"Blues and jazz culture has had a massive influence on American culture, and definitely on global music. Its role in the rise of hip-hop culture, now ubiquitous and appropriated everywhere, can also not be understated."

Peach Reasoner: The Blues of…

"Folk music is for the people, by the people. Therefore that struggle for racial equality is certainly going to find itself inside the confines of folk music. The same can be said about political and cultural issues."

Burlap Wolf King: South Dakota…

"I think the Blues really just gives us a platform from which to connect with real life and tell the world about it all."

Lance Lopez: Southern Blues Rock 

Blues Rock axeslinger Lance Lopez…

"I use to hope that the Blues would survive, that was back in the '70's when Blues got real slow. The Blues had the Blues then, but '80's they bounced back. Now today is stronger then ever, the Blues will live on."

Kenny Neal: The Blues Bloodline…

"Jazz is an African-based music. You don't have to be African to play it but you must understand the "African" aspects of the music in order to play it the right way. What is great is that Jazz is America's only original art form."

Larry Coryell: The Jazz Vision of…

"I learned how to use the music to lift my spirits, so The blues is really about story telling the stories are about every part of life."

Wes Mackey: The Blues Journey

With more than 50 years in music he…

"It's a huge impact on it as it crossed over a lot of people to what was once called Race music. Today blues is mainstream with white young guitar players. Helped race relations and guys like Bonamassa carry on the memory of all the great African America players.

Lyric Dubee: Revolution…

"The opportunity to play music for and with children has been a blessing. I've learned to slow down a little, play a bit more deliberately, to be more conscious of what I'm doing – more present."

The Wonderful World of Jeremy Lyons…

"The blues is a musical language in which I feel understood, and in which I can navigate comfortably and express my innermost self."

Pierre Lacocque: Burning Chicago Blues

As band leader and…

"I think blues gets across to all types of people regardless of color. That’s the beauty of it!  We can all come together and be human together."

Levee Town: Kansas City Heat

Kansas City…

"The blues are a feeling. It comes from one group of men taking another group of men and making them their slaves. And it’s one of the greatest contributions that Black America has given the world."

Butch Trucks: Beat, Soul, Heart & Mind…

"Eliminate all TV talent shows. They feed on young people’s desires and aspirations and use them to sell advertisements. They provide false idols for the next generation."

Akis Perdikis: The Polite Rocker…

"Blues is so absorbing, so mysterious and makes you feel so good, playing or listening."

Léo Maier: Truth, Freedom & Passion

Léo Maier is a Brazilian guitarist and singer…

"I don’t fear about the future...cause everytime the people come and go and the Blues never die!!"

Gustavo Filomìa Gonzàlez: Southern Cross

Gustavo Omar Filomìa Gonzàlez is an Argentinian…

Music is so beautiful because it transcends race, sex, politics, or personal views. Everyone can come together, if only for a song, and enjoy being carried away by music.

Jason Elmore: Southern Velvet…

"Music is my life's joys. Portraits of musicians is my passion. Giving back to those who gave me such joy by honoring them with a piece of fine art is my legacy of my art. Getting them autographed puts a piece of their ENERGY on it for posterity. Feels powerful! like the art."

Lori Ann Fitzgerald:…

"The Blues is all about emotions. It can touch people and make them feel better. It can unite people and make them understand each other’s problems. And it can make them happy as a big family."

Crazy Bull: Save The Boogiefightings…

"I think that today’s blues is more present worldwide than in the old days. I hope that blues musicians will experiment more in the future and bring some new refreshments on the scene."

Igor Iggy Djeke: Harp Explosion…

"No matter if we are talking about political revolution about human rights or different music genres development - blues and soul play a major role there and for sure they were a big influence all over the world, not just in US."

Joe Colombo & Kasia Skoczek:…

"As we have seen in history, Art can make a movement; remember Hollywood’s Red Scare? I believe it’s a modern songwriters job to write on current conditions, in keeping with the oral history tradition. Positive messages are what is needed; songs of coming together, peace, Earth Awareness and love."…