“Blues and Soul music have always been more than just melodies and rhythms—they are deep expressions of life, emotion, and resilience.”

Charles Michell: The Soul of The Blues

The Founder and CEO of the Jus’ Blues Music Foundation

Jus’ Blues Music Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve Blues heritage through cultural arts by nurturing the soul of the Blues with historical Blues education programming. Charles Mitchell, since 1995 has been the Founder and CEO of the Jus’ Blues Music Foundation, Inc. As Executive Director of Jus’ Blues and producer of twenty Jus’ Blues Music Awards Shows, Charles has grown the organization to thousands of members and has secured hundreds of thousands of dollars for the organization to fund its broad mission. He also conceived and developed their lead program, Blues-Got-A-Soul. This program is geared toward influencing and educating students about the history of the Blues - America's purely original music art form. Charles has worked in the music industry for over four decades in Artist Management, Artist Development, a Producer, Record Company Owner, Event Organizer, Promoter, Studio Manager, Music Publisher, and Songwriter. Charles uses his unique and compelling voice for social change through the arts, conferences and symposiums. He speaks about topics ranging from Blues music education and non-profit management, to fundraising and community development through the arts.

(Photo: Charles Mitchell)

Charles Mitchell, the Founder and CEO of the Jus’ Blues Music Foundation, says: “The annual Jus' Blues Music Awards (JBMA) Conference has become an iconic event on the Mississippi tourist calendar, renowned for celebrating the finest musicians and singers in Blues & Soul music, as well as recognizing top industry professionals working behind the scenes. This year, we proudly mark our 25th annual Jus' Blues Music Awards & Conference, a milestone that calls for a special celebration! To commemorate this incredible milestone, we are thrilled to announce the production of a commemorative 25th anniversary Blues album which will be available in digital and limited edition gold vinyl formats. We have invited some of the honorees from our annual awards shows to donate a song to this album”. This historic collection features artists including Bobby Rush, Latimore, Diunna Greenleaf, Benny Turner, Trudy Lynn, Jimmy Burns, Teeny Tucker, Theodis Ealey, Zakiya Hooker, Mr. Sipp, and Lucky Peterson!

Interview by Michael Limnios      Special Thanks: Charles Mitchell & Kevin Johnson

How has Blues & Soul music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your (music) life the most?

Blues & Soul: The Soundtrack of My Life. Growing up in the mid-60s, music was not just a pastime—it was the heartbeat of my upbringing. The AM radio was always on, spinnin records that filled our home with rhythm and soul. My family didn’t just listen; we lived the music. We danced, sang along, and soaked in every note. My father’s friends would gather under the tree, tinkering with cars, sharing stories, and playing music—the Blues and Soul sounds weaving through the air like an unspoken language of unity.

This era, the 60s and 70s, was a defining time for me. It shaped my perspective on music, culture, and the world. Blues and Soul music weren’t just entertainment; they were expressions of joy and struggle. Through them, I understood that music could reflect life’s deepest emotions and tell stories that resonate across generations. For me the artists of this time were creating something new and transformative—the sound we now call Rhythm & Blues. Their music taught me to appreciate innovation while honoring tradition. It inspired me to recognize the importance of preserving and evolving the artistry that defines our culture. That realization became the foundation of my life’s work—to celebrate, uplift, and pass this music on to future generations.

”The Music has also been a bridge—bringing people together across racial and cultural divides. Artists like James Brown, B.B King, Bobby Blue Bland, Nina Simone, Etta James, Albert King, and Public Enemy used their platforms to highlight social issues of their day and time, making music an instrument for awareness and progress.” (Photo: Charles Mitchell with Bobby Rush & Bobby Blue Bland)

How did the idea of Jus’ Blues Music Foundation come about? What are you doing to keep blues music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

Jus' Blues: A Legacy of Music, Culture, and Advocacy. In 1988, a pivotal moment for me unfolded when I met and took on the management of the legendary Bluesman Lucky Peterson. Witnessing Lucky’s global impact yet his struggle to secure performance opportunities at major Blues festivals in the United States, I knew something had to change. This realization led me to establish  the Jus' Blues Management Company, a name that would later define a movement dedicated to celebrating and uplifting Black Blues artists. Lucky Peterson was a force to be reckoned with, a true shooting star whose talent demanded recognition. Yet, his frustration with the American music industry’s reluctance to embrace him as one of the world’s premier Blues artists was undeniable. Through our journey together I was able to sign Blues Diva Trudy Lynn to my roster, at that time I felt like I had two of the top 10 Blues talents in the world on the Jus' Blues Management team.

This experience shaped the vision for what Jus' Blues is today. Our mission is simple but powerful: to "Nurture the Soul of the Blues" by recognizing Black Blues artists who don't get the recognition they deserve from mainstream media or more popular awards shows. We recognize artists who continue to expand the sound and style of traditional Blues, ensuring that their contributions are valued and preserved for future generations.

At the heart of our work is our historical Blues education program Blues-Got-A-Soul, designed to share historical Blues knowledge, provide youth mentorship, and inspire aspiring artists. Jus' Blues also operates  its own internet radio station , a place where artists music can be heard, another option for those who are not played on more popular radio stations, we have our own radio app Jus’ Blues Radio and on Tunein app we have over 50,000 followers, further solidifying our commitment to keeping Blues alive and thriving. We want mention our label Jus' Blues Records, we are re-launching the label for our 25th annual awards show, it is the Jus' Blues Legends Collection, it has artists on has been honored at the Jus' Blues Music Awards, we very proud to say that artists like the legendary Bobby Rush, Latimore, Trudy Lynn, Benny Turner, Diuanna Greenleaf, Theodis Ealey, Teeny Tucker, Jimmy Burns, Zikaya Hooker, Lucky Peterson and a bonus track from the "Mississippi Blues Child" Mr. Sipp.

Our annual signature event, the Jus' Blues Music Awards & Conference, is the pinnacle of our celebration. Held the first weekend of August every year, the 2025 edition marks a milestone—our 25th Jus' Blues Awards on July 31, 2025, in Biloxi, Mississippi held at the IP Casino Resort Spa. This gathering will unite artists, industry leaders, and Blues lovers to honor traditional Blues  music’s rich legacy while looking ahead to its vibrant future. For more details, visit our site Jus’ Blues and be part of the movement that keeps Blues alive.                                                           (Photo: Charles Michell & William Bell)

”The Soundtrack of My Life. Growing up in the mid-60s, music was not just a pastime—it was the heartbeat of my upbringing. The AM radio was always on, spinnin records that filled our home with rhythm and soul.”

Why do you think that Blues & Soul music continues to generate such a devoted following?

The Timeless Power of Blues & Soul Music. Blues and Soul music have always been more than just melodies and rhythms—they are deep expressions of life, emotion, and resilience. Their ability to connect with people on a personal level is why they continue to generate such a devoted following. These genres speak to the human experience, telling stories of love, heartbreak, joy, struggle, and triumph. They tap into emotions that are universal, and that kind of authenticity never fades. People don’t just listen to Blues and Soul; they feel them. Beyond their emotional depth, Blues and Soul are foundational to so many modern music styles. From R&B and Rock to Hip-Hop and Jazz, their influence is woven into the fabric of today’s music. Fans appreciate the rich history and recognize the originators of the traditional Blues whose artistry has shaped generations. There’s also something about the raw energy of live Blues and Soul performances—the gripping guitar licks, the powerhouse vocals, the unmistakable grooves—that keeps audiences coming back. It’s music that brings people together, that creates a sense of community and shared experience.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

What I miss most about the music of the past is its raw authenticity and the depth of emotion woven into every note. Whether it was the crackle of a vinyl record, the poetic storytelling of lyrics, or the unapologetic experimentation that defined entire eras, older music carried an undeniable soul. There was a sense of craftsmanship, where artists prioritized artistry over algorithms, and where music was more than just a commodity—it was a cultural movement.

Looking to the future, my hope is that music continues to evolve without losing its heart. I hope new artists are given the space to innovate while still honoring the roots of traditional musical history. I hope technology enables creativity rather than diluting it, allowing musicians to connect deeply with audiences worldwide. At its best, music is a bridge between generations, a force that brings people together. Yet, despite these concerns, music remains an unstoppable force. As long as there are artists who create from the heart and listeners who crave something real, music will continue to thrive—echoing the voices of both the past and the future.

”The legacy of Blues is deeply intertwined with Gospel and Jazz, forming the foundation for Soul, R&B, and countless other genres. These connections are not just musical but cultural, reflecting the evolution of sound and storytelling across generations.” (Photo: Charles Mitchell, Latimore & Charles Bobbit)

If you could change one thing in the musical world and it would become a reality, what would that be?

If I could change one thing in the musical world and make it a reality, I would ensure that every artist, regardless of background, had equal access to opportunities and resources to create and share their music and their contribution be included and preserved in Blues history. Too often, talent is overlooked due to industry gatekeeping, financial barriers, or favoring mass appeal over true artistry.

In this ideal world, musicians wouldn’t have to sacrifice their creativity just to fit a mold dictated by streaming platforms or commercial success. Independent artists would thrive without worrying about marketability, also keep in mind marketing is important,  but music would be celebrated for its ability to challenge, inspire, and unite—rather than just its ability to go viral. With true artistic freedom and equitable access, the musical landscape would be richer, more diverse, and more meaningful. Legends would be born not because they had the right connections, but because their voices genuinely moved the world.

What are the lines that connect the legacy of Blues from Gospel and Jazz to Soul/R&B and beyond?

The legacy of Blues is deeply intertwined with Gospel and Jazz, forming the foundation for Soul, R&B, and countless other genres. These connections are not just musical but cultural, reflecting the evolution of sound and storytelling across generations. Blues emerged from the African American experience, drawing heavily from the call-and-response traditions and emotional depth of Gospel. The spiritual roots of Gospel infused Blues with raw, heartfelt expression—songs of struggle, hope, and perseverance. The improvisational spirit of Jazz, meanwhile, added complexity and innovation, pushing Blues beyond its traditional structures and encouraging musical exploration.

As Soul and R&B took shape, they carried forward the emotional honesty of Blues while incorporating the rhythmic drive of Jazz and the uplifting energy of Gospel. Artists like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Sam Cooke blended these influences to create timeless music that spoke to both personal and collective experiences. From there, the legacy continued to expand, influencing rock, hip-hop, and modern pop. Through every era, the essence of Blues remains: a form of storytelling that captures life's joy and pain, bridging the past and future through melody and feeling.

”What I miss most about the music of the past is its raw authenticity and the depth of emotion woven into every note. Whether it was the crackle of a vinyl record, the poetic storytelling of lyrics, or the unapologetic experimentation that defined entire eras, older music carried an undeniable soul.” (Photo: Charles Mitchell, the Founder and CEO of the Jus’ Blues Music Foundation, Inc)

What is the impact of Black American music on the racial and socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

Black American music has had a profound impact on racial and socio-cultural dynamics, serving as both a reflection of history and a catalyst for change. From Blues and Jazz to Soul, Hip-Hop, and beyond, this music has given voice to marginalized communities, preserving stories of resilience, struggle, and triumph. It has provided a space for cultural identity, shaped social movements, and influenced global art forms. The rhythms, melodies, and lyrical storytelling carry deep historical significance, often addressing themes of racial injustice, freedom, and empowerment.

Music has also been a bridge—bringing people together across racial and cultural divides. Artists like James Brown, B.B King, Bobby Blue Bland, Nina Simone, Etta James, Albert King, and Public Enemy used their platforms to highlight social issues of their day and time, making music an instrument for awareness and progress. Black American music has shaped mainstream entertainment, influencing styles, language, and even political discourse.

Looking ahead, I hope music continues to serve as a force for unity and understanding. I want it to inspire people to confront hard truths, celebrate heritage, and embrace diversity. Music should uplift, challenge perspectives, and spark meaningful conversations. In its purest form, it is a universal language—one that carries the power to heal, to ignite change, and to bring people together in ways that words alone cannot.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

One of the most important lessons from the journey through music is that authenticity matters. The most powerful music comes from a place of truth—whether it's joy, pain, rebellion, or love. People connect with songs not just for their melodies but for the emotions they carry, proving that vulnerability and honesty will always resonate. Another key lesson is that traditional Blues music is ever-evolving yet deeply rooted in history. Understanding the foundations—Blues, Gospel, Jazz, and beyond—helps artists push boundaries while still honoring those who paved the way. There’s an unbroken thread running through generations of sound, reminding us that innovation thrives when it builds upon legacy. Music also teaches patience and resilience. Success is rarely instant, and the path is filled with challenges, from creative blocks to industry pressures. Those who endure, adapt, and stay committed to their vision are the ones who leave a lasting impact.

Finally, music reinforces the idea that connection is at its core. It bridges gaps between cultures, inspires movements, and speaks to emotions that words alone often fail to express. Whether through a single song or an entire genre, music continues to shape lives, making it one of the most powerful forces in the world.

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(Photo: Charles Michell & Jesse James)