"I really want people to appreciate the fact that Blues music came from the African-American community, especially now. And I want white blues musicians to stand up for the black artists out there, many of whom are suffering, or their loved ones are suffering."

Lisa Mann: Tough Girl, Freedom Blues

Originally from West Virginia, Mann’s vocals…

"When I was a teenager the blues helped me to understand the history of racial injustice in the Unites States. We don’t need it for that any more - with camera phones and Youtube, anyone who wants to can witness that injustice for themselves. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t seem to be interested."

Alan Harper: Chicago Blues Crossroads

In the…

"Racism is one of the most dangerous things in our society. Germany´s history as we all have seen, was breaking basic rules of civilization. We also see how racists are working anywhere I the world today. I would say that everybody is a brother of mine, the only difference is that this brother is born by another mother."

Leslie Mándoki: The Philosophy of Music…

"I miss reality in the music of today… everything seems synthesized and auto tuned and phone. I guess I’m old school and like it real."

James Williamson: Rock n' Roll Blodline 

Legendary proto-punk guitar heroes, James Williamson & Deniz Tek, have joined forces for a brand new, odds-defying studio album, Two To One, set to be released…

"All music effects people. Thats what its for. I am not sure that Blues is any different to any other sort of music in that respect. All genre's of music can convey any feelings you want them to. Make people think, cry, laugh. There is nothing better than after a gig people telling you that your songs made them feel some sort of emotion. Even if they hated it. If they felt nothing, then you have failed."…

"Absolutely nothing matters except the love of the music and a pure heart. I can continue to hope I can reach at least one person per listen with love and hope and acceptance."

Dianne Davidson: Always The Dreamer

There are a lot of good singers around today and a lot of talented musicians. There are performers who draw large crowds wherever…

"However, these days I feel that there is a wonderful mix of what the ‘blues’ has now become and I feel there is a refreshing artistry evoked by artists the world over who aren’t afraid to mix influences but who still operate in the realms of what we understand as a modern ‘blues’ genre. I find that exciting. New sounds and new ways to express your own ‘blues’; that very essence of human emotion."…

"Class, style, melody and originality - that’s what I liked about most of the music in the past - and that’s what I look for in the music of today. It’s not that it’s missing today, it’s just a little harder to find."

Peggy James: Skip The Desert Boundaries

Peggy James was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin but spent her formative years in the…

"Music is not a competition. I entered lots of battle of the band style contests as a young musician and it builds an unhealthy view of what music should be like."

Tom Gee: Say It Loud... Blues, Soul & Rock

Tom Gee is just about starting again. The 30 year-old singer songwriter from Bradford has been playing across the UK since the age of 16…

"Blues is a music form that enables to express my feelings and express my deepest emotions."

Kim Simmonds: Rockin' The Blues

Savoy Brown was formed by guitarist Kim Simmonds in 1965 in London, England. Savoy Brown fans might be the luckiest fans in the world. No other blues rock act alive today has delivered so much excellent music…

Miss Mercy: The Priestess of Rock n' Roll 

Miss Mercy, a.k.a. Mercy Fontenot, was born Judith Edra Peters in Burbank, California. Mercy was a member of the GTO's. The GTOs (Girls Together Outrageously) were a girl group from the Los Angeles area, specifically the…

"Writers try hard to put into words what musicians express through their voices and instruments – a lot of them wish they could play, and since they can't they try to get close to the power of music with their words."

Al Basile: Words, Music & Rhy(th)ms

Al Basile grew up in a park in Haverhill, Massachusetts. He graduated from Phillips Academy…

"Blues will always reach SOME people because it's so immediate, simple and human."

Johnny Iguana: The Keys of King Lizard

Johnny "Ig" Iguana - born Brian Berkowitz - grew up in Philadelphia, where he studied piano from age eight and played piano and organ in blues bands from age 16. He moved to New York City at age 22, where he met one of his…

"Blues is at the core of everything I do musically. Truthfully I didn't and don't feel a part of Rock culture. Maybe onlookers see me as part of it...I was playing and wanted to be an artist...nothing outside of my own world."

Zoot Horn Rollo: Lunar Notes, Magic Blues

Bill Harkleroad, known professionally as Zoot Horn Rollo, is a prodigious…

"The blues is the common ground, the music of the blues throughout all styles, and the feeling of the blues throughout all peoples."

Jon Paris: The Blues Had A Baby and They Named It Rock & Roll

Jon Paris…

"I miss the value and attention that music once had, when people really listened deeply to a recording or to a live show. I miss crowds of people dancing, and I miss talking to audience members- shaking hands, conversation between sets- without fear of getting sick. I miss performing for people who actually came to hear live music, instead of playing with their phones and talking loudly. I miss traveling."…

"It (music) has always been helping yourself and the people who listen to you to forget for as long as possible all the troubles that surround us all."

Doug James: Mr. Low & His Bari Sax

Baritone sax specialist Doug James was born in Turlock, California in 1953. An early interest in music was encouraged by his mother, an organist in his…

"Re music’s impact sociologically…Its hard to define how and when music actually changes things. It certainly doesn’t work immediately, and it doesn’t work on everyone. What it tends to do is seep into the fabric of society and through popularity, controversy, discussion or its very presence make a difference."

Kevin Godley: Instinctive & Intuitive Music…

"The impact of music on the socio-political, racial, spiritual environment is that it makes people think, and feel, and consider a different way of looking at things and feeling about things. That can lead to action which can then make an actual positive change in whatever the situation is."

David Sancious: Eyes Wide Open

World-renowned performing…

"The blues is music about deep feelings and emotions that can bring back memories, good and bad. It’s a healing music that helps us all get through life’s ups and downs so I think that’s why it will never die."

Mark May:

Music Crossroads, Southern Gumbo

Texas-based veteran…