FEATURE: John Primer Interview/Part 1 Chicago Blues Hero drops new album World famous blues star Primer was on top of the world until the world changed. Keeping the blues alive takes on new meaning in 2020.

FEATURE: John Primer Interview/Part 2 Chicago's real deal blues icon speaks his mind on Muddy Waters, Magic Slim, The Rolling Stones, young blues rockers & more.

FEATURE: Billy Branch Interview Branch performs Chicago Plays The Stones live, releases new CD tribute to Little Walter photo: Jennifer Noble

FEATURE: Interview with Coco Montoya Montoya to release new Alligator CD & perform at Blues on the Fox

FEATURE: Mary Lane Interview Mary Lane has been singing the blues for over 60 years with little recognition. Now at age 83, it's her turn to be a star.

BOOK REVIEW: Bitten By The Blues: The Alligator Records Story The story of the blues is impossible to tell without also telling the story of Alligator Records. Co-written by label founder Bruce Iglauer and Patrick A. Roberts, this fascinating memoir is essential reading for even the casual blues lover.

FEATURE: Lindsay Beaver Interview Drummer Lindsay Beaver, Alligator Records' newest artist, is multi-talented and Tough As Love, with a little help from her famous friends.

FEATURE: Alligator's Bruce Iglauer was Bitten by The Blues and lived to tell about it! Inspired by seeing Hound Dog Taylor & The HouseRockers at age 23, Bruce Iglauer founded Alligator Records in 1971. In his new memoir, Bitten By The Blues, the president of the world's largest indie blues label recalls his 50 years in the business working alongside many blues legends.

FEATURE: Jimmy Nick Interview His new CD is titled: Dangerous Decisions and Bad Things Yet this rising young star's career choices are quite the opposite!

FEATURE: Samantha Fish Interview Blues Music Award Winner Samantha Fish returns to Blues on the Fox Fest 2018 photo: Howard Greenblatt

FEATURE: Mud Morganfield Interview Like father like son, Mud Morganfield chose an all-star cast of Chicago blues players for his new CD and release party on April 5 at SPACE.

FEATURE: Who was Michael Packer and why did he start the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame®? 5th annual Induction Ceremony slated for Oct. 15 at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago photo: Mike Wheeler & Michael Packer by Lee Ann Flynn

BOOK REVIEW: Survivor: The Benny Turner Story Benny Turner may not be a household name, but his older brother the late Freddie King is a blues legend. Benny's life and story are forever intertwined with the history of American Blues and its biggest stars. Benny personally tells us his story, like we are having a barstool chat. It's a tale filled with love, poverty, wealth, fame, heartbreak and survival.

FEATURE: The Art of the Blues The Art of The Blues: A Visual Treasury of Black Music's Golden Age by Bill Dahl is a lavish, stunning book that truly lives up to its title and then some. Read our review.

FEATURE: National Blues Museum in St. Louis Gives Chicago a "Blues" Print for Success A trip to St. Louis' year-old blues museum provides a lesson in how Chicago can live up to its title as the "home of the blues."

FEATURE: Corky Siegel Interview Harp virtuoso features familiar friends on new Chamber Blues CD. photo: Jennifer Noble

FEATURE: Ronnie Baker Brooks: The Interview Greg Easterling caught up with the busy Chicago blues star, who had just stepped off the Blues Cruise in time to celebrate his birthday and his new CD, his first in 10 years! What took Ronnie so long? Read the story to find out.

FEATURE: Interview with Joanna Connor Chicago's guitar goddess has played around the world, recorded for multiple labels and backed everyone from Jimmy Page to Buddy Guy. Still she remains under the radar. But a viral video and new CD shine a light on this remarkable artist.

FEATURE: Interview with Henry Gray At age 91, the piano legend is a true blues survivor who continues to defy the odds and thrive

FEATURE: Magic Dick & Shun Ng Interview J. Geils harp master Magic Dick teams with young guitar whiz Shun Ng for new CD and tour into new musical territory.

FEATURE: Matthew Skoller Interview Blues harp master Skoller's new CD, Blues Immigrant tell modern blues tales and more.

FEATURE: Interview with John Mayall At nearly age 83, the "Godfather" of British blues shows no sign of slowing down, while keeping up a hectic pace of touring and recording.

FEATURE: Interview with Guy King Blues star on the rise: from the Holy Land to Blues Capitol Chicago, King comes full circle.

FEATURE: Beyond The Blues Fest 2016 Where to Find the After-Parties post Chicago Blues Fest Jimmy Johnson/photo: Jennifer Noble

FEATURE: Interview with Barry Goldberg About to embark on a new tour with his bandmates in The Rides--Stephen Stills and Kenny Wayne Shepherd-- Goldberg keeps Chicago and the blues close to his heart.

FEATURE: Interview with Jorma Kaukonen The venerable folk-blues-roots guitarist discusses his new CD, Rev. Gary Davis, John Lee Hooker, Fur Peace Ranch and Hot Tuna. He pays homage to his recently departed bandmates from Jefferson Airplane, Paul Kantner & Signe Anderson.

FEATURE: Interview with Dave Weld A true blues survivor, who has done it all and seen it all, Dave Weld and his band The Imperial Flames are back with a sophomore CD for Delmark Records. Weld has paid his blues dues and lived to tell us about it.

FEATURE: Interview with Webb Wilder Eccentric roots rocker, known for songs like "Human Cannonball," pays homage to his home state with new CD and a local show.

FEATURE: Interview with Toronzo Cannon This rising star just signed with Alligator, plays all over the world and drives a CTA bus. How does talented Toronzo manage his seemingly double life? photo: Jennifer Noble

FEATURE: Interview with Shemekia Copeland Blues star Shemekia Copeland returns to home base with a new CD on Alligator that captures her artistic maturity and social conscience.

FEATURE: Interview with Lazer Lloyd Israel's Lazer Lloyd is not your usual blues-rock guitarist. He had many career choices in the U.S. but ended up "Rockin' in the Holy Land" and beyond to spread hope around the world.

FEATURE: Interview with Shuggie Otis Musical prodigy and the son of late legend Johnny Otis, Shuggie's early music influenced the likes of Prince and Lenny Kravitz. Always ahead of his time, the multi-talented artist has been rediscovered and is hitting the comeback trail. He will perform at City Winery on July 17.

Beyond The Blues Fest 2015: The After-Parties Where to find live blues around town before, during and after Chicago Blues Fest in Grant Park.

FEATURE: Interview with Devon Allman Although his tenure with Royal Southern Brotherhood winds down after four years, Allman has plenty in store as he returns to his solo career. His new CD, Ragged & Dirty, displays his "love affair" with Chicago and the blues.

FEATURE: Book Review/ Southern Soul-Blues Chicago author Dave Whiteis offers an in-depth look at this under-the-radar musical genre. Interviews with Denise LaSalle, Bobby Rush, Latimore, Willie Clayton and more.

FEATURE: Book Review/ Blues in Modern Days: 31 Artists in Their Own Words Authors Terry Mullins & Bob Kieser have interviewed and photographed dozens of today's living blues artists from all corners of the U.S. Here are 31 of them "in their own words"

FEATURE: Book Review/ Blues All Day Long: The Jimmy Rogers Story Author Wayne Everett Goins elevates this highly influential and beloved Chicago musician to his rightful place in the blues pantheon.

FEATURE: Book Review -- 100 Books Every Blues Fan Should Own 100 Books is an informative and engaging look at blues literature, old and new, for blues aficionados.

FEATURE: Inside the Blues with Liz Mandeville Charlie Love heads to Durban, South Africa as Blues Ambassador. Charlie recalls his long journey from Chicago's South Side to this premiere international blues festival.

FEATURE: Interview with Selwyn Birchwood It's no wonder this rising young blues star never stops smiling; his career is on a roll and for good reason.

FEATURES: Inside the Blues with  Liz Mandeville.  Blues musician Liz takes us behind the Chicago blues scene and beyond with her very personal column. Luther Allison, Tail Dragger, Charlie Love, Zora Young, Mark Wydra, Tab Benoit, Tommy Castro & more.

FEATURE: Beyond The Blues Fest 2014 There will be blues events all over town before, during and after Chicago Blues Fest. Here is what's happening in the clubs, plus brunches, films, exhibits, free shows and more!

FEATURE: Interview with Dave Specter Specter spent his youth learning and performing with blues legends. His new Delmark CD features one of them, Otis Clay. "Spec" recalls the lessons he learned from teachers Hubert Sumlin, Sam Lay and more.

FEATURE: Interview with Tom Marker WXRT DJ and Blues Breakers host has been keeping the blues alive since 1984. Tom explains how the blues bug first bit him and recalls legends he's met over the years.

FEATURE: Black History Month Maxwell Street: Birthplace of Chicago Blues -- photo essay.

FEATURE: Black History Month 2014 and Beyond Highlights for historical books, photography, theater, recordings, symposiums, preservation and more. Mavis Staples: photo Jennifer Noble

FEATURE: Interview with Bobby Rush The ever youthful soul-blues legend tells the truth about his life in show biz along with tall tales about preachin', sellin' cotton, playin' the chit'lin' circuit, Chicken Heads, other heads, shady record deals and the list goes on... PART 2

FEATURE: Bobby Rush's Grammy nod: A victory for The Blues Muddy Waters tunesmith Terry Abrahamson celebrates Bobby's Grammy nomination with a nostalgic remembrance of "Chicken Heads". PART 1

FEATURE: The Blues Doctor is in! Good guys wear black. Dr. Dan Ivankovich, a.k.a. Chicago Slim, mends bones in the city's poorest 'hoods by day and plays the blues at night.

FEATURE: Book Review of Sterling Plumpp's Home/Bass Esteemed Chicago poet, Sterling Plumpp, has authored a new book of poems inspired by, and dedicated to, his late friend bluesman Willie Kent.

FEATURE: Interview with Donald Kinsey From Gary to Jamaica and back, musician Donald Kinsey keeps the music moving forward. The celebrated artist talks about his family band, Big Daddy, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Albert King and more.

FEATURE: Interview with Frank Bang The ex-Buddy Guy guitarist left music for a time. Now Frank "Bang" Blinkal is back like a force of nature.

FEATURE: Interview with Big Bill Morganfield Blues is in the blood of this multi-talented award-winning singer, songwriter and guitarist who happens to be the son of Muddy Waters. Big Bill Morganfield will perform July 20 for ShedFest in Highland Park, IL, along with Chicago Blues Reunion and Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater

FEATURE: Interview with Joanne Shaw Taylor British blues-rock artist Joanne Shaw Taylor is currently touring as part of Ruf Records Blues Caravan Tour and will stop in Chicago June 13. The multi-talented young lady talks about her dream career so far, with more to come.

FEATURE: Beyond the Blues Fest 2013 There will be blues events all over town before, during and after Chicago Blues Fest. Here is what's happening in the clubs, plus concerts, a blues seance, exhibits, brunches, bus tour, films, free shows and more! Charlie Musselwhite photo: Jennifer Noble

FEATURE: Interview with Liz Mandeville Renaissance woman Liz Mandeville was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame and will appear at Chicago Blues Fest 2013, plus the Chicago Women in Blues show this weekend.

FEATURE: Interview with Mississippi Heat's Pierre Lacocque Miss. Heat founder and harp player Lacocque isn't your typical blues man. He's lived all over the world, but never felt at home until he discovered the blues in Chicago. The band celebrates its 20th anniversary with a new CD on Delmark, and sets at Blues Fest 2013 and Delmark's annual Blues Brunch.

FEATURE: Poetry by George Kalamaras Our resident blues poet  pays homage to the recently departed guitar great Alvin Lee

FEATURE: Interview with British Blues Woman Bex Marshall The first and only female guitarist ever to be invited to play Cork's International Guitar Fest, the feisty guitar player and singer/songwriter is headed to the Home of the Blues for an intimate show on March 6.

FEATURE: Mardi Gras 2013 in Chicagoland Can't make it to New Orleans? Craving beads, blues, hurricanes and jambalaya? Here's where to celebrate Fat Tuesday locally. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

FEATURE: Book Review Terry Abrahamson's In the Belly of the Blues  The author's life changing musical journey into “The Belly of The Blues” is chronicled through his iconic B&W photos and his written memoirs in this very enjoyable hardback.

FEATURES: So Many Roads,  Blues Poetry by George Kalamaras.  This internationally-known, award-winning poet kicks off his series with  tributes to Buddy Guy and Koko Taylor and more music legends.

FEATURE: Interview The Congregation's Gina Bloom    "Right Now Everything" seems to be happening for Chicago's hottest bluesy garage soul band

FEATURE: Book Review of Buddy Guy's Autobiography, When I Left Home, My Story  Buddy's life is a true rags to riches tale of how a poor sharecropper's son left his loved ones behind in Louisiana in search of a better life in Chicago. He succeeded beyond his wildest dreams to become a world renowned guitar legend and more.

FEATURE: Interview with J.B. Ritchie  J.B. Ritchie has been playing the blues for nearly five decades. His wild ride of a life story would make a great screenplay. To celebrate his 60th birthday the guitarist will play Buddy Guy's Legends on Oct. 6.

FEATURE: Interview with Lonnie Brooks  Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2010, Lonnie Brooks is an international blues star. In Part 1 of a lengthy interview, he reminisces about his childhood in Louisiana and details a recent  recording session with his sons Ronnie and Wayne in Nashville.

FEATURE: Interview with Lee Ritenour It would be a misnomer to call Lee Ritenour a jazz guitarist. The acclaimed musician mixes blues, funk, rock, pop and other genres into his Grammy-winning music. Ritenour also wants to provide a voice to amateur musicians with his third annual Six String Theory Global Music Competition.  He expounds on this YouTube contest, along with other cool topics. See him in Chicago on April 4.

FEATURE: Interview with Howard Levy  Evanston's resident harmonica genius, along with bandmates Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, celebrate their recent Grammy win and hit the road for a major tour. Levy reflects on his past projects with stars like Dolly Parton and Paul Simon, and looks to the future.

FEATURE: Mardi Gras 2012 in Chicagoland Can't make it to New Orleans? Craving beads, blues, hurricanes and jambalaya? Here's where to celebrate Fat Tuesday locally. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Jubilee Showcase In Chicago, the sweet sound of gospel music could be heard on Jubilee Showcase, a popular local TV show that ran from 1963 to 1984. A new DVD, Classic Moments in Jubilee Showcase, captures outstanding performances by the most famous gospel artists of all time, including the Staple Singers (photo), Andrae Crouch, Soul Stirrers, Jessy Dixon, Inez Andrews and more!

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: A Visit to Maxwell Street  Chicago blues was born on the gritty avenues of the Maxwell Street Market.   Photographer Tom Smith documented the open-air marketplace for 30 years. Take a trip back in time to see the vendors, hustlers, preachers and especially the musicians of the long gone original Maxwell Street Market.

FEATURE: Welcome Buddy and Hopkins! The further misadventures of Buddy and  Hopkins will be featured regularly on our website, thanks to talented artist Jason Nocera. Click on the photo to find out what kind of trouble they get into this month.

FEATURES: Interview with Big Llou Johnson  "Bringing sexy back to the blues"  The voice of B.B. King's Bluesville radio network releases his debut blues CD.

Ring in the New Year with the Blues!  Blues clubs and other venues offer deals that won't give your wallet the blues.

FEATURE: Is Candye Kane the "Toughest Girl Alive"? In this interview with the colorful and outspoken blues belter, songwriter and actress, Candye speaks frankly about her unique life and career. She will perform at SPACE in Evanston on Sept. 15

FEATURE: Interview with the Holmes Brothers  Wendell Holmes, Sherman Holmes and Popsy Dixon have triumphed over adversity with help from the uplifting music and message they bring to audiences around the world. Was it divine intervention that first brought this band of brothers together and has kept them going for over 40 years?

FEATURE: Interview with Tab Benoit  Cajun bluesman Tab Benoit gives voice to the Louisiana wetlands and serves up some Medicine, on his hot new CD.

FEATURE: Beyond the Blues Fest 2011 Our top picks on where to hear the blues in the city and suburbs before, during and after the Chicago Blues Festival. Catch top blues artists like Tail Dragger (photo) at clubs after Grant Park closes each night.

FEATURE: Interview with Holle Thee Maxwell  Combining sexiness with sass, this Chicago blues/R&B diva commands the stage in her own unique style. Catch her at two shows during Chicago Blues Fest week.

FEATURE: Interview with Andre Williams  Chicago music icon to give FREE concert at Milliennum Park May 30. Whether he's urging you to "Shake a Tailfeather" or get greasy with "Bacon Fat," Andre Williams is first and foremost an entertainer for all seasons.

FEATURE: Interview with Ronnie Baker Brooks Carrying the torch and infusing new energy into the blues, the son of blues legend Lonnie Brooks is featured on a heralded new tribute album. Catch the Brooks family at two major events during Blues Festival week in Chicago.

Interview with Marcia Ball The party's still going on for veteran blues/boogie pianist Marcia Ball. The Louisiana native brings her "Roadside Attractions" to Chicago for an intimate show.

FEATURES: So Many Roads,  Blues Poetry by George Kalamaras.  This internationally-known, award-winning poet kicks off his series with  tributes to Buddy Guy and Koko Taylor and more music legends.

FEATURES: We celebrate Black History Month 2011 with The Illustrated History of the Blues  Artist Dan Bellini recalls Depression era blues men Tampa Red (photo), Roosevelt Sykes, Peetie Wheatstraw, Big Joe Williams and more.

FEATURES: Inside the Blues with  Liz Mandeville.  Blues musician Liz takes us behind the Chicago blues scene and beyond with her very personal column. Luther Allison, Zora Young, Mark Wydra, Tab Benoit, Tommy Castro & more.

FEATURES: Kenny Smith talks about Louisiana Stomp Swamp  Chicago blues drummer Kenny Smith co-produced the talent-filled benefit CD, Louisiana Swamp Stomp, a collaboration between New Orleans and Chicago musicians. All those involved in the project donated their time and talent to this worthy cause.

FEATURES: Interview with Eric Bibb Troubador Eric Bibb's chance encounter with the "holy relic" of the blues inspires a tribute to Delta legend Booker White.

FEATURES: Interview with Uptown Sounds' frontman JC Brooks     No matter what you call their soulful sound, this is one band guaranteed to get you dancing!

FEATURES: interview with Mississippi Heat's Pierre Lacocque A gentleman and a scholar with an extraordinary background, this bandleader/songwriter and harp player is not your typical blues artist. After four decades of playing the blues, Lacocque is living his dream with Mississippi Heat

FEATURES: Interview with Shemekia Copeland Blues singer Shemekia Copeland, now a Chicagoan,  rings in the New Year with awards, acclaim and a career retrospective CD. And she’s only 31.  Shemekia carries the blues torch into the future, while remembering the past.

FEATURES: Interview with Tom Holland  Guitarist/vocalist Holland is relatively young to have such an impressive blues resume. A member of James Cotton's touring band, Holland is now a part of the legend's critically acclaimed new CD, Giant.

FEATURES: Interview with Janiva Magness Her life is a dream come true thanks to the blues, hard work, perseverance, positivity. She's second female artist in history to win a BMA for Entertainer of the Year. Koko Taylor was the first

FEATURES: Interview with Harper  Blind Pig recording artist from the land down under blends native sounds with soul grooves and blues harp to create his unique musical style. Harper raps about didgeridoo, blues, grooves, world music and more.

FEATURES: Interview with George Thorogood  The Delaware Destroyer discusses his early days with Howlin' Wolf, Eddie Shaw and Hubert Sumlin and his stint in baseball.

FEATURES: Interview with Trombone Shorty Shorty shines a light on New Orleans with his musical gumbo and a hit TV show

FEATURES: Interview with Guitar Shorty  There's no slowing down this triple threat guitarist, singer, songwriter and showman, who still feels like he's 19. At age 70, Shorty  has released the best album of his storied career, so far.

FEATURES: The return of Rockin' Johnny.  After a 7-year hiatus, the real deal blues guitar whiz makes a triumphant return, sounding better than ever with a new CD, and a new commitment to make every note count.

FEATURES: Interview with Jonny Lang The former wunderkind, now 29, talks about playing Clapton's Crossroads Fest with Buddy Guy and Ron Wood and how Chicago blues influenced him.

FEATURES: Exclusive interview with Tail Dragger by Liz Mandeville. Part 1. Schooled by Howlin' Wolf, Tail Dragger tells his life story starting on the farm and onto Chicago's roughest blues bars.

FEATURES: BEYOND THE   BLUES FEST 2010 Our top picks on where to hear the blues in the city and suburbs before, during and after the Chicago Blues Festival, from June 7 - June 13.

FEATURES: Dave Weld remembers J.B. Hutto  One of Chicago's most influential slide guitarists and bandleaders, J.B. Hutto passed on his musical legacy and rough 'n' rowdy style to his nephew Lil' Ed and to his protege Dave Weld. The latter recalls adventures with his mentor and his huge influence.

FEATURES: Jammin' The Blues, Chicago Style   Come along to 3 cool jams: Club Blujazz, Hot Dog Jam & Morseland. Plus a total guide to Chicagoland blues jams.

FEATURES: Mardi Gras in Chicagoland Can't make it to New Orleans? Here's where to celebrate Fat Tuesday locally. Laissez les bon temps roulez!

FEATURES: Elvin Bishop & Little Smokey Smothers are Chicago Blues Buddies   Bishop pays for benefit CD to help his friend and mentor

FEATURES: So Many Roads,  Blues Poetry by George Kalamaras.  This internationally-known, award-winning poet kicks off his series with  tributes to Buddy Guy and Koko Taylor.

FEATURES: Inside the Blues with  Liz Mandeville.  Blues musician Liz takes us behind the Chicago blues scene and beyond with her very personal column. Luther Allison, Zora Young, Mark Wydra & more.

FEATURES: Koko Taylor: The Royal Lady remembered. Chicago Blues Guide staff pays tribute to The Queen of the Blues with fond  memories and photos. We remember the good times and her reign.

FEATURES: The Blues As Life's Mission: Koko Taylor, Queen of the Blues by David McGee The undisputed Queen of the Blues is gone but her indelible spirit, influential music, and unique legacy will live on. David McGee hails her life, originality and achievements.

Beyond the Blues Festival 2009: Our top picks on where to hear the blues in the city and suburbs during and after the Chicago Blues Festival, from June 8 - June 16.

FEATURES: Interview with Ronnie Baker Brooks. Blues Royalty: The Next Generation, Part 2.   The son of  Lonnie Brooks, this talented 42-year-old singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer is the torch bearer for the blues. Ronnie talks about his childhood, his dad, Eddy Clearwater, Legendary R&B Revue and Inaugural Day in D.C.

FEATURES: Interview with Ronnie Baker Brooks. Blues Royalty: The Next Generation, Part 1.   The son of  Lonnie Brooks, this talented 42-year-old singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer looks back on a stellar year. Eddy Clearwater, Elvin Bishop and the Legendary R&B Revue are a few of the artists he's been working with.

Mardi Gras in Chicagoland  Can't make it to New Orleans? Here's where to find the beads, blues and gumbo in the city and suburbs.

FEATURES: Film Review. Cadillac Records is pure entertainment, but just don't confuse it with the facts of Chicago's Chess Records music history.

FEATURES: Book Review. Let Your Music Soar: The Emotional Connection by Corky Siegel & Peter Krammer is a fantastic teaching tool for musicians of all levels on the concept of music dynamics.

FEATURES: Nick Moss -- singer, songwriter, guitarist, band leader, label head, producer, family man. No matter which hat he's wearing, Nick is a Chicago blues man to the bone.

FEATURES: Interview with Billy Branch

Harp virtuoso passes the torch to the next generation with Blues in the Schools and recalls the Disneyland days of Chicago blues.

FEATURES: Interview with Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater

 His hot new CD on Alligator is "a dream come true."

Beyond the Blues Festival: Our top choices on where to hear great blues outside of Grant Park