“Blues music came up out of the ground, and out of people’s hearts and into the hearts of others. It started in the south and has traveled the world over. And so, the blues is part of everyone – whether you’ve heard the music or not. It tells everybody’s story.”

Christopher Wyze: Clarksdale’s…

“blues poet is there to reflect what they observe and comment on the situation. They can offer a viewpoint expressed in a musical way that can make people really feel deeply about life.”

Larry Kurtz: Take A (Blues) Ride…

“I think music is something that touches all people of all different cultures all different backgrounds, all different places in the world because it speaks to that part of a human being that is hard to describe but music touches people. Blues is one of the languages of music that is primal in a way because everyone has had troubled times.”…

“The most important lesson I think I've learned is to be yourself. Do what you feel you wanna do. Write your stuff the way you wanna. Then you won't regret anything. Fame isn't of such importance here. You have to feel good about your music paths.”

Lord Bolt: Cookin’ & Dancin’ Blues & Roll…

“I miss the days when people gave their full attention to things, not just in music but in life in general. It feels like you can’t even tell a story anymore without being interrupted or feeling like you’re not truly being heard. It’s as if people are just waiting for you to stop talking so they can change the subject or move on to something else.”…

"The most important lesson that I’ve learned on my musical path is just to be honest about your music, be loyal to your following and put forth your best efforts because you’re an influencer and that is not to be taken for granted."

William Bell: The Soul Legend

The man who co-wrote one of the most covered songs in blues/rock music history is also…

“Blues and Soul music have always been more than just melodies and rhythms—they are deep expressions of life, emotion, and resilience.”

Charles Michell: The Soul of The Blues

The Founder and CEO of the Jus’ Blues Music…

“Music has a profound impact on socio-cultural implications, influencing everything from individual identity to larger societal norms and values.Music often serves as a key element of cultural identity. It reflects the traditions, values, and histories of communities.”

Tim Ainslie:…

”Music’s role depends on the listener: some use it as a pleasant escape, others seek deep communion. For us, it’s a ritual of unity, love, and liberation.”

Carlos Elliot: Pan-American Soul Boogie

From the heights of the Colombian Andes to the…

“What I learned from all of my musical adventures, and especially those in the South, playing at juke joints and meeting local and international artists carrying this music’s torch, is that nothing counts more than being yourself. If you’re original and authentic, people can feel it and respond.”

Ted Drozdowski:…

“Art and music have always been a major and necessary part of human existence. It's your companion when you're alone or lost. It was the way to tell a story or record an event or of the present or the past that stays true to itself.”

Jerry Retherford: The Art of Inspiration …

“I think the role of blues music in today’s society is to remind America of its roots—of a slower time. A time when phones and social media didn’t exist. If you want to feel a piece of that, go down and stay in Clarksdale, Mississippi. That will put it all into perspective.”

Brandon Santini: Let’s Take the Blues…

“What I learn about myself is that it’s all about pushing forward, or just having fun. I play the music that I would want to listen to myself, and a lot of that is influenced by the great ones. The old blues players are always present in anything I approach.”

Davis Coen: Twangy Blues, Rootsy…

“I think that it is well understood that fluctuations in the popularity in different music styles and themes has a long time link to the current socio-cultural situation. Music impacts society, and also reflects what society is going through, - good and bad.“

Mike Elliott: Let the Soul & Emotions…

“Music is church to me. It is sometimes my only prayer. when given the opportunity to play and share live music, it’s a chance to dance, to dive off into the Ether and get out of my own way. When I write songs, they are usually about things I am trying to understand.”

Carolyn Wonderland: The Truth of…

“Blues music, in particular, becomes a language that you go back to, to find yourself and collect your thoughts. I guess you could call it a Romance Language!”

Tad Robinson: The Blue(s) Shades of Soul!

Singer and harmonica player Tad Robinson is one of the leading voices of modern soul-blues music. From his NYC roots and his Indiana and Chicago…

“One major lesson music has taught me is to eliminate the divisions of “genre” and “race.” I have come to despise the label “music genre” because it imposes artificial boundaries on our understanding.”

Sacromud: The Overground Blues

SACROMUD is the Overground…

“Without The Blues, we wouldn’t have any of the American roots music we love today! Blues can be traced in all genre’s, you can hear the influence in The Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, The Who, Billy Idol and so many more. Blues had a baby, and they called it rock n roll!”

Darren Thiboutot: Memphis…

“The Blues will evolve. All music evolves. We as musicians get better generationally. The only thing I fear would be that some of the originator get lost. There aren't a lot of recordings of them. I believe the Blues has a future. I see Young kids at every jam session I go to.”

Brody Buster: Redemption…

“think music carries with it some real thought-provoking power. Don’t want to think music only preaches to the choir, but even so, we creatives will continue to speak our minds through our music. If that influences anyone in a positive way or helps them to connect with their own feelings and expression, great!”

Vince Santoro: Music City’s…