"Blues represents everyday life. Blues has given me the opportunity to make a living."

Merle Perkins: Everyday I have the Blues

As a teenager Merle played in the Spirit of St. Louis Drum & Bugle Corp. “There is where it all started for me with the drums. If it was not for drum corp., I would not be a drummer today. I owe it all to drum…

"Blues has made me more centered, and playing it has mellowed me and evened me out."

Brad Vickers & His Vestapolitans:

Eclectic American Roots ‘n’ Roll

Guitarist/songwriter BRAD VICKERS learned on the job playing, recording, and touring with America's blues and roots masters:…

"I believe Blues, when done well, has always provided that joy – that release – for people. This is not sad music. This is music that allows people to come together, to communally surpass their troubles, and escape from their problems. Blues music gives people energy, it gives people life. Blues music – when done right – connects with people intrinsically, it matters, and it makes someone happy. It brings joy. That is how I hope my music affects…

"At a blues symposium in the ‘90s, someone described blues as a river that flows forever. But in my view, if blues is a river it finally released into the ocean."

Peter Ward: Train to Key Biscayne

Peter “Hi-Fi” Ward's brand new album "Train to Key Biscayne" on Gandy Dancer Records hit the road on March 29th. Along for…

"I’m quite optimistic about the future of music and art in general. We need it now more then ever!"

Jérôme Brunet: Into The Light

Photographer Jérôme Brunet picked up an instrument long before he picked up a camera.…

"Blues music has been one of the major factors in bringing the races together. The music brought black and white fans together and brought black and white musicians together. In the music there is common ground and love because the blues is about the basic feelings and emotions of everyone, no matter their race."…

"Blues brings people together and it always will."

Gary "Gator" Millhollon: Real Blues

Ray Reed & Gator are two world-class blues musicians living and playing in the DFW area of Texas. Between the…

"To me the blues means being able to talk about life’s struggles in song. It is tempered sometimes with lively lyrics and rhythm. Blues encompasses everything into one song: spirit, life, work, darkness, sadness, joy, and hope. And it always comes from the heart."

Sharon…

"My hopes and fears for the future transcend the blues and go into politics, greed, and man’s inhumanity to man."

Little Mike: Tornado In Blues Scale

Queens native Mike…

"I wish that for Blues music that there will always be a new generation of Blues guitar players keeping the lead guitar style of Blues alive."

Brad Wilson: California Dreamin

Brad Wilson is widely recognized as one of the…

"I feel that Blues and the love of blues is continually bridging any all gaps of divide. Whether it be racial or political or socio-cultural, the one thing that binds us together is humanity."

Little Boys Blue: Feel it & Play it!…

"People say country music is three chords and the truth well I think that fits to the blues as well. The Blues is the bottom line,,,,it's honest. It doesn't fake it."

Ian Jennings: …

"It's (Blues) a very potent and primal force inherent to humans and as long as people feel it then it will keep generating new audiences."

Tommy Z: Star-Spangled Blues…

"Blues teach me how to give a look deep inside yourself and the other people, it gives me the meaning to stay in a real touch with people and their humanity."

Harmonica Slim: Breathing The Blues Life…

"Blues is part of mankind’s everyday struggle, a part of life, like breathing."

Hard Luck Hopson: Breathin' Blues

Hard Luck Hopson was born May 25, 1960 in Reckless Disregard, Mississippi. He…

"Blues will always be around because it is honest music. It connects with people in a very deep way. It will change from decade to decade but if it stays honest it will always be supported."

Hank Mowery: Nothing But The Blues…

"The blues is about holding on to them dreams and desires....through good and bad times..."

Lorenzo Thompson: The Party Started

Lorenzo Thompson was born in the Mississippi town of Greenwood in the 50s,…

"Rock & Roll music, in its purest form, is honest. It speaks of life experiences, emotions, and relationships. I think music fans want music that is honest."

The W.S. Holland Band: R & R Vertigo…

"You know, emotionally, l think the blues is all about freedom, subversion and fun."

Sugarcane Collins: Southern Cross Blues

From the far north of Australia but with his musical roots…

"I hope the younger generations know the real passion, and celebration of life that is the Blues, it’s not a downer thing."

Washboard Jo: When The Saints Play Music

Jo Burke,…