“Music has always been a mirror to society. It reflects our struggles, our triumphs, and our collective humanity. Growing up, I was influenced by artists like Marvin Gaye, Jimi Hendrix, R.L. Burnside, Muddy Waters, and Prince — all of whom challenged social norms, pushed boundaries, and spoke truth to power.”…

“Music has the power to change the world. We’ve seen that throughout the civil rights movement in the United States, anti-war movements and anti-fascism movements. We see protest bands like the Russian band Pussy Riot banned by their own governments and put in prison because they’re found to be threatening to those in power.”

Debra Devi: The Language of the…

“I wish I had more time and space to answer this properly but Blues is the beginning of all music here in the USA that isn’t classical. Every type of music we have sprung out of the Blues, which we can say began in 1619 when the first Dutch ship landed and traded slaves for supplies. Jazz, Soul, Rock, Funk, R&B, Country, all of it comes from the blues.”…

"I mostly miss all the characters, the old timers, the real deal blues guys and all the craziness that we all experienced together. The situations we all found ourselves in the good and the lousy gigs. The cool clubs and the shithole clubs.  As for the blues music of the past, I miss the simplicity, the grooves, the soul."

Kenny Parker: Motor City's Hellfire Blues…

“Staying true to my voice, and delivery style. I believe staying true to what works for me and has been well received and important when I go into the studio. I’m not a fan of what’ssupposedly popular; as this will water down your authenticity; and this is one of the beautiful things about blues, its authenticity.”

Robbin…

“Try to be true to yourself. I’m hearing comments about authenticity lately, being something to strive for. Be open to other’s ideas and feelings. In a group situation for live performance, try to create a culture of fun. Play for your audience versus worrying about the players in the house. Your audience is way more open minded, and generally… more appreciative. And… never point your guitar amp at the sound…

“I have found very little originality and creativity in today’s popular music. That’s why I am always learning from the classics. There were no machines or artificial intelligence to enhance them. I strive to make Timeless Music.”

Murali Coryell: Soul Of A Nation…

“What scares me about the future of music is actually what scares me about the future of humanity in general: losing our connection to reality, drifting toward something completely superficial, a world that becomes as sanitized as the music it consumes. For me, the blues is a remedy to all of that. It’s raw, human, imperfect, and real. It’s everything I hope we don’t lose.”

Elise…

“As far as the blues shaping rock and roll, the blues had an impact on all music, and I by no means claim to be a historian, but also I personally think all music influences all music in some way and it’s forever evolving.”

Jonathon “Boogie” Long: Louisiana Axe…

“The importance of preserving jazz and blues music is because it’s such an essential part of our American history in our growth as a nation and in the arts. As art forms, they provide the basis of many other types of musical inspiration even extending to visual arts and in many cases, political and social commentary.”…