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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.

2012 Award Recipient

Lonnie Brooks

A Blues Legend

Born Lee Baker Jr. on December 18, 1933, in Dubuisson, Louisiana, Lonnie Brooks grew up in a region rich in musical tradition. The small town of Dubuisson, located in the fertile grounds of the Mississippi Delta, served as a breeding ground for a variety of musical influences, from gospel and country to the early sounds of blues. Growing up in a family that cherished music, Brooks was surrounded by the soulful melodies and rhythms that would later shape his career. The vibrant musical landscape of the South played a crucial role in developing his profound love for music.

Introduction to Music and Early Influences

Lonnie Brooks’ journey into music began in his teenage years when he moved to Port Arthur, Texas. The bustling port city introduced him to the burgeoning rhythm and blues scene of the late 1940s and early 1950s. Brooks initially performed under the name Guitar Junior and was deeply influenced by the works of blues legends such as B.B. King, T-Bone Walker, and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. His unique guitar style, characterized by a blend of Louisiana swamp pop, Texas blues, and Chicago blues, began to take shape during this period.

Brooks’ big break came when zydeco star Clifton Chenier heard him play and invited him to join his band. This experience not only honed his guitar skills but also exposed him to the zydeco tradition, which would become a hallmark of his later work.

Key Moments and Milestones in His Career

In the late 1950s, Brooks scored a regional hit with “Family Rules” and “The Crawl” under the name Guitar Junior. The success of these singles caught the attention of Chicago bluesman Sam Cooke, who encouraged him to move to Chicago, a city that was rapidly becoming the epicenter of the blues. Taking Cooke’s advice, Brooks relocated to Chicago in the early 1960s and adopted the name Lonnie Brooks to avoid confusion with another Guitar Junior in the city.

The move to Chicago marked a significant turning point in Brooks’ career. He quickly became a staple in the local blues scene, performing at legendary clubs such as Pepper’s Lounge and Theresa’s Lounge. His dynamic performances and unique sound attracted a loyal following and caught the attention of iconic blues labels, leading to his first album, “Broke an’ Hungry,” released in 1969 on the Capitol label.

Significant Albums, Songs, and Performances

Brooks’ discography is rich with albums that showcase his versatility and innovation within the blues genre. Some of his most significant works include:

“Broke an’ Hungry” (1969): His debut album, which featured a raw and authentic blues sound.

“Bayou Lightning” (1979): Released on Alligator Records, this album is often considered his breakthrough. It featured the hit song “Cold Lonely Nights” and earned him widespread acclaim.

“Turn On the Night” (1981): This album further established Brooks as a major force in the blues world, blending elements of rock and blues.

“Hot Shot” (1983): Another critical success, showcasing his ability to merge traditional blues with contemporary sounds.

“Lone Star Shootout” (1999): A collaborative album with fellow Texas bluesmen Long John Hunter and Phillip Walker, highlighting his deep roots in the Texas blues tradition.

Brooks was also known for his electrifying live performances. His appearance at the 1983 Chicago Blues Festival and his performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland are particularly memorable, drawing international acclaim and solidifying his status as a blues icon.

Impact on the Blues Genre and Music Industry

Lonnie Brooks’ impact on the blues genre is profound. He was a bridge between the traditional Delta blues and the more modern, electric Chicago blues. His ability to blend various regional styles created a unique sound that resonated with a wide audience. Brooks’ music played a crucial role in the blues revival of the 1980s, bringing the genre to a new generation of fans.

Moreover, his work with Alligator Records, a label dedicated to preserving and promoting blues music, helped to elevate the profile of many other blues artists. Brooks’ contributions to the label’s success cannot be overstated, as his albums consistently garnered critical acclaim and commercial success.

Personal Anecdotes or Notable Stories

One of the most endearing stories about Lonnie Brooks involves his mentorship of his sons, Ronnie and Wayne Baker Brooks. Lonnie often brought them on stage during his performances, encouraging their musical aspirations. This family tradition continues, as both sons have gone on to have successful careers in music, carrying forward their father’s legacy.

Another notable story is Brooks’ spontaneous performance with Eric Clapton at a Chicago club in the late 1980s. Clapton, a longtime admirer of Brooks, joined him on stage for an impromptu jam session. The performance was a testament to Brooks’ influence and respect among fellow musicians.

Legacy and Influence on Future Generations

Lonnie Brooks’ legacy is one of innovation, passion, and profound influence. His ability to blend different blues styles and his dedication to the genre have left an indelible mark on the blues world. He inspired countless musicians, both within and outside the blues genre, and his music continues to be celebrated by fans worldwide.

Brooks’ influence is evident in the work of contemporary blues artists who cite him as a major inspiration. His sons, Ronnie and Wayne, are carrying forward his musical legacy, ensuring that his contributions to the blues will not be forgotten.

Lonnie Brooks passed away on April 1, 2017, but his spirit lives on through his music and the countless lives he touched. He remains a towering figure in the blues world, a testament to the enduring power and appeal of the blues.

A Poem for Lonnie

You Get Inside Songs

Because you go inside
songs and pick only ripe
meanings you offer.
Your performances are feasts.

and we get a rare meal.
Because you go inside
music and play from secret
places joy and healing

reside. Because your
art blows from the stature
of a man/old school
in his insistence on respect.

Because you are slinger
of words and sounds that cure
with two sons of the gun
slinger of the truth

and beauty/gunslingers
of blues and music
that gets inside us
just won’t let us be.

— Sterling D. Plumpp

Background

BornDecember 18, 1933
Dubuisson, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, U.S.
DiedApril 1, 2017 (aged 83)
Chicago, Illinois
GenresChicago blues, electric blues
Occupation(s)Musician, singer
Instrument(s)Vocals, electric guitar
LabelsAlligator, Delmark, Evidence, Goldband, Capitol, Black & Blue, Black Top