Bob Corritore Blues Newsletter The Grammys! Little Walter, Etta James, Vintage Phoenix Blues and more!

February 3, 2010

• Blues and the Grammys! Little Walter Wins Best Historical Album! Each year the Grammy Awards recognize releases from all genres of music, and all aspects of the music industry. The televised, sensationalized presentation of the Grammy Awards is an amazing spectacle, filled with star power, glitz, and pomp. The blues has always had its place at the Grammys, albeit a small place in comparison to the pop world. But a Grammy is probably the highest musical honor that a musician can achieve. This year the two categories that are specifically designated for the blues (Traditional Blues Album, and Contemporary Blues Album) were taken out of the separate blues category, and put into a new category called American Roots, which also contains subcategories of such varied musical styles as Folk, Bluegrass, Americana, Hawaiian, Cajun, Zydeco and Native American Music. To vote in the Grammys, one must be a member of NARAS (The National Academy of Recorded Arts and Sciences), which requires some involved music industry credentials. When NARAS members receive their ballot, each member can vote in up to eight musical categories. By having this new American Roots category, it opens it up for more people to vote in the blues category. Put this all together and you have a voting base that is often times more versed in music as a whole than specifically the blues. So a win in the blues often reflects the mainstream or crossover recognition of the artist. This differs greatly from the Blues Music Awards, or the Blues Blast Music Awards, where voters are specifically from the blues community. This is all being said to put the Grammy's into the proper context.

It is fascinating that over 40 years after Little Walter's death, he would receive his first Grammy award. This was in the category of best Historical Release for the album Little Walter / The Complete Chess Masters (1950-1967), a five CD set produced by Andy McKaie, and compiled by Scott Dirks and Andy. Little Walter is to this day considered an unequaled genius of blues harmonica, and his recordings stand among the greatest examples of Chicago blues. Little Walter has had much mainstream attention as of late, with his odd portrayal in last year's movie Cadillac Records, and his 2008 induction in the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. This win is an exceptional statement of the power and longevity of the blues! Speaking of longevity, Honeyboy Edwards made the blues world proud with his special merit Grammy for lifetime achievement! Honeyboy is now 94 years old and has recorded in every decade since the 1940s! He had a direct connection with Robert Johnson, brought Little Walter to Chicago in his travels, and remains a world wide touring phenomenon. In the blues categories, the winners are; Traditional Blues Album: A Stranger Here, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, and Contemporary Blues Album: Already Free, The Derek Trucks Band. Some blues related artists and songs creeped into some non-blues categories, and these winners are; Zydeco or Cajun Music Album: Lay Your Burden Down, Buckwheat Zydeco, Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: Beyoncé, "At Last" (covering the Etta James classic), Pop Instrumental Album: Potato Hole, Booker T. Jones (of Booker T & The MGs), Traditional Gospel Album: Oh Happy Day, Various Artists (includes Mavis Staples, Aaron Neville, Al Green, Robert Randolph with mainstream artists), and as we mentioned before, Historical Album: The Complete Chess Masters (1950-1967), Little Walter.  For a complete listing of all the 2010 Grammy winners click here.

Congratulations to all the winners, and to all the nominees, who just by becoming nominated, gain great musical clout.

• Etta James Hospitalized. The legendary Etta James has been hospitalized in California after suffering various ailments including blood infection. Etta has had numerous health issues over the years, but has always come through them to warm our hearts with her amazing performances. The latest word is that she is slowly recovering. For more information click here.
• Dave Riley / Bob Corritore to appear at The Mississippi Valley Blues Festival! This just in: Dave Riley & Bob Corritore will appear on July 4th at the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, in Davenport, Iowa. The three day festival, now in its 26th year, takes place each 4th of July weekend, and brings in top blues entertainment to perform on numerous stages and workshops. More information and a full festival lineup will be forthcoming.
• Vintage Phoenix Blues Anthology now available! The Southwest Musical Arts Foundation has released a complilation of Phoenix Blues from the 1950s and 60s! Though Phoenix is not often celebrated as a town with a rich blues history, but this release will remedy any misconceptions. This limited edition, collectors issue  is titled Flyin' High, A Collection Of  Phoenix Blues, Rhythm, and Spirit from the 1950's and 60's. The CD's 27 tracks include Big Pete Pearson's first recordings, Reverend Louis Overstreet, J.C. Arline, The Lone Wolf, Duke Draper, Maxine Johnson, John "Oklahoma Zeke" Lewis, Dumas King, Roosevelt Nettles, Budd Spudd & The Sprouts, Jimmy Knight, Baby Jean, the Curtis Gray Combo, and more. Look for this release in early 2010. To see the cover art for Flyin' High, click here, and to read the extensive liner notes by John Dixon, click here. This CD is currently available only through Bluebeat Music and can be purchased by clicking here. Proceeds from the sales of this CD will go to the Southwest Musical Arts Foundation who are planning more historically important blues releases.
• Music Maker Foundation Artists on YouTube! The Music Maker Relief Foundation is one of the modern miracles of blues philanthropy. Headed by Tim Duffy, and based in Hillsborough, NC, the Music Maker Relief Foundation has provided financial assistance and recognition for some of the nearly forgotten, veteran heroes of the blues, particularly from the southeastern area of the United States. Here are a few filmed examples of the artists they have helped: Adolphus Bell's  Public Service Announcement (click here). Adolphus Bell performing "Pawn Shop Blues" (click here), Captain Luke with Tim Duffy Public Service Announcement (click here), and John Dee Holeman performing "One Black Rat" (click here). Thank you MMRF for your great service to the blues!