"I feel that music should make you dance, think and also be aware of what’s going on around you and all over the world. Be willing to accept other people perspectives."

Mike Wheeler: Chicago Blues Hall of Famer

Mike Wheeler has a vast knowledge of music and a voice that's reminiscent of the late Sam Cooke. He can sing and play everything so well…

"When you think about it, blues is at the heart of so much of modern music that its impact must be immense. I can only imagine how boring the music scene would be without that blues influence. Despite the origins of blues being based on suffering, poverty, pain or any number of human conditions, I like to think that its effect on people will be to bring them together, give them a real good time and have them feel warm and happy…

I believe that soul always plays main role on the blues scene. Technique is very important as a method of expression thou. I think that the blues is not just another style of music. It’s something more, wider and stronger, with ability to unite people and survive through the years."

Levan Lomidze: The Man And His Blues

In…

"Music can have a huge impact on society. Just look at the Blues Revival of the 1960s which led to the counter-cultural rock music which in turn affected politics and society in general.  I want music to make people think and feel."

Bruce Katz: American Music Connections…

"Music has always been at the forefront of world cultural issues and expression. It could possibly be the best non-aggressive way to express an opinion about any subject. We just want our music to relate with people. We want you to have a good time at live shows and let the music take you away when you need it."

Robert Jon & The Wreck:…

"My sound is based on the traditional blues, gospel, funk, rock. I think all my recordings have bits and pieces, of all those genres. Which I grew up with in my household, continue to rely on them still today."

Bernard Allison: Legendary Blues Bloodline

Arriving as Ruf Records marks its 30th anniversary and more than three decades since…

"I think its due to the strong blues societies we have in Canada. So many devoted blues fans who want to see the genre stay in the forefront devote hours of their time volunteering to that end! Running and planning festivals, organizing events, keeping blues societies running and fostering new young blues talent, are all key to generate a following. These devoted folks are the unsung heroes of the blues. Without them, we are…

"I'm definitely thankful to have found a way to share my thoughts and feelings with people. We live in a world where there's plenty to say. I talk about it all; the greed of society, the paradox of what people believe in and the way they act, etc. People can easily identify with those songs or it can just open their minds and explore different ways of thinking."

Ghalia Volt: Shout Sister…

"I want my music to hold up a mirror to life. And in life there are happy times and sad times. So my Blues is sometimes happy and sometimes sad. But even playing the sad songs makes me feel better. Music has been my salvation."

Tinsley Ellis: The Naked Truth of The Blues

On Friday, February 9, 2024, Alligator Records will release Naked Truth, the…

"Blues and jazz music will always live on even if the renditions change. What's positive about today IS the vast availability of music now at your fingertips. I think it’s easier for people to go back and listen to the musical legacy of the last 100 years. What I like about nowadays is the mixing of so many genres and influences from certain decades, 60's, 70's, 80's etc. People are listening back to things and using those influences and genres and creating…

"What I've experienced from my years as an artist in the Blues circuit, is that it brings people from all social classes, ages and cultures together. Generally I think all music brings people together, but the blues society is more like a big family a bit away from the more commercial music scene."

Ronny Aagren: Nothin' But The Blues

Ronny Aagren…

"I think the role of art in today’s society is to provide a place for people to express themselves artistically and for others to experience those creations and take what they want to from them to enrich their own lives. Sometimes I think of myself as someone who spends more time creating art than consuming it, but when I think of all of the time that I spend each week reading, listening to music or watching movies etc. I realize that it’s not even…

"I think jazz has made its impact through its flexibility and inclusivity, along with its democratic underpinnings. I don’t just mean this in the abstract. If you look at the instrumentation, you’ll see that any and all instruments and styles can be adapted to its improvisational format."

Jonathan Toscano: Talking With The Jazz

Jonathan Toscano is…

"One of the most important lessons I have learned is to be kind and compassionate to others as well as always being humble."

Harrell "Young Rell" Davenport:

A New Blues Star Is Born

17-years-old blues artist Harrell "Young Rell" Davenport is brilliant and specializes in modern…

"The impact of soul music on socio-cultural implications has been profound, contributing to the advancement of civil rights, cultural expression, musical innovation, and global cultural exchange. My hope is for Soul music to continue being a powerful force in shaping society and influencing cultural attitudes and movements."

Marcel Smith: Soul From My Soul…

"For the good, the true and the beautiful, although in some cases the warning ‘message’ or ‘feel’ of a song or piece of music can be good and true but not necessarily beautiful."

Jeremy Spencer: The Pilgrim Music

Early Life: Born on 4 July 1948, in West Hartlepool, Northern…

"My hopes would be for the music to stay as real as possible. Much music has become computer music to me. Drum loops that sound like real drums. I say, why not use REAL drums! I don't like a keyboard patch for horns. Auto tune has been used in a way where a duck, cat and a dog can sound like the three tenors! That is what worries me about modern music."

Mark Stutso: American Roots…

"So be prepared to move on and continue on your chosen path, mostly that’s your only choice. Just be yourself at all times and tell the truth as you see it. Being in all the bands I was in was a lot of fun most of the time, but it takes patience and self-confidence - your inner spirit will often have to survive troubling times, but it’s well worth it, because playing music will always beat doing a job you don’t like."…

"I think there have been times in the past where music has made a real difference to society, and that will forever be inspiring. For me however, I hope that playing this style of music keeps the incredible history of the genre alive today. I also hope that my music brings joy to some people. Playing shows where you can see people smiling, tapping their feet, maybe even dancing? That’s what I do this for! If my songs can provoke something in even a handful…

"I miss the old musicians. They'll be no more Albert Collins or Freddie King. My hope for the future is to stay healthy and keep pushing."

Jim Suhler: Texas Scratch, Lone Star Blues

Jim…