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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.

2007 Award Recipient

Nappy Brown

A Soulful Journey Through Blues

Nappy Brown, born Napoleon Brown Goodson Culp on October 12, 1929, in Charlotte, North Carolina, was one of the most distinctive voices in the blues. Raised in a religious household, his early exposure to music came through the gospel traditions of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. His father, a preacher, and his mother, a devout churchgoer, instilled in him a deep sense of spirituality and a love for music that would later shape his career.

Introduction to Music and Early Influences

Brown’s journey into music began in the church choir, where he developed his powerful vocal style. The rich, emotive singing he heard in church would become a hallmark of his musical identity. Influenced by gospel legends like Mahalia Jackson and the Swan Silvertones, Brown’s voice carried the soulfulness of gospel music into the secular world. As a young man, he moved to New Jersey, where he began performing in nightclubs, blending gospel with blues and rhythm and blues (R&B).

Key Moments and Milestones in His Career

Nappy Brown’s big break came in 1954 when he signed with Savoy Records, a prominent gospel and R&B label. His first hit, “Don’t Be Angry,” released in 1955, catapulted him to national fame. The song’s catchy melody and Brown’s distinctive growl resonated with audiences, reaching number two on the R&B charts. This success was followed by other hits such as “Pitter Patter” and “It Don’t Hurt No More,” establishing Brown as a major figure in the R&B scene.

Brown’s career saw many high points, including appearances on influential television shows like “American Bandstand” and tours with other R&B legends. His energetic performances and unique vocal style made him a popular live act. Despite the changing musical landscape of the 1960s, Brown continued to record and perform, maintaining a loyal fan base.

Significant Albums, Songs, and Performances

One of Brown’s most significant albums, “Nappy Brown Sings,” showcased his versatility as a singer, blending blues, R&B, and gospel. His song “Night Time Is the Right Time,” later covered by Ray Charles, is a testament to his influence on the genre. Brown’s live performances were legendary for their energy and emotional intensity. He captivated audiences with his dynamic stage presence and powerful voice, often leaving a lasting impression on those who saw him perform.

Impact on the Blues Genre and Music Industry

Nappy Brown’s impact on the blues and R&B genres is profound. His ability to convey deep emotion through his singing influenced many artists who followed. Brown’s fusion of gospel’s spiritual intensity with the secular themes of blues and R&B helped pave the way for the soul music movement of the 1960s and 70s. His contributions to the genre were recognized by the Blues Foundation, which awarded him a W.C. Handy Award (now Blues Music Award) for his lifetime achievements.

Personal Anecdotes or Notable Stories

One notable story from Brown’s career is his collaboration with fellow blues artist Bobby “Blue” Bland. During a tour in the late 1950s, the two artists developed a close friendship and often performed together, delighting audiences with impromptu duets. Another memorable anecdote involves Brown’s performance at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1984, where his powerful rendition of “Don’t Be Angry” brought the audience to its feet, earning him a standing ovation and reaffirming his status as a blues legend.

Legacy and Influence on Future Generations

Nappy Brown’s legacy is one of resilience and passion for music. Despite the ups and downs of his career, he remained dedicated to his craft, inspiring countless musicians. His distinctive vocal style and emotive delivery have influenced generations of blues and soul artists, including the likes of Solomon Burke and Otis Redding. Brown’s music continues to be celebrated for its raw emotional power and spiritual depth.

In the later years of his life, Brown experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to his work with Alligator Records. His 1987 album “Tore Up” received critical acclaim and introduced his music to a new generation of blues fans. Brown continued to perform and record until his death on September 20, 2008, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that continues to inspire and move listeners.

Conclusion

Nappy Brown’s contribution to the blues and R&B genres is immeasurable. From his early days in the church choir to his rise as a national R&B star, Brown’s journey was marked by his powerful voice and emotive singing style. His influence on soul music and his lasting impact on the blues community ensure that his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.

A Poem for Nappy

When I Sing the Blues

When I sing the blues
I stop thinking
sit down, try
not to cry

Because I carry my troubles
and most of the problems people got
bedded in their hair and veins
around with me

I am the man walking.
I am the man journeying
without a name.
I walk with everybody’s hurts
inside my song

When I sing the blues
people next door
screaming in pain
get better cause my pleas and moans
bring down some healing rain,

bring down some healing rain,

bring down some healing rain.

— Sterling D. Plumpp

Background

BornOctober 12, 1929
Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.
DiedSeptember 20, 2008 (aged 78)
Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.
GenresR&B, soul, blues
Occupation(s)Vocalist, musician, songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals
LabelsVarious