient

Eddie Shaw

Eddie Shaw, a legendary saxophonist, shaped blues with his work alongside Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. His legacy endures through his music and mentorship in the blues community.

2013 Award Recipient

John Primer

John Primer, a stalwart of Chicago blues, rose from Mississippi roots to fame with Muddy Waters and Magic Slim. His authentic style and mentoring keep the blues vibrant for future generations.

2012 Award Recipient

Bobby Rush

Bobby Rush, a blues legend, rose from humble beginnings in Louisiana to Grammy-winning fame, blending traditional blues with funk and soul, inspiring generations with his dynamic performances and resilience.

2012 Award Recipient

Lonnie Brooks

Lonnie Brooks, born in Louisiana, became a blues icon with his unique blend of Delta, Texas, and Chicago blues. His influential career, marked by dynamic performances and mentoring, left a lasting legacy.

2011 Award Recipient

Otis Clay

Otis Clay, a gospel-rooted soul and blues icon, bridged musical genres with his powerful voice, leaving a lasting legacy of emotional depth and community dedication.

2010 Award Recipient

Hubert Sumlin

Hubert Sumlin, a blues guitar legend, known for his emotive, innovative style with Howlin' Wolf, influenced generations of musicians, leaving an enduring legacy in blues and rock.

2009 Award Recipient

Sugar Pie DeSanto

Sugar Pie DeSanto, a dynamic blues artist, blended cultural influences into her music, leaving a lasting legacy of passionate performances and powerful vocal delivery.

2009 Award Recipient

Magic Slim

Magic Slim, born Morris Holt, was a blues titan from Mississippi. His powerful guitar and gritty vocals defined Chicago blues, leaving an enduring legacy in the genre.

2008 Award Recipient

Denise LaSalle

Denise LaSalle, born in Mississippi, rose to fame with hits like "Trapped by a Thing Called Love." A trailblazing blues singer, songwriter, and producer, her legacy inspires future generations.

2008 Award Recipient

Billy Boy Arnold

Billy Boy Arnold, a Chicago blues legend, revolutionized harmonica playing and influenced generations with hits like "I Wish You Would," leaving an indelible mark on blues and rock music.

2007 Award Recipient

Nappy Brown

Nappy Brown, born in 1929, blended gospel, blues, and R&B with his powerful voice. His hits like "Don't Be Angry" and dynamic performances left a lasting legacy in music.

2007 Award Recipient

Jimmie Jones

Jimmie Jones, a jazz and blues historian, photographer, and advocate, dedicated his life to preserving and promoting these genres, leaving a lasting legacy of passion and education.

2007 Award Recipient

Alberta Adams

Alberta Adams, the Queen of Detroit Blues, rose from humble beginnings to become a trailblazing vocalist, blending blues, jazz, and gospel, leaving an enduring legacy in American music.

2006 Award Recipient

James Cotton

James Cotton, "Superharp," revolutionized blues harmonica, mentored by Sonny Boy Williamson II and played with Muddy Waters. His energetic performances and albums left a lasting legacy on the blues genre.

2005 Award Recipient

Sterling D. Plumpp

Sterling Plumpp, a blues poet, bridged music and literature, capturing African American experiences in his works. His legacy inspires future generations in both genres.

2005 Award Recipient

R. L. Burnside

R.L. Burnside, a Mississippi blues legend, fused traditional Delta blues with modern sounds. His gritty style and resilience left an enduring impact on the blues genre and future generations.

2004 Award Recipient

Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown

Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, a genre-blending blues virtuoso, left an indelible mark on music with his eclectic style, Grammy-winning albums, and unforgettable performances. His legacy endures.

2004 Award Recipient

Bob Koester

Bob Koester, founder of Delmark Records, preserved and promoted blues and jazz, impacting the genre significantly with his recordings and dedication. His legacy endures through his work and influence.

2003 Award Recipient

John Mayall

John Mayall, the "Godfather of British Blues," shaped the genre with his Bluesbreakers, nurturing legends like Eric Clapton. His enduring legacy continues to inspire musicians worldwide.

2003 Award Recipient

Henry Townsend

Henry Townsend, a blues legend, bridged Delta and urban styles. Spanning 80 years, his career included iconic recordings, influential mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the blues.

2003 Award Recipient

Fred Anderson

Fred Anderson, a saxophone virtuoso, bridged jazz and blues. From Louisiana to Chicago, his innovation and mentorship left a lasting impact on the music scene and future generations.

2002 Award Recipient

“Little Milton” Campbell

Little Milton, born James Milton Campbell, was a soulful bluesman from Mississippi. Known for blending blues and soul, his hits like "We're Gonna Make It" left a lasting legacy on the genre.

2001 Award Recipient

Odetta

Odetta Holmes, the "Voice of the Civil Rights Movement," bridged folk and blues, inspiring artists like Bob Dylan. Her powerful performances championed social justice and equality.

2001 Award Recipient

Koko Taylor

Koko Taylor, the "Queen of the Blues," rose from humble beginnings in Tennessee to blues stardom with hits like "Wang Dang Doodle," breaking barriers and influencing future generations.

2001 Award Recipient

John Dee Holeman

John Dee Holeman was a Piedmont blues artist known for his fingerpicking guitar style, blending traditional and modern blues. His legacy includes preserving the Piedmont blues and influencing future generations.

2000 Award Recipient

Henry Gray

Henry Gray, born in Louisiana in 1925, was a pioneering blues pianist who shaped Chicago blues. His legacy lives on through iconic recordings and influence on future musicians.

2000 Award Recipient

Gene “Daddy G” Barge

Gene "Daddy G" Barge, saxophonist and producer, shaped blues and R&B with Chess Records, iconic tracks, and innovative arrangements, leaving a lasting legacy in music.

2000 Award Recipient

Boozoo Chavis

Boozoo Chavis, zydeco pioneer, blended Creole, blues, and Cajun sounds. Known for hits like "Paper in My Shoe," he shaped zydeco and influenced future generations.

2000 Award Recipient

Bobby “Blue” Bland

Bobby "Blue" Bland, born in Tennessee, became a blues legend with hits like "Two Steps from the Blues." His blend of blues and soul influenced countless artists, leaving a lasting legacy.

1999 Award Recipient

Pinetop Perkins

Pinetop Perkins, born in 1913, was a legendary blues pianist whose career spanned eight decades. His boogie-woogie style and influence on the blues genre remain unmatched.

1999 Award Recipient

Howard Armstrong

Howard Armstrong, a versatile blues musician, blended diverse musical traditions, influenced American roots music, and left a lasting legacy through his recordings and charismatic performances.

1999 Award Recipient

Francis Clay

Francis Clay, influential blues drummer, shaped the Chicago blues sound with Muddy Waters. His blend of jazz and blues rhythms left a lasting impact on the genre and future generations.

1998 Award Recipient

John Jackson

John Jackson, a master of Piedmont blues, rose from humble beginnings to preserve traditional blues, inspiring future generations with his authentic style and soulful performances.

1998 Award Recipient

Jay McShann

Jay McShann, a pioneering pianist and bandleader, blended blues and jazz, shaping Kansas City jazz and mentoring talents like Charlie Parker, leaving a lasting musical legacy.

1997 Award Recipient

Snooky Pryor

Snooky Pryor, a pioneering blues harmonica player, revolutionized the genre with his amplified sound. His influential career and innovative style left a lasting legacy on the blues.

1997 Award Recipient

Franz Jackson

Franz Jackson, a jazz and blues legend, bridged New Orleans jazz and Chicago blues, leaving a lasting legacy through his recordings, performances, and mentorship of young musicians.

1996 Award Recipient

Robert Lockwood Jr.

Robert Lockwood Jr., a pioneering blues guitarist mentored by Robert Johnson, fused delta and Chicago blues, leaving a lasting legacy through his recordings and mentorship.

1995 Award Recipient

David “Honeyboy” Edwards

David "Honeyboy" Edwards, a Delta blues legend, preserved traditional blues while inspiring future generations with his emotive guitar work and rich storytelling. His legacy endures.

2008 Award Recipient

Denise LaSalle

Queen of the Blues

Denise LaSalle, born Ora Denise Allen on July 16, 1939, in LeFlore County, Mississippi, was a formidable force in the blues and soul music scene. Growing up in a rural area near Belzoni, she was immersed in a world where music was a vital part of daily life. Her early exposure to gospel music in the church set the stage for her lifelong passion for music. LaSalle’s childhood was steeped in the rich traditions of the Mississippi Delta, a fertile ground for the development of her unique sound.

Introduction to Music and Early Influences

LaSalle’s journey into music began in her teenage years when she moved to Chicago, a bustling hub for blues and R&B. Influenced by the vibrant music scene and iconic artists like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Etta James, LaSalle honed her craft. Her early forays into music saw her balancing her day job with evening performances in local clubs, gradually building a reputation for her powerful voice and emotive performances.

Key Moments and Milestones in Her Career

Denise LaSalle’s big break came in the 1960s when she signed with Chess Records, one of the premier labels for blues and R&B. Her debut single, “A Love Reputation,” released in 1967, marked the beginning of her rise to fame. However, it was her 1971 hit, “Trapped by a Thing Called Love,” that catapulted her into the limelight. The song topped the R&B charts and crossed over to the pop charts, establishing LaSalle as a major force in the music industry.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, LaSalle continued to produce hits, including “Now Run and Tell That,” “Man Sized Job,” and “Married, But Not to Each Other.” Her ability to blend blues, soul, and funk elements into her music set her apart from her contemporaries and endeared her to a wide audience.

Significant Albums, Songs, and Performances

LaSalle’s discography is a testament to her versatility and enduring appeal. Albums like “Trapped by a Thing Called Love” (1972), “On the Loose” (1980), and “Smokin’ in Bed” (1997) showcase her dynamic range and ability to tackle diverse themes with authenticity and passion. Her live performances were equally electrifying, characterized by her commanding stage presence and powerful vocal delivery.

One of her most notable performances was at the Montreux Jazz Festival, where she captivated audiences with her soulful renditions of blues classics and original compositions. Her ability to connect with her audience and convey deep emotion through her music made her performances unforgettable.

Impact on the Blues Genre and Music Industry

Denise LaSalle’s impact on the blues genre and the music industry at large is profound. She was not only a gifted singer but also a talented songwriter and producer. LaSalle’s songs often dealt with themes of love, betrayal, and empowerment, resonating deeply with her listeners. Her success paved the way for future generations of female blues artists, breaking down barriers in a male-dominated industry.

LaSalle’s influence extended beyond her music. She was a shrewd businesswoman, founding her own record label, Crajon Records, with her husband Bill Jones. This move gave her greater control over her music and allowed her to nurture new talent, further solidifying her legacy in the music industry.

Personal Anecdotes or Notable Stories

One of the most compelling aspects of Denise LaSalle’s career is her resilience and determination. In the face of numerous challenges, including the ups and downs of the music industry and personal setbacks, LaSalle remained steadfast in her pursuit of excellence. Her autobiography, “Always the Queen: The Denise LaSalle Story,” co-written with David Whiteis, offers an intimate glimpse into her life, revealing the trials and triumphs that shaped her journey.

A notable story from her career involves her hit song “Trapped by a Thing Called Love.” LaSalle wrote the song in a matter of minutes, inspired by a real-life conversation about the complexities of relationships. The song’s immediate success is a testament to her ability to capture universal emotions in her music.

Legacy and Influence on Future Generations

Denise LaSalle’s legacy is one of empowerment, innovation, and unwavering dedication to her craft. Her music continues to inspire and influence artists across genres, from blues and soul to contemporary R&B and hip-hop. LaSalle’s pioneering spirit and commitment to authenticity have left an indelible mark on the music world.

Her induction into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2011 was a fitting recognition of her contributions to the genre. LaSalle’s influence can be seen in the work of contemporary artists who cite her as an inspiration, and her music remains a touchstone for those exploring the depths of human emotion through song.

Denise LaSalle passed away on January 8, 2018, but her spirit lives on through her music and the countless artists she inspired. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring impact of authentic artistry.

A Poem for Denise

Passionately Blue

Your music is NOW*,
the feminist lyrics of a woman who
breathes truths of the gender
she is. Woman of every day
women, with their uncensored
tales offered a stage in her
voice. You tell a beauty
freed of the layered
distance some call education.

Down home heart grown feelings about
woman reality. It is bone music
with muscle and skin anthems
of self woven around it. When
I think about what women
feel, I think about you: testifying
survival words so passionately
blue.

— Sterling D. Plumpp

*National Organization for Women

Background

BornJuly 16, 1934
The Island, Leflore County, Mississippi, U.S.
DiedJanuary 8, 2018 (aged 83)
Jackson, Tennessee, U.S.
GenresBlues, R&B, soul, disco
Occupation(s)Singer
Instrument(s)Vocals
LabelsVarious