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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.

2010 Award Recipient

Hubert Sumlin

The Soulful String Master of the Blues

Born on November 16, 1931, in Greenwood, Mississippi, Hubert Charles Sumlin was destined to become a legendary figure in the blues world. Sumlin’s early years were marked by the struggles of growing up in the Jim Crow South, a reality that deeply influenced his music. His family moved to Hughes, Arkansas, where young Hubert was exposed to the raw and emotional sounds of the Delta blues, setting the stage for his future musical endeavors.

Introduction to Music and Early Influences

Sumlin’s introduction to music came at a young age. He crafted his first guitar from a piece of wood and some baling wire, a testament to his ingenuity and passion. Inspired by the sounds of blues pioneers like Charley Patton, Robert Johnson, and Muddy Waters, Sumlin honed his skills by listening to the radio and attending local juke joints. His mother, noticing his burgeoning talent, bought him his first real guitar, igniting a lifelong journey into the heart of blues music.

Key Moments and Milestones in His Career

A pivotal moment in Sumlin’s career came when he met Howlin’ Wolf, a towering figure in the blues genre. In 1954, at the tender age of 23, Sumlin joined Howlin’ Wolf’s band, replacing guitarist Willie Johnson. This partnership would prove to be one of the most significant in blues history. Sumlin’s innovative guitar work became a defining feature of Howlin’ Wolf’s sound, contributing to the success of classics like “Smokestack Lightnin’,” “Wang Dang Doodle,” and “Back Door Man.”

Sumlin’s career was characterized by his distinctive guitar style, marked by sharp, piercing notes and a fluid, expressive technique. His ability to convey deep emotion through his instrument set him apart from his contemporaries, earning him a place among the greatest blues guitarists of all time.

Significant Albums, Songs, and Performances

Throughout his career, Hubert Sumlin played on some of the most influential blues recordings. His work on Howlin’ Wolf’s albums, including “Moanin’ in the Moonlight” (1959) and “Howlin’ Wolf” (1962), often referred to as the “Rocking Chair Album,” showcased his exceptional talent and solidified his reputation as a master guitarist.

Sumlin’s solos on tracks like “Killing Floor” and “Hidden Charms” are still celebrated for their raw power and intricate phrasing. His live performances were equally impactful, with audiences captivated by his soulful playing and commanding stage presence. Sumlin’s ability to connect with his listeners on a profound level made his concerts unforgettable experiences.

Impact on the Blues Genre and Music Industry

Hubert Sumlin’s contributions to the blues genre are immeasurable. His innovative approach to the guitar influenced countless musicians across various genres. Sumlin’s style bridged the gap between traditional Delta blues and the electrified Chicago blues, paving the way for future generations of blues and rock musicians.

Sumlin’s work has been cited as an influence by legendary guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page. His ability to blend rhythm and lead guitar seamlessly created a new standard for blues guitar playing, inspiring a wave of musicians to explore the emotional depth and technical intricacies of the genre.

Personal Anecdotes or Notable Stories

One of the most famous anecdotes about Hubert Sumlin highlights his dedication and loyalty to Howlin’ Wolf. Despite being offered a higher salary by Muddy Waters, Sumlin chose to stay with Wolf, citing a sense of loyalty and respect for his mentor. This decision underscored the deep bond between the two musicians and exemplified Sumlin’s character.

Another notable story involves Sumlin’s hospitalization in 2004. Struggling with health issues, he received a surprise visit from Keith Richards and Eric Clapton, who covered his medical bills. This act of kindness from two rock legends highlighted the deep respect and admiration Sumlin garnered from his peers.

Legacy and Influence on Future Generations

Hubert Sumlin’s legacy extends far beyond his own recordings. His pioneering guitar work has left an indelible mark on the music industry, influencing countless artists and shaping the evolution of blues and rock music. Sumlin’s induction into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2008 and his four Grammy nominations are testaments to his enduring impact and contribution to the genre.

Sumlin’s influence can be heard in the work of contemporary blues and rock guitarists who continue to draw inspiration from his unique style and emotive playing. His ability to convey profound emotion through his guitar has inspired musicians to explore new creative possibilities and push the boundaries of their own artistry.

Conclusion

Hubert Sumlin’s journey from a small town in Mississippi to the pinnacle of the blues world is a testament to his immense talent and unwavering dedication to his craft. His innovative guitar work, profound emotional expression, and significant contributions to the blues genre have cemented his place in music history. Sumlin’s legacy continues to inspire and influence future generations, ensuring that his soulful strings will resonate through the ages.

A Poem for Hubert

Past Midnights

“…I just like them
old blues. The reason
I play ‘em. I come up
hard. I suffered ‘em, a
lot of places.”
—Howlin’ Wolf

The blues you play
nothing but confessions
people feel, and cry, and
shout, and moan and groan.

I know cause I remember
set-ups at Kedzie and Lake
in ’62 and ’63. Folks
coming: the blues in eyes
wrapped in movements. And you
and Wolf in duets, his voice
and your fingers telling and
telling.

I wonder why Lucille doesn’t
get credits for singing, why
fingers are not listed as vocalists
cause I saw Wolf howl
and your fingers sing the blues
that took blues out of
hearts at Sylvio’s.

I saw your fingers sing
the blues past midnights.

— Sterling D. Plumpp

Background

BornNovember 16, 1931
Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S.
DiedDecember 4, 2011 (aged 80)
Wayne, New Jersey
GenresChicago blues, electric blues
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)Guitar, vocals
LabelsVarious