Blues America

An in-depth conversation about one the strangest characters of the Blues and Rock-N-Roll, Screaming Jay Hawkins with author Steve Bergsman. Details of Hawkins life is based on Bergsman new autobiography called, I Put a Spell on You: The Bizarre Life of Screamin' Jay Hawkins. Part 1 of this 2 part series will cover Hawkins early career which both, sensationalized and marginalized by his many character flaws.

An in-depth conversation about one the strangest characters of the Blues and Rock-N-Roll, Screaming Jay Hawkins with author Steve Bergsman. Details of Hawkins life is based on Bergsman new autobiography called, I Put a Spell on You: The Bizarre Life of Screamin' Jay Hawkins. Part 1 of this 2 part series will cover Hawkins early career which both, sensationalized and marginalized by his many character flaws.

James Armstrong is a veteran westcoast guitarist who cut his teeth as a teen on the Los Angeles blues scene with Smokey Wilson. He launched a successful solo career during the 90’s after being discovered and signed-to Hightone Records by Bruce Bromberg. He mastered the slide guitar after a tragic and violent altercation damaged his fret-hand. He’s released many studio efforts since this time, including the critically acclaimed ‘Blues Been Good to Me.’ James is known to perform in a diverse contemporary style with rock overtones, but his latest release captures the depth of his downhome upbringing.

James Armstrong is a veteran westcoast guitarist who cut his teeth as a teen on the Los Angeles blues scene with Smokey Wilson. He launched a successful solo career during the 90’s after being discovered and signed-to Hightone Records by Bruce Bromberg. He mastered the slide guitar after a tragic and violent altercation damaged his fret-hand. He’s released many studio efforts since this time, including the critically acclaimed ‘Blues Been Good to Me.’ James is known to perform in a diverse contemporary style with rock overtones, but his latest release captures the depth of his downhome upbringing.

Keesha Pratt is a Houston Native who was born in Mississippi and grew-up singing gospel in the church. In 2018 she took Memphis by storm to win the International Blues Challenge. Her critically acclaimed debut studio effort is titled, Believe and features 12 original tracks produced by bass man, Shawn Allen.

Keesha Pratt is a Houston Native who was born in Mississippi and grew-up singing gospel in the church. In 2018 she took Memphis by storm to win the International Blues Challenge. Her critically acclaimed debut studio effort is titled, Believe and features 12 original tracks produced by bass man, Shawn Allen.

Charley Crockett is a self-taught guitarist who cut his teeth busking on the streets of America. He hails from the same Texas border town as Freddy Fender. He has a talent for seamlessly integrating traditional blues with country. Charley has cut several studio records, his latest is called Lil GL’s Blue Bonanza. The album features original songs and a few covers of blues standards including Jimmy Reed’s hit, ‘Bright Lights Big City’ and GL Crockett’s south Chicago hit, ‘There’s a Man Down There.’

Charley Crockett is a self-taught guitarist who cut his teeth busking on the streets of America. He hails from the same Texas border town as Freddy Fender. He has a talent for seamlessly integrating traditional blues with country. Charley has cut several studio records, his latest is called Lil GL’s Blue Bonanza. The album features original songs and a few covers of blues standards including Jimmy Reed’s hit, ‘Bright Lights Big City’ and GL Crockett’s south Chicago hit, ‘There’s a Man Down There.’

Christone Kingfish Ingram became an internet sensation during his early teen years being followed by the likes of Bootsy Collins and the Game. After bursting on the scene from Clarksdale, Mississippi under the tutelage of Howlin’ Madd Perry, Kingfish could be seen on network television programs like the Rachel Ray Show and the Steve Harvey Show. His first studio releases appeared on the Netflix hit series, Luke Cage. Kingfish recently signed to Chicago’s famed Alligator records to release his debut single, Fresh Out featuring the legend, Buddy Guy for the upcoming album, Kingfish. The album is produced by Tom Hambridge and features Keb Mo and Billy Branch.

Christone Kingfish Ingram became an internet sensation during his early teen years being followed by the likes of Bootsy Collins and the Game. After bursting on the scene from Clarksdale, Mississippi under the tutelage of Howlin’ Madd Perry, Kingfish could be seen on network television programs like the Rachel Ray Show and the Steve Harvey Show. His first studio releases appeared on the Netflix hit series, Luke Cage. Kingfish recently signed to Chicago’s famed Alligator records to release his debut single, Fresh Out featuring the legend, Buddy Guy for the upcoming album, Kingfish. The album is produced by Tom Hambridge and features Keb Mo and Billy Branch.

Thaddeus Krolicki is a young guitar player on the Chicago scene who cut his teeth playing for Willie Buck, the Taildragger, Harmonica Hines and Barrelhouse Chuck. He often performs with Lil Ed and currently finds a home with the band of Mojo Mark. Recently he cut some studio sides with Willie Buck and was featured on showcases in Westcoast venues. He received hi undergraduate degree from Purdue. Additionally, Thad has found guidance from Billy Flynn, Billy Boy Arnold and Illinois Slim.

Many people are glad to put 2018 in the rearview mirror after another year of wild rides. The headlines were dominated with news about wild fires, mid-term elections and trade-wars; but all of that is for some other show. At Blues America there was no royal wedding, no #metoo scandal or talk about a wall. We added more stations, listeners and produced over 20 new programs that featured legends and the top talent in the business. Saddly, we lost too many blues heroes including Preston Shannon and Eddy Clearwater who spoke with us shortly to their passing. Before we close the book and write a new chapter in 2019 for season 5 of Blues America, we rewind the tape to hear what the year sounded like featuring some of the best guests and outtakes from 2018.

Thornetta Davis is the reigning Queen of Detroit Blues whose latest album “Honest Woman” has been climbing the music charts and earned her two Blues Music Award nominations. She confesses that her recent studio effort that has earned national critical acclaim was 20 years in the making. She was mentored by the great late Alberta Adams. The Queen has also had her music featured on the hit cable series Sopranos and has performed many times with Bob Segar, Kid Rock and Iggy Pop.

Lindsay Beaver is a multi-instrumentalist from Halifax, Nova Scotia who is the most recent young talent to sign with Chicago-based Alligator Records. Her debut studio effort for Alligator, 'Tough as Love' showcases her deep love for roots music and features a helping hand from Marcia Ball and amazing talent like Laura Chavez, Sax Gordon and Dennis Gruenling (among others). Lindsay tours extensively as Tough as Love has risen to the top of the roots charts.

Whitney Shay is a talented upcoming blues talent from Southern California with 2-San Diego Music Awards under her belt. She’s hit the road with Igor Prado and is seen locally on nearly 200 shows per year. Recently, she cut her sophomore studio effort, A Women Rules the World, at Kid Andersens’ renowned Grease Land studios with an all-star cast of player that included Igor Prado and Aki Kumar, among many others.