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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.

1999 Award Recipient

Howard Armstrong

A Multifaceted Maestro of the Blues

William Howard Taft Armstrong, better known as Howard Armstrong, was born on March 4, 1909, in Dayton, Tennessee. He was raised in a culturally rich environment, surrounded by a diverse tapestry of musical traditions. His parents, who were musically inclined themselves, played a significant role in nurturing his early love for music. Armstrong’s family moved to La Follette, Tennessee, when he was young, and it was there that his musical journey truly began.

Introduction to Music and Early Influences

Armstrong’s introduction to music was steeped in the rich traditions of African American folk music. He was a prodigious talent, learning to play multiple instruments by ear, including the violin, guitar, and mandolin. His early influences were diverse, ranging from classical European compositions to the burgeoning blues and jazz scenes. He was particularly inspired by the string band tradition, which blended elements of African American and Appalachian music.

Key Moments and Milestones in His Career

Armstrong’s career was marked by several key moments that showcased his versatility and deep understanding of music. In the 1920s, he joined a local string band, the Tennessee Chocolate Drops, which performed a mix of blues, ragtime, and folk music. This period was crucial for Armstrong, as it allowed him to hone his skills and develop a unique musical style that blended various genres.

In the 1930s, Armstrong moved to Chicago, a vibrant hub for blues and jazz musicians. He became a part of the vibrant street music scene, performing in clubs and on street corners. His reputation as a skilled multi-instrumentalist and engaging performer quickly grew. He also recorded several tracks with Decca Records, which further solidified his standing in the music community.

Significant Albums, Songs, and Performances

Armstrong’s discography, while not extensive, is rich with memorable performances that highlight his virtuosity. Notable recordings include “Knox County Stomp” and “Vine Street Rag,” which showcase his intricate fiddle playing and command of rhythm. His work with the Tennessee Chocolate Drops, particularly their recordings in the 1930s, remains significant in the annals of American roots music.

One of Armstrong’s most celebrated performances was his appearance in the documentary “Louie Bluie” (1985), directed by Terry Zwigoff. The film not only highlighted his musical talent but also his charisma and storytelling prowess. It introduced a new generation to his music and cemented his legacy as a masterful musician and entertainer.

Impact on the Blues Genre and Music Industry

Howard Armstrong’s impact on the blues genre and the wider music industry is profound. His ability to seamlessly blend various musical traditions set him apart from his contemporaries. He brought the string band tradition to a wider audience, influencing both blues and folk musicians. His eclectic style, which incorporated blues, jazz, folk, and classical elements, showcased the versatility of African American musicians and expanded the boundaries of the blues genre.

Armstrong’s work also highlighted the importance of preserving and celebrating African American musical traditions. He was a living link to the early 20th-century string band tradition, and his performances and recordings have been invaluable in documenting this important aspect of American musical history.

Personal Anecdotes or Notable Stories

Armstrong was known not only for his musical talent but also for his larger-than-life personality. One notable story from his life involves his linguistic prowess. Armstrong was fluent in multiple languages, including German, Italian, and Arabic, which he learned while traveling and performing. This talent often left audiences and fellow musicians in awe and added a unique dimension to his performances.

Another memorable anecdote involves Armstrong’s collaboration with fellow musicians Ted Bogan and Carl Martin. The trio, known for their intricate string arrangements and tight harmonies, performed together for several decades. Their camaraderie and mutual respect were evident in their music, making their performances a joyous celebration of friendship and musical excellence.

Legacy and Influence on Future Generations

Howard Armstrong’s legacy is enduring and multifaceted. He was a pioneering figure in American roots music, and his influence can be seen in the work of contemporary folk and blues musicians. His recordings and performances continue to inspire new generations of musicians who seek to explore and expand the boundaries of traditional music.

Armstrong’s story is also a testament to the power of cultural preservation and the importance of musical diversity. He demonstrated that music could be a bridge between cultures and generations, and his life’s work remains a vibrant testament to the rich tapestry of American musical heritage.

In summary, Howard Armstrong was a true maestro of the blues, whose life and career encapsulate the spirit of musical exploration and innovation. His contributions to the blues and American roots music are invaluable, and his legacy continues to resonate with musicians and audiences around the world.

Calling All Student Poets!

We currently don’t have a poem for this artist, and we invite you to fill this space with your creativity. As part of our Portrait Poets Blues Quest, you can write a poem inspired by this artist’s life and music. Your teacher can submit your poem through our Upload Portal in the Teacher Resources section, and we will select one or two to showcase here. Join us in celebrating the legacy of the blues—your words could help honor this remarkable artist!

Background

BornMarch 4, 1909
Dayton, Tennessee, U.S.
DiedJuly 30, 2003 (aged 94)
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
GenresCountry blues
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)Fiddle, mandolin, guitar, vocals