Lazy Lester in the Studio

  Blues Artist Lazy Lester will be in the Studio this week to record a new album project. Joining him will be several guest musicians
from Austin, the Beaumont-Port Arthur Area, and from Louisiana.
Lazy Lester is best recognized by Blues fans from his work with Slim Harpo, Lightin' Slim and others. He has written songs like "Sugar Coated Love" and "I'm A Lover Not A Fighter". For more info visit:
www.great-recordings.com.

"Keeping the Blues Alive" Recipients Announced

  Seventeen bues enthusiasts have been singled out to
receive The Blues Foundation's 1999 Keeping The Blues Alive
(KBA) Award. The Awards will be presented at a May 30th banquet as a highlight of the W.C. Handy Blues Award weekend. For the complete list of recipients can be found on the Blues Foundation's web site.

Curly Miller Dies

  Blues artist George "Curly Barefoot" Miller who was known for his flamboyant suits, racy jokes and shoeless tap-dancing died of a stroke at the age of 78. A throwback to the vaudville era Miller's shows were a blend of stand-up comedy and blues, with a bit of vaudevillian sparkle thrown in for good measure. "Daddy Ain't Your Daddy, But He Don't Know It" was an audience favorite. Miller performed regularly until his death.

(Courtesy of  The Dallas Morning News)

Joe Williams Dies

  Joe Williams, one of the eras greatest jazz and blues singers, died on March 30th in Las Vegas after leaving a hospital he was admitted to last week for a respiratory ailment. He was 80 years old. He started singing in his teens quitting High School to sing in the clubs of Chicago. During the late 30's and 40's he sang variously with Jimmy Noone, Coleman Hawkins, Les Hite and Lionel Hampton. In 1950 he began sitting in with the Count Basie band and on Christmas day 1954 became a permanent member. His "Everyday I Have the Blues"  with the band in 1955 was their first hit in 15 years and garnered him much fame. In the 60's Williams launched his solo career which kept him performing and recording up until his death.

Mighty Joe Young Dies

   Mighty Joe Young passed away on March 24th after fighting physical problems for a few years. He was one of the first bluesmen to break through on Chicago's North Side in the 70's. Young cut his first sides in his native Louisiana in 1955 moving to Chicago shortly after where he cut a number of very good 45's for a series of small labels. In 1970 he made his album debut for Delmark as well as recording some solid records for the Ovation Rush and Koko Taylor among others. His last record was 1997's critically acclaimed "Mighty Man" on Blind Pig.