Ever Loved a Woman?

Then you'd better listen to the preachin' blues by Johnny Shines and learn that if you do, 'You Gotta to Pay the Cost'!

Remembering Big Bill Broonzy

On this day in 1893, blues guitar pioneer Big Bill Broonzy was born in Mississippi. He would become one of the most prolific blues singers of all time (having over 200 recorded) in his career spanning from 1927 till his death in 1958.

He was a fiddle player, but switched to the guitar when he moved to Chicago in the 20's. From there he blossomed into a seasoned musician, and influencing many others, including the likes of Muddy Waters, who recorded a cover album of Broonzy's songs as a tribute.

Many of his songs have become blues standards, such as Key to the Highway, Hey Hey, and others.

We salute Big Bill for his contribution to the blues and to music. Below is a rare performance of "It Was a Dream":

Leisure Suit Larry's Remake Jazzy Soundtrack

I am a huge fan of old school video games (see my post on Police Quest 2), so it was a great joy to see that the old Sierra game Leisure Suit Larry is being remade by it's original creator, Al Lowe.

Before:

After:

One of the great things about that game was the soundtrack, even though it was done on a retro 8 bit PC speaker. For the remake, Austin Wintory stepped to the helm and man the music is great! The music is inspired by the early era swing / big band jazz music.

You can stream the album on his Bandcamp page here; and if you like it, it only costs $6. The game will be released this month on Steam and later on mobile devices.

The new main theme featuring a clip from the original game is called Larry Reloaded (first track):

Buddy Guy's Latest Album Cover Art Revealed

Living blues legend Buddy Guy has released the cover art for his latest album "Rhythm & Blues", which will be released on July 30. He's camouflaged in polka dots just like his signature Fender Stratocaster!

Buddy Guy is currently the ambassador of blues music today and it's awesome to see him perform and record even at this age!

Bobby 'Blue' Bland Passes Away

Bobby Blue Bland in 2011
Source: Rick Diamond/Getty Images North America

The highly influential rhythm & blues musician Bobby 'Blue' Bland has passed away on Sunday June 24th, at the age of 83. Bobby Bland was known to be "The Sinatra of the Blues", as his style was more soulful and classy as opposed of the raw blues of the 50's era.

He was inducted to the Blues Hall of Fame in 1981, the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, and recieved a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.

His most famous song is 'Farther Up The Road' which hit #1 on the US R n' B chart in 1957, which you can see a live version of below.

RIP Bobby and thanks for the music!

Hear 'Austin City Blues' off of Booker T's New Album

Booker T will be releasing his new album "Sound The Alarm" on the 25th of June. It is said he will be returning to the raw sound of the old days of the Booker T and The MG's, such as their 1962 classic "Green Onions".

He's teamed up with some great musicians such as Gary Clarke Jr, who is featured on the song Austin City Blues (check it below).

And get this, it will be released on Stax Records, the original label that released all his music back in the day. Should be a great release!

Muddy Waters' Home Renovation Funding Project Underway

The Muddy Waters House in Chicago is on 4339 S. Lake Park. The King of the Blues lived and jammed in this historic home between 1954 and 1974. The house has been in a state of decay for a while now. 

However, Muddy’s grandson, Steven Mckinley Monson, has just announced the “Mo Money Mo Blues” campaign to raise funds to restore the home. They are asking for $100,000. 

This is a significant landmark for the city of Chicago, as this was the man who set the blues on fire and to mass popularity. It's a shame it hasn't been taken care of in a long time. 

The campaign site is over here, and on Facebook here.

Watch the campaign video below, featuring James Cotton, one of Muddy's main band members in the 50's.

The Blues According to The Simpsons

You Know You Got the Blues When...

Dust Bowl Blues

It's been a hot, dusty, messy week here in Kuwait... I can't help but think we're back in that dust bowl mood from last year.

To celebrate the dusty weather, here's Woody Guthrie's "Dust Bowl Blues" to keep us going through this...

I guess you've heard about ev'ry kind of blues,

I guess you've heard about ev'ry kind of blues,

But when the dust gets high, you can't even see the sky.