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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.

2014 Award Recipient

Eddie Shaw

A Maestro of the Blues

Eddie Shaw, born on March 20, 1937, in Benoit, Mississippi, was destined for a life steeped in the blues. Growing up in the Mississippi Delta, the cradle of blues music, Shaw’s early environment was filled with the rich sounds of blues and gospel. His father, a church deacon, and his mother, a passionate gospel singer, instilled in him a profound love for music. Despite the economic hardships of the era, Shaw’s family environment was nurturing and musically vibrant, laying the groundwork for his future in the blues.

Introduction to Music and Early Influences

Shaw’s initial foray into music came through the church, where he sang in the choir. However, it was the blues that captured his heart. He was profoundly influenced by local blues musicians, including the legendary Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, whose powerful performances left an indelible mark on the young Shaw. At the age of 14, he picked up the saxophone, an instrument that would become his lifelong companion. Shaw’s early influences also included jazz greats like Louis Jordan and Earl Bostic, whose saxophone mastery inspired him to develop his unique style.

Key Moments and Milestones in His Career

Eddie Shaw’s career took a significant turn when he moved to Chicago in the mid-1950s, a city then at the epicenter of the electric blues movement. His talent quickly caught the attention of blues giants. Shaw’s big break came when he joined Muddy Waters’ band, where his saxophone prowess shone brightly. However, it was his collaboration with Howlin’ Wolf that cemented his place in blues history. Joining Wolf’s band in 1972 as a saxophonist and bandleader, Shaw’s arrangements and performances played a crucial role in shaping the band’s sound during the latter part of Wolf’s career.

Significant Albums, Songs, and Performances

Throughout his career, Eddie Shaw released several noteworthy albums that showcased his multifaceted talent as a musician, bandleader, and composer. His debut album, “Blues Thunder,” released in 1986, was a critical success, highlighting his robust saxophone skills and soulful vocals. Notable tracks like “Greedy Man” and “In the Mood” displayed his versatility and deep understanding of the blues tradition.

Another significant album, “King of the Road,” released in 1988, featured a mix of original compositions and classic blues covers, further establishing Shaw’s reputation as a formidable blues artist. His live performances were equally legendary, particularly his energetic shows at the renowned Chicago blues club, Kingston Mines. Shaw’s stage presence and ability to connect with the audience made his performances unforgettable experiences for blues enthusiasts.

Impact on the Blues Genre and Music Industry

Eddie Shaw’s impact on the blues genre is profound. As a saxophonist, he brought a unique, jazzy flair to the electric blues, blending traditional blues structures with innovative improvisations. His work with Howlin’ Wolf’s band is considered some of the best in the blues canon, with Shaw’s arrangements and leadership contributing significantly to the band’s success during the 1970s.

Beyond his musicianship, Shaw was a mentor to many young blues artists, helping to nurture the next generation of blues musicians. His contributions extended to the business side of music as well, where he advocated for better treatment and recognition of blues artists. Shaw’s influence can be seen in the continued vibrancy of the Chicago blues scene, which remains a vital part of the city’s cultural identity.

Personal Anecdotes and Notable Stories

One of the most endearing stories about Eddie Shaw is his unwavering loyalty to Howlin’ Wolf. After Wolf’s passing in 1976, Shaw took on the responsibility of leading Wolf’s band, ensuring that the music and legacy of his mentor continued to thrive. This act of devotion highlighted Shaw’s deep respect for the blues tradition and his commitment to preserving its history.

Shaw was also known for his generosity and humility. Despite his success, he remained approachable and always willing to share his knowledge and experience with aspiring musicians. His home in Chicago became a gathering place for musicians, where late-night jam sessions and impromptu performances were a common occurrence. These sessions not only kept the blues alive but also fostered a sense of community among musicians.

Legacy and Influence on Future Generations

Eddie Shaw’s legacy is etched in the annals of blues history. His contributions as a musician, bandleader, and mentor have left an indelible mark on the genre. Shaw’s innovative approach to the saxophone in blues music opened new avenues for the instrument, influencing countless saxophonists who followed in his footsteps.

Shaw’s influence extends beyond his music. He played a pivotal role in promoting the blues as an integral part of American culture, ensuring that the contributions of blues musicians were recognized and celebrated. His efforts in mentoring young artists have borne fruit, with many of his protégés going on to have successful careers in music.

Eddie Shaw passed away on January 29, 2018, but his spirit lives on in the music he created and the lives he touched. His recordings continue to inspire and educate new generations of blues musicians, ensuring that the legacy of Eddie Shaw, the maestro of the blues, will endure for years to come.

A Poem for Eddie

Territory

There is something in
your eyes and involuntary
dance in your gait
that says blues.

Westside legacy telling history
to beat burdens on backs.
To beats you're seen
through wolf howl rhythms
and muddy insinuations,
moan to conversations of slide guitar.

History of pains dissected
by Muddy or Elmo or Otis,
cries blues you know and done lived
and carried on in Sadie dialects
of authority and depths.

You know and own territory
of the blues because you
done mapped acres of pain
decades in your breath
and wind and voice.

— Sterling D. Plumpp

Background

BornMarch 20, 1937
Stringtown, Mississippi, United States
DiedJanuary 29, 2018 (aged 80)
Chicago, Illinois, United States
GenresChicago blues
Occupation(s)Saxophonist, songwriter
Instrument(s)Tenor saxophone
LabelsVarious