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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.

2003 Award Recipient

John Mayall

The Godfather of British Blues

John Mayall was born on November 29, 1933, in Macclesfield, Cheshire, England. Raised in a musical household, his father, Murray Mayall, was a guitarist and jazz enthusiast, which greatly influenced John from an early age. Growing up during World War II, Mayall found solace in music, exploring his father’s extensive record collection, which included jazz, swing, and blues records. These early experiences laid the foundation for what would become a legendary career in music.

Introduction to Music and Early Influences

Mayall’s introduction to music began with the piano and later expanded to the guitar and harmonica. His passion for the blues was ignited by the records of American blues artists like Lead Belly, Albert Ammons, Pinetop Smith, and Eddie Lang. While attending Manchester College of Art, where he studied to become a graphic designer, Mayall formed his first band, The Powerhouse Four. His early musical endeavors were marked by a profound dedication to the blues, a genre that was relatively obscure in the UK at the time.

Key Moments and Milestones in His Career

The turning point in Mayall’s career came in 1963 when he moved to London and formed the Bluesbreakers, a band that would become a seminal force in the British blues explosion. His collaboration with Eric Clapton in 1965 catapulted him to fame. The album “Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton” (1966), often referred to as the “Beano” album due to Clapton reading a Beano comic on the cover, became a landmark recording. This album not only showcased Mayall’s exceptional talent as a bandleader and musician but also solidified Clapton’s status as a guitar virtuoso.

Mayall’s ability to spot and nurture talent became evident as the Bluesbreakers featured future rock legends such as Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Mick Taylor, and many others. Each lineup change brought a fresh sound and contributed to the band’s evolving legacy.

Significant Albums, Songs, and Performances

John Mayall’s discography is vast, with over 60 albums to his name. Beyond the “Beano” album, other significant works include “A Hard Road” (1967), featuring Peter Green; “Crusade” (1967), introducing Mick Taylor; and “Blues from Laurel Canyon” (1968), a deeply personal record reflecting his experiences in California. Songs like “All Your Love,” “Parchman Farm,” and “Room to Move” remain classics, showcasing Mayall’s prowess in blending traditional blues with innovative elements.

His live performances, particularly at London’s Marquee Club and subsequent tours across Europe and the United States, were instrumental in popularizing the blues among rock audiences. Mayall’s dedication to live music and his relentless touring schedule have earned him a reputation as a tireless ambassador of the blues.

Impact on the Blues Genre and Music Industry

John Mayall’s impact on the blues genre and the music industry is immeasurable. He played a pivotal role in bringing the blues to a wider audience, particularly in the UK and Europe, during the 1960s and 1970s. His bands served as a breeding ground for some of the greatest musicians in rock history, many of whom went on to achieve legendary status in their own right. Mayall’s emphasis on musicianship and improvisation influenced countless artists and helped elevate the blues from niche clubs to major concert halls.

Personal Anecdotes or Notable Stories

One notable story that highlights Mayall’s dedication to the blues occurred during a recording session for the “Beano” album. Eric Clapton, already known for his meticulousness, was struggling to get the right sound. After numerous takes, Mayall suggested they take a break. Clapton wandered off and returned with a new amplifier, claiming it would solve the problem. Indeed, the resulting sound was perfect, leading to the iconic tone that defined the album.

Mayall’s life in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, during the late 1960s also provided a wealth of experiences that influenced his music. He rubbed shoulders with contemporaries like Frank Zappa, Joni Mitchell, and the members of The Byrds, further enriching his musical palette.

Legacy and Influence on Future Generations

John Mayall’s legacy is firmly established as the “Godfather of British Blues.” His contributions to the genre have inspired generations of musicians. Artists such as Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor have often cited Mayall as a crucial influence in their development. His innovative approach to blues, willingness to experiment, and ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes have ensured his music remains relevant across decades.

Mayall’s influence extends beyond his recordings and performances; his autobiographical work, “Blues From Laurel Canyon: My Life as a Bluesman,” provides insight into his journey and the evolution of the blues. Today, well into his eighties, Mayall continues to tour and record, a testament to his enduring passion for the blues.

In summary, John Mayall’s career is a remarkable testament to his dedication, talent, and influence. From his early days in Manchester to his role in shaping the British blues movement and beyond, Mayall’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the music world. His legacy as a musician, bandleader, and mentor ensures that the blues will continue to resonate with future generations.

A Poem for John

Finish Line

Blues, always the blues
at somebody’s door,
pain inside fussing;
troubles rolling around on the floor

There is a Rembrandt and Lenoir
(J.B. that is) portrait in your art.
The power of healing, Blues Breaker,
original rock in the Gibraltar of English blues.
Your lyric ripeness brings good news to heartaches,
brings good news.

If you are alive blues shadows you around,
when you die somebody get your blues
when they put you in the ground

I know you ain’t gonna drink dirty water
no more but I wonder if you don’t
ever have shots of Muddy Waters every day
you breathe because I hear conversations
at the crossroads in your sound
Because you deliver your blues by ounce
or the pound, Blues Breaker, I hear
testimony of the long roads you been down
in your voice and hands screaming
truths from deep down down inside.

Blues Breaker you are a Racehorse Man
a blues Racehorse Man.
You got the song / that beat pain.
Always beat pain.

Beat pain to the finish line.

— Sterling D. Plumpp

Background

Born29 November 1933
Macclesfield, Cheshire, England
Died22 July 2024 (aged 90)
California, U.S.
GenresBritish blues, blues rock, jazz rock
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter, producer
Instrument(s)Vocals, keyboards, guitar, harmonica
LabelsDecca, London, DJM, ABC, Eagle, Snapper, Polydor, Silvertone, GNP Crescendo