"It certainly helped to gain social acceptance for black performers in the USA during the Civil Rights Movement and it also helped to bring the issues to the fore with songs like ‘A Change is Gonna Come’ helping society to understand the issues that were needing addressing. Blues also offered a wider voice to those members of society who were not able to attend the rallies and marches and helped by enabling them to feel involved by listening to the new…

"Technology had made making music much easier than in the past. The bad part of that is ANYBODY can do it! You don't need any instrumental proficiency, just an idea and some buttons!  I'm looking forward to the return of the days when actually PLAYING an instrument is cool. Then music will have a "soul" again."

Greg Boyer: Soul Cool Music

Greg…

"NOLA is saturated in music. It's in the homes, the streets, the clubs, the water, in the blood in the DNA. It's a passion a lifestyle."

Louise Cappi: Eclectic NOLA Gumbo

Louise Cappi, is an American Soul/Jazz singer & songwriter, recording artist & Bandleader. New Orleans is the native New Yorkers home. She is the child of the late great…

"I think music improves lives in all kinds of ways. It offers people therapy on their own terms. Most musicians are weirdos, some are jerks, a few are worse than that, but almost all music seems to have the potential to help players and listeners through hard times. Playing music can be a public service. Seems like the world would be a better place if every job was like that."

Deltaphonic: The Holy…

"Music has always had a strong impact on people. In the past, blues music has told profoundly personal stories, it has highlighted a number of life problems as well as dealing with issues of a major consequence including war. I would like music to venture down this path; unfortunately, this philosophy is a little lost today."

Federico Luiu: Walkin’ the Blues…

"Throughout history, music always reflects what is happening in society at that time."

Eddie Henderson: Dr. Jazzman

Eddie Henderson is one of today's top and most original jazz trumpet players. Henderson was born in NYC in 1940. His father sang with the Charioteers, and his mother danced as one of the Brown twins at the Cotton club. Louis…

"It used to be such a huge part of everyday life, I feel its been slightly de-valued these days. It makes me sad that most people younger than me will never own music, have a record collection etc. Music touches me more than anything in the world and that will never change for me and so many others."

Josh Smith: Blues Rock Dynamite Axe

Blues rock…

"Music is a great platform to share important messages and it does bring people together in a very deep way."

Mary Jo Curry: Modern Old School

There’s a sincerity to Mary Jo Curry’s singing. She’s not trying to show off her voice, she’s not trying to sound like someone else, she’s here to make you believe something – to feel something, to know in…

"Jazz doesn't go along well with separatism, nationalism and dictatorship. Of course, there is only so much you can do as an individual. Yet, we as musicians, have the job to stay true to our art and thus send a signal."…

"I guess what I miss from the funk and soul music of yesterday is the really warm sounds and feeling it had. The music back in the day was played on real instruments by human beings not computers and machines."

Milo Z : The Sound of Razzamofunk

He calls the music “Razzamofunk”, a combination of Rock, Rap, Jazz, Blues & Funk. The sound is…

"Music stirs the emotion in a powerful way, I would like it to encourage the good in people, I believe it’s important for artists to keep that in mind in this age of too much negative in our music and too much dissonance in our lives. Good music can give people a purpose, joy, and connection to others... even more of a connection when enjoyed with a good meal."

Muriel Anderson: Respect & Joy of…

"I want it to bring people together through music. Blues and Roots music has that effect on me but I'm not sure what effect it has on socio-culture...It's a small niche this type of music and it's a close-knit community through blues societies and other organizations. That's one way of keeping people together and interested."

Adam Karch: The Spirit of Americana…

"Music is an international language that can turn down all barriers. I had the opportunity to play all around Europe, meet a lot of people and make real friends. The most honest people I meet in my life are all musicians, I really think that music can give us all the opportunity of a better life."

Luca Re (The Sick Rose): Rock n' Roll Vains

The…

"People have always used art forms as a way to comment on the culture of the day, and music is an excellent way to do it."

Sass Jordan: Rebel Moon Blues

Sass Jordan is one of the premiere female rock singers in history, selling over one million albums worldwide. While she has touched upon Blues over her 40-year career, this is the first time she…

"Musicians have the power and responsibility to educate, encourage change and inspire. With our words and out voice, we have an opportunity to make a difference. Music can make change and changes peoples ideas and mind. It’s so powerful."

Robin McKelle: The Lady & Her Music

A savvy songwriter and a powerhouse vocalist, Robin McKelle has long…

"Although in my attempt at creating a ‘musical adventure in time travel’ across many different ancient cultures, ranging from ancient-themed Biblical music, ancient-themed Egyptian music, ancient Mesopotamian-themed music, ancient Greek-themed music and ancient Roman-themed music, the one thing all my ancient-themed lyre music has in common, is hopefully evoking  a sense of inner peace and tranquility – if my music can in turn,…

"I’m sure music will stay. Music can’t die. Because, what is music? Music is sound, vibration, energy, speed, waves, the combination of things and people, so even if mankind is gone one day, there will still be sound in the Universe. And if the Universe is gone, something or someone will still be left making a noise."

Botticelli Baby: Let The Good Times Roll…

"Blues music and culture brings people together. It transcends the color line and gives people a common ground on which to communicate. Blues has the ability to bring different cultures, races and genders together and not think about who you are or where you came from. Music is a healer and the glue that holds us together."

Zakiya Hooker: The Legacy of The…

"Blues simplifies and with such emotional fortitude that much of what you speak is broken down to the bear bones. Music of the heart and soul should and does have the power to do such."

Rott'n Dan & Lightnin: Roots Earth Music

Dan and the Lightnin' Willy are an acoustic duo focusing on Pre-War, Piedmont and Country Blues. In doing so they are…

"For Americans our Blues, Roots, and Jazz are the music genres that have helped defined us internationally. We’ve exported them as our cultural ambassadors. They’ve given birth to numerous other important styles of music such as rock n roll and soul music. Can you imagine a world without them?"

Phil Gammage: It's Real Good Music

Phil Gammage’s…