NEWS: Chicago's Blues Clubs face uncertain future Three clubs vandalized while pandemic, protests and looting threaten reopenings

NEWS: Grants & Resources for Musicians impacted by COVID-19 Here's a list of where to turn for help. Keep checking back for updates.

DATELINE: April 21, 2020 Chicago Blues Fest has been cancelled. The fest was scheduled for June 5,6,7 2020. It will be rescheduled for June 2021. Enjoy Millennium Park at Home online concerts of Chicago Blues Fest artists from July 31 - Aug. 2 https://www.youtube.com/chicagoDCASE

NEWS: Abb Locke dies 3-9-2019 Noted blues saxophonist played with all the legends including Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Magic Sam, Lonnie Brooks and the Rolling Stones. READ OBIT by Dave Weld Memorial Service: March 23 at Leak & Sons Funeral Home, Country Club Hills, IL

NEWS: Eddie Taylor, Jr. dies The son of blues legend Eddie Taylor died of heart failure on 3-8-2019 Services are pending. photo: Jennifer Noble

NEWS: Michael Ledbetter dies at age 33 on 1-21-2019 Singer from Elgin was a rising star who toured the world, first with Nick Moss Band and then Welch-Ledbetter Connection. Read obit from Sun-Times (Mike with daughter Holland/ photo: Linda Cain)

NEWS: Quintus McCormick dies 1-27-2019 photo: Jenn Noble

NEWS: Jody Williams dies at age 83 R.I.P. Feb. 3, 1935-Dec. 1, 2018 (photo: Jennifer Noble) Influential Chicago blues guitarist, who recorded with Bo Diddley, Howlin' Wolf, Otis Spann and also as a solo artist (his signature tune was "Lucky Lou"), died of cancer in Munster, IN Read the obit HERE

NEWS: Eddie C. Campbell dies at age 79 R.I.P. May 6, 1939 - Nov. 20, 2018 (photo: Jennifer Noble) The Chicago blues guitarist passed away in his Oak Park home from heart failure. Read the obit HERE.

NEWS: Otis Rush dies at age 84 R.I.P. 4-29-1934 to 9-29-2018 (photo: Jennifer Noble) One of the most influential guitarists in blues and rock history, Mr. Rush passed away due to complications from a 2003 stroke. CLICK HERE for details from his family. To see CBG's review & photos of the 2016 Chicago Blues Fest tribute to Mr. Rush CLICK HERE

NEWS: Matt "Guitar" Murphy dies at age 88 R.I.P. Dec. 28, 1929--June 15, 2018 Read Matt's life story in the N.Y. Times HERE James Cotton & Matt Murphy at Chicago Blues Fest 2010/ photo: Jennifer Noble

NEWS: Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater dies at age 83 R.I.P. Jan. 10, 1935-June 1, 2018 Edward Harrington was born in Macon, Mississippi, grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and moved to Chicago in 1950. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2016 and won two Blues Music Awards in 2001, along with many other honors. photo: Roman Sobus Read our 2008 interview with The Chief HERE

NEWS: Doc Pellegrino, founder of Kingston Mines, dies at age 92 R.I.P.: August 1925 -May 3, 2018 Physician launched many careers at his iconic blues club, which he opened in 1968. photo: Jennifer Noble

NEWS: Eddie Shaw dies at age 80 Saxophone icon passed away in his Chicago home of natural causes on Jan. 30, 1918. (photo: Jennifer Noble) Read the obit HERE

NEWS: Arthur "Sambo" Irby dies 1-2-2018 Sambo was a talented and versatile drummer known for his skill at "playing" a harmonica, without using a harmonica.

NEWS: "Right Hand" Frank Bandy dies at age 65 (photo: Lee Ann Flynn) R.I.P: Sept. 15, 1951 - Aug. 13, 2017 Chicago Blues bassist started the Teardrops Record label that recorded local artists like Hip Linkchain, J.B. Ritchie & Joe Kelly.

NEWS: Michael Packer dies at age 66 R.I.P.: Dec. 20,1950 - May 6, 2017 Grammy nominated New York blues artist played with Honeyboy Edwards and started the Blues Hall of Fame inductions for Chicago and NYC. Packer also formed Blues For Peace international, a series of concerts to raise money for the U.N.'s refugee relief fund. photo: Lee Ann Flynn

NEWS: Casey Jones dies at age 77 R.I.P: July 26, 1939 - May 4, 2017 Noted blues drummer played on albums by Muddy Waters, Otis Rush, Albert Collins, Johnny Winter, Lonnie Brooks & more.

NEWS: Lonnie Brooks dies at age 83 RIP: Dec. 18, 1933 - April 1, 2017 We at CBG send our sincerest condolences to the Baker family. (photo: Jennifer Noble) Read our: Interview with Lonnie Review of his 80th Birthday Concert

NEWS: Greg Freerksen dies unexpectedly on Christmas day RIP: June 4, 1951-Dec. 25, 2016 Greg was a civil rights and labor union attorney for 40 years. He hosted a blues show on WDCB for 20 years. Services will be held in Oak Park. CLICK HERE for details as they become available.

NEWS: BarrelhouseChuck dies at age 58 R.I.P.: July 10,1958 -Dec.12, 2016 (photo: Jennifer Noble) Chuck Goering passed away after a long battle with cancer. He was the only Chicago blues pianist to have studied with: Sunnyland Slim, Pinetop Perkins, Blind John Davis, Detroit Junior, Little Brother Montgomery & Erwin Helfer. Jan. 9: Benefit/Memorial Tribute for Barrelhouse Chuck w/ Erwin Helfer, Billy Boy Arnold, Mud Morganfield, John Primer, Billy Flynn, Bob Stroger, Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith, Oscar Wilson, Joe Nosek, Nick & Kate Moss, Gerry Hundt, Little Frank, Dave Specter & more at SPACE, Evanston See WTTW's Chicago Tonight feature on Chuck: CLICK

NEWS: Marie Dixon passes away at age 79 R.I.P: Aug. 1,1937 to Nov. 20, 2016 The widow of legendary Willie Dixon was the matriarch of the Dixon family legacy. Born in Oxford, Mississippi, she moved to Chicago in 1954 where she met her future husband. After his death in 1992, she purchased the Chess Studios building and turned it into Blues Heaven Foundation headquarters. photo: Jennifer Noble

News: Herb Kent passes away at age 88 R.I.P. 10/5/ 1928 - 10/22/2016 Legendary DJ, Herb "The Cool Gent" Kent hosted shows on 11 different radio stations in Chicago for more than 70 years. He did his final broadcast for V103 FM on the day he passed away. Read more HERE. photo: by Jennifer Noble, taken at Chicago Blues Hall of Fame induction 2014

NEWS: Bob Jones passes away at age 83 Robert A. Jones was a prolific blues and soul-blues songwriter who wrote hit songs for Artie "Blues Boy" White and others. He was also a performer, producer, manager and agent. He was laid to rest on Oct. 23, 2016. photo: by Roman Sobus, taken at Chicago Blues Hall of Fame induction 2015

NEWS: Osee Anderson, Sr. passes away on Oct. 10, 2016 Anderson was a Chicago blues guitarist who played in Lonnie Brooks' Band and with many famous blues and R&B  artists. He went solo with his own band The Hit Squad, wrote songs and released albums. Visit the website for his bio.

NEWS: Ted Harvey dies at age 85 R.I.P. 12/21/1930 - 10/6/2016 The drummer for Hound Dog Taylor & The HouseRockers died of natural causes in Chicago. Bruce Iglauer, who launched Alligator Records with a Hound Dog Taylor release 45 years ago, called Harvey "...one of the best Chicago blues shuffle drummers ever." For more bio info CLICK photo: Jeff Nield

NEWS: "Killer" Ray Allison dies at age 60 R.I.P. 6/23/1956 - 10/5/2016 The beloved Chicago blues drummer, singer & guitarist passed in his sleep on 10-5-2016. photo: Jennifer Noble

NEWS: Aron Burton dies at age 77 R.I.P. June 15, 1938 - Feb. 2016 Burton was a bass player, singer and songwriter from Chicago who worked with Freddie King, Albert Collins, Fenton Robinson and Junior Wells. He released several solo albums. He was a horticulturalist for the Chicago Park District's Garfield Conservatory for 20 years.

NEWS: Karen Carroll dies at age 58 Chicago born blues singer and Delmark recording artist Karen Carroll died on March 9 in Georgia, after several long illnesses. Her family has set up a crowd funding site to raise money for her funeral and burial expenses. R.I.P. Karen Carroll: Jan. 30, 1958 - March 9, 2016 photo: Jennifer Noble

NEWS: Otis Clay dies at age 73 Chicago soul, blues, R&B, gospel singer suffered a heart attack on Jan. 8, 2016. R.I.P. Otis Clay; you will be greatly missed. To see Dave Specter's video interview with Otis in 2013: click HERE photo: Jennifer Noble

R.I.P. Bumblebee Bob Novak Nov. 17,1931 - July 14, 2015 Chicago artist/bluesman Novak played harmonica with B.B. King, Freddie King, Muddy Waters, Humble Pie & others. An Art Institute alum, his colorful art adorns the front entrance of Rosa's Lounge and is collected worldwide. Rosa's will host a memorial jam in his honor on Sept. 27. Click HERE to read more

NEWS: R.I.P. Big Time Sarah Jan. 31, 1953 - June 13, 2015 Sarah Streeter (a.k.a. Big Time Sarah) passed away at age 62 from heart disease in a Chicago area nursing home. She was a fixture on the Chicago Blues scene since the 1970s, recorded for Delmark Records and sang with Sunnyland Slim and others. (photo: Michael Kurgansky)

NEWS: R.I.P. Riley B. King: Sept. 16, 1925 - May 14, 2015 Blues fans around the world mourn the passing of the King of the Blues. Photo: Dianne Bruce Dunklau captured a tender moment with B.B. King holding Peter Frampton's hand at RiverEdge Park, Aurora in 2013 for Frampton's Guitar Circus Concert.

NEWS: James Wheeler dies, R.I.P. Chicago blues artist, known for hosting Thursday night jams at Rosa's, passed away on Christmas.

NEWS: Chicago blues artist Michael Coleman dies at age 58 R.I.P. June 24, 1956 - Nov. 1, 2014 Coleman, a Delmark recording artist, suffered cardiac arrest while receiving dialysis. photo: Jennifer Noble

R.I.P. Johnny Winter Feb. 23, 1944 - July 16, 2014 Texas blues legend Johnny Winter died in a hotel room outside of Zurich, Switzerland at age 70. He was a devotee of Muddy Waters and produced several of his albums. photo: Jennifer Noble

R.I.P. Nick Charles (a.k.a. Sherman Shelby) Blues bassist for Howlin' Wolf, Billy Branch, Muddy Waters, Valerie Wellington and many more passed, away on July 1, 2014. Services: Gatlings Chapel 10133 S. Halsted, Chicago Tel: 773-881-4111 July 10: Visitation, All Star Blues Jam for Nick, 4-9 p.m. July 11: Visitation 11-11:30 am, funeral service at 11:30 - 12:30

NEWS: Pete Special dies May 11, 2014 The founder of Big Twist & The Mellow Fellows and  Pete Special & The Shivers with Lynne Jordan, also worked with Levon Helm & The Band. No details on services are available at this time. photo: Pete Special & Lynne Jordan at Blue Chicago, circa 1993

NEWS: Soul-blues singer Floyd Taylor dies at age 60 The son of soul legend Johnnie Taylor passed away on Feb. 20, 2014.  He died of a heart attack in his Chicago home. No funeral info is available. Floyd was a Malaco recording artist. You can see his bio HERE. photo: Jennifer Noble

NEWS: Eric "Guitar" Davis dead at age 41 Chicago's blues  community mourns the death of Davis, who was shot and killed in an act of senseless violence on the South Side on 12-19-2013. A benefit to help support Eric's widow and six children will be held on Sunday Jan. 19 at Rosa's in Chicago starting at 6 p.m. the lineup includes: Billy Branch, Sugar Blue, Jimmy Burns, Mike Wheeler, Big James, Deitra Farr, Toronzo Cannon, Charlie Kimball, Matthew Skoller, Brother Jacob and more. Tickets are $25. photo: Jennifer Noble

NEWS: Chicago blues pianist Aaron Moore dies at age 95 R.I.P. Feb. 11, 1918 - Nov. 27, 2013 Please send donations and cards to his widow: Katie Banks, 7528 S. Sangamon St., Chicago, IL 60620-2848

NEWS: Michael Blakemore dies at age 62 R.I.P. April 30, 1951 - Nov. 16, 2013 Chicagoan Michael Blakemore was road manager, record producer, friend and more to Junior Wells and Magic Slim. He died from cancer. Sincerest condolences to his wife Pat and family. Jan. 13: Tribute to Michael Blakemore w/ Shawn Holt & The Teardrops plus special guests at the Mayne Stage/Act One Pub, Chicago. FREE photo: Corrine Preteur/Soul Bag Mag

NEWS: Bobby "Blue" Bland dies at age 83 R.I.P. Robert Calvin Brooks Jan. 27, 1930 - June 23, 2013 photo: Jennifer Noble

NEWS: Artie "Blues Boy" White dies at age 76 R.I.P. Artie White April 16, 1937 - April 20, 2013 Soul blues singer Artie White, known for hits like "Leanin' Tree" and "Don't Pet My Dog," passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. (photo: Jennifer Noble) Visitation: April 26, Friday, 5 - 9 p.m. at  Gatlings Chapel, Inc, 10133 S. Halsted, Chicago Funeral: April 27, Saturday, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at New Faith Baptist Church, 8400 S. Halsted, Chicago

NEWS: Jimmy Dawkins dies at age 76 Kevin Johnson & Bob Corritore remember the West Side guitar legend R.I.P. James Henry Dawkins October 24, 1936 - April 10, 2013 Wake: April 16, Noon - 6 p.m. Funeral service: Wed. April 17 10 a.m. Where: House of Branch 3125 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago

NEWS: Campaign to bring Eddie C. Campbell home a success!!! Donations still being accepted CLICK Visit our Facebook page to see photos of the star-studded benefit show at Rosa's on 2/17/2013 photo: Dianne Dunklau

NEWS: Cleotha Staples passes away at age 78 on Feb. 21, 2013 in Chicago A founding member of the Staple Singers, Cleotha -- along with father Pops, sisters Mavis & Yvonne and brother Pervis -- achieved international acclaim in both gospel and secular genres with hits like "I'll Take You There" and "Respect Yourself."

NEWS: Magic Slim passes away at age 75 Morris Holt, nicknamed Magic Slim by pal Magic Sam in the 1950s, was a beloved blues artist all over the world. Bob Corritore pays tribute to his legacy.

NEWS: Eddie C. Campbell hospitalized in Germany-- Benefit Feb. 15 at Rosa's For details CLICK

NEWS: Koko Taylor Celebrity Aid Foundation to host FREE health fair  When: Sat., Sept. 29, 2012  Where: 2240 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL  Time: 12 noon - 4 p.m.  Tel: 708-612-1978  Free tests and screenings for Musicians & Entertainers

NEWS: Nigel Mack & the Blues Attack win 1st place for the WCBS Challenge Round 2 Kevin Purcell & the Nightburners took 2nd Place during the July 7 contest. They join Charlie Love and Marty "Big Dog" Mercer who won Round 1 in June. Stay tuned for Round 3

NEWS: Charlie Love & the Silky Smooth Band take 1st place for WCBS Band Challenge, Round 1 during Chicago Blues Fest.  Marty "Big Dog" Mercer won 2nd place and Danny & The Devils took third in a super close contest. Also competing were Dawn O'Keefe Williams & the Lucky Dogs and Blue Road Band. Round 2 of the Windy City Blues Society Challenge will be held July 7 from Noon - 4 pm at the City Limits Harley Davidson Dealership in Palatine, IL.  Bands that wish to compete please contact: windycitybluessociety@gmail.com

NEWS: Lou Pride dies at age 68. Soul blues singer Lou Pride died in hometown Chicago June 5. He had been in hospice care. Funeral and wake info is pending. Here is the link to Lou's memorial blog where you can leave a condolence.

NEWS: Pete Cosey dies at age 68 The influential, innovative guitarist was best known for his adventurous tenure with Miles Davis and as a session player for Chess Records; he recorded with Etta James, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and others. He was a founding member of the Pharoahs, a band that evolved into Earth, Wind & Fire. He died of complications from surgery on May 30. A memorial  will be held June 7 from 4 - 6 pm in the SGI-USA Culture Center, 1455 S. Wabash, Chicago.

NEWS: Blues News You Can Really Use!  We don't usually publish our FREE "subscribers only" newsletter on the website. But this month's edition is filled with such great blues news, we wanted to share it with everyone! Shemekia Copeland: photo Jennifer Noble

NEWS: Michael "Iron Man" Burks dies at age 54  Alligator recording artist Michael Burks died Sunday, May 6, 2012 of an apparent heart attack at the Atlanta airport while returning from a European tour. No further info is available at this time.  Our condolences go out to his family, friends and fans. We will miss you, Iron Man.

NEWS: Louisiana Red dies in Germany at age 79  R.I.P. March 23, 1932 - Feb. 25, 2012  CLICK to read obituary and tribute by Bob Corritore

NEWS: Clarence "Little Scotty" Scott  R.I.P. Funeral info: Tuesday, Feb. 14 Holy Rock Church  5854 S. Morgan St., Chicago Viewing: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Services: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Tel: 773-471-0300

NEWS: Pistol Pete Band and Liz Mandeville & Donna Herula make the semi-finals at the IBC, Memphis.   Congratulations to Liz, Donna, Pete & band who beat out the tough competition to make it to the semi-finals to represent Chicago at the International Blues Challenge 2012 in Memphis. The five-day event boasted 220 acts from 16 countries and 40 states!!!

NEWS: Hubert Sumlin dies at age 80    Legendary Howlin' Wolf guitarist, who influenced  Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Jimmy Page and countless others, passed away on Sunday, December 4 in a Wayne, NJ hospital from heart failure.  Our sincere condolences go out to family, friends and fans. We will miss him. Dec. 13: Tribute & Benefit for Hubert Sumlin at FitzGerald's in Berwyn, IL. It has been announced that Keith Richards and Mick Jagger will pay for Sumlin's funeral expenses. Any money collected at this event will benefit the HART fund, a charity that helps indigent blues artists. Read about Hubert in the Chicago Sun-Times Click HERE for info about services in New Jersey photo: Michael Kurgansky

NEWS: Willie "Big Eyes" Smith dies at age 75. R.I.P. Jan. 19, 1936 -Sept. 16, 2011. Chicago blues musician Willie Smith, a master drummer, harmonica player, singer/songwriter who played with Muddy Waters, passed away on Sept. 16 in the morning from a stroke.  Earlier this year, he and Pinetop Perkins had won a Grammy for their CD, "Joined At The Hip." Our sincere condolences go out to Mr. Smith's family, friends and fans. We will miss him.

NEWS: David "Honeyboy" Edwards dies at age 96.  Legendary bluesman Edwards, the last living link to Robert Johnson, died  from congestive heart failure in his sleep at his Chicago home early Monday morning, Aug. 29, 2011. Visitation will be held Thurs, Sept. 1 from 2 - 7 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home, 851 E. 75th St., Chicago. From 7-9 p.m. there will be an open mic for remembrances and tributes. Services on Friday are private. R.I.P. Honeyboy. We will miss you.

NEWS: Shemekia Copeland crowned Queen of the Blues at Chicago Blues Festival. (photo: Jennifer Wheeler)  Singer Shemekia Copeland, age 31, was surprised during her set at Chicago's Blues Fest on Sunday June 12,  when Cookie Taylor, daughter of the late Koko Taylor, presented her with a crown and declared her to be the new "Queen of the Blues." Koko Taylor, known throughout her long career as the Queen of the Blues, passed away two years ago and was like a mom and mentor to Shemekia, who started her career at age 17. It was a moving and historical moment, followed by honors bestowed upon blues legend Lonnie Brooks and Alligator Records' president Bruce Iglauer. Mayor Rahm Emanuel issued a proclamation declaring June 12, 2011 to be "Lonnie Brooks Day" in Chicago. Alligator's 40th Anniversary was honored with a congratulatory letter presented to Iglauer onstage during the label's festival showcase with Eddy Clearwater, Rick Estrin and Michael Burks. We will have coverage and photos of Chicago Blues Fest 2011 coming soon!

Lacy Gibson dies at age 74 Chicago Blues guitarist and singer Lacy Gibson died of a heart attack on April 11, 2011. He was an in-demand studio player for Chicago labels, including Chess Records. He played in bands with legends like Willie Dixon, Otis Rush, Jimmy Reed, Sun Ra, Son Seals and more. He also ran a club on the West Side called Ann's Love Nest. Photo: D. Shigley Funeral service info is pending.

NEWS: Pinetop Perkins dies in Austin, TX at age 97    Legendary blues pianist Pinetop Perkins dies in his sleep on Monday, March 21, 2011. Photo: Jennifer Wheeler For funeral and service info, click on Pinetop's photo.  R.I.P. Pinetop,  we will miss you and we'll never forget you.

NEWS: Rob Blaine wins Albert King Award, band comes in 3rd!   Chicago's Rob Blaine won the Albert King Award for Best Guitarist at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis on 2/5/11. Blaine and his Big Otis Blues Band took third place in the band competition finals. Congratulations!!!

NEWS: Little Smokey Smothers passes away on November 20, 2010 at age 71.  Services: Tues, Nov. 30. Viewing: 6 p.m. / Funeral: 7 p.m.  Where:  A.R. Leak Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago.  Phone: 708-206-0860  Born in Tchula, Mississippi in 1939, Albert “Little Smokey” Smothers, followed his older brother Otis “Big Smokey” Smothers into the music business at the height of Chicago blues’ golden era. In 1958, Howlin’ Wolf hired..read more

NEWS: Rob Blaine Blues Band wins final round of WCBS Blues Challenge.   Blaine earned the highest score, beating out five other bands at Buddy Guy's Legends on Nov. 7. The Blaine Band,  along with Donna Herula & John Jochim and Jemiah "On Fire" & The Red Machine will compete in Memphis in February at the IBC competition.

NEWS: Rob Blaine wins WCBS Band Challenge, Round Two. Doug James & the Pocket take second place. In the Youth Division, Jemiah "On Fire" & the Red Machine win first place.  Also competing were Rick Simcox & The ToneQuesters, Charles Hayes and The Hix Bros. All-Stars. The competition was held at The Heartland Cafe, Oct. 24. The finals will be held at Buddy Guy's Legends, Nov. 7.

NEWS: Charlie Love wins WCBS Band Challenge, Round One. Chainsaw Dupont takes second. Dawn O'Keefe Williams, J.B. Ritchie and Harry Garner and their bands also competed at Rosa's on Oct. 14. The Band Challenge, Round 2 will be held Oct. 24. The finals will be held at Buddy Guy's Legends on Nov. 7.

NEWS: Swississippi Records launches new blues label in Chicago.  Switzerland's blues harp player Chris Harper (photo) explains why he and partner Dave Katzman took the plunge.   Label launch party at the Mayne Stage on Sunday, Oct. 3.

NEWS: Donna Herula & John Jochem win WCBS Challenge for solo/duo act.  Vocalist/dobro player Donna Herula and harp blower John Jochem won the honor of representing the Windy City Blues Society in Memphis for the International Blues Challenge in January 2011. The Blues Challenge took place Sunday, Sept. 26 at the Harlem Ave. Lounge in Berwyn, IL.  Diamond Jim Greene, Khalfani & Phelps, and Raven Desmond Songs also competed. WCBS will hold band competitions Oct. 14 & 24. Visit www.windycityblues.org for info.

NEWS: The Windy City Blues Society is now accepting applications to compete in the 2011 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Deadline for the Solo/Duo and Youth categories is August 15. Deadline for the Band category is Sept. 1. Applications can be found at www.windycityblues.org.

NEWS: Grana Louise (photo) wins best band  at Chicago Blues Challenge Finals, hosted by the Windy City Blues Society Matt Hendricks & Bill Curtis, a guitar/drums duo, won best solo/duo act. Will Jacobs & Dirty Deal won the youth band slot. All three acts will represent Chicago in Memphis for the International Blues Challenge in January 2010. The final round was held November 15 at Buddy Guy's Legends.

NEWS: Six Generations of the Blues from Mississippi to Chicago film to premiere Nov. 27 on national public TV. Documentary celebrates Chicago's Earwig Music's 30th Anniversary with interviews and live performances by Honeyboy Edwards (photo), Big Jack Johnson, Johnny Drummer, John Primer, Aron Burton and more.

NEWS: 2009 Blues Blast Music Awards Winners Announced Click on photo or link for list. Photo: Joyce "Cookie" Threatt accepts Lifetime Achievement Award for mom Koko Taylor from Marie Dixon (right). Check back for our photos and coverage of the entire awards ceremony!

NEWS: Grana Louise (photo) takes first place in Round 4 of Chicago Blues Challenge, hosted by the Windy City Blues Society. Wild Card Winners were Linsey Alexander, Rockin Johnny, Chainsaw DuPont and Dave Herrero bands. They, plus winners of earlier rounds, will compete at the final round at Buddy Guy's Legends on Nov. 15. The earlier finalists are Diamond Jim Greene, Nigel Mack, Alex Wilson, Toronzo Cannon, Matt Hendricks, and Will Jacobs & Dirty Deal. All eleven acts will perform on Nov. 15 to determine which solo act, band and youth band will represent Chicago in Memphis for the International Blues Challenge.

NEWS: Matt Hendricks (photo) takes first place in Round 3 of Chicago Blues Challenge, hosted by the Windy City Blues Society. Diamond Jim Greene came in second and Nigel Mack took third in the solo/duo competition.  All three soloists, along with the earlier round winners, Alex Wilson Band and Toronzo Cannon & the Cannonball Express,  will compete at the final round at Buddy Guy's Legends on Nov. 15. For info on Round 4, click on Matt's photo.

NEWS: Toronzo Cannon & the Cannonball Express win 2nd round of Chicago Blues Challenge, hosted by the Windy City Blues Society. They, along with the 1st round winners, Alex Wilson Band, will compete at the final round at Buddy Guy's Legends on Nov. 15. For info on upcoming Rounds 3 & 4, click on Toronzo's photo.

NEWS:  Blues singer Jesse Fortune collapses on stage, dies at age 72. We pay tribute to the "singing barber"

NEWS: Lester "Mad Dog" Davenport passed away on March 17, 2009 at age 77. Visitation: Fri. March 27, 10 am-10 pm. Service: Sat. March 28, 10 am-Noon Where: A.A. Raynor & Sons Funeral Home, 5911 W. Madison, Chicago. Phone: 773-626-4222 Mr. Davenport was best known for playing harp with Bo Diddley and the Kinsey Report. He recorded solo CDs on Earwig and Delmark.

NEWS: Black History Month tribute. Personal essays by Booker T. Jones, Mavis Staples, Bettye Lavette and Swamburger.

NEWS: Chico Banks dies at age 47. Chicago blues fans shocked to hear of the guitarist's sudden death. Funeral services to be held Wed., Dec. 10. (click on photo for info)

NEWS: Bluzapalooza's second tour of Iraq to include Shemekia Copeland, Michael Burks, Deanna Bogart and more.

NEWS: Koko Taylor's band in van crash; seven injured

NEWS: Chicago blues guitarist Pete Allen passes away; services to be held September 12

NEWS: In Memory of Phil Guy & Little Arthur Duncan Your music will live on forever.

Phil Guy(right): April 28, 1940 - Aug. 20, 2008

 Little Arthur Duncan: Feb. 5, 1934 -Aug. 20, 2008

NEWS: In honor of Jerry Wexler, the soul man of Atlantic Records: 1917-2008. Hitmaker for Aretha, Wilson, Etta and Ray Charles dies at age 91.

NEWS:  May 22 -- Dave Specter CD Release Party at  Evanston’s New S.P.A.C.E   Delmark recording artist Dave Specter will be joined by  singer Tadd Robinson and other special guests, on Thursday May 22 for the release of his new CD/DVD, Live in Chicago.

NEWS: Chess Records Gets Star Treatment; Beyonce To Portray Etta James

Chicago's Chess Records, the famed indie label that launched the careers of legends like Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon and Chuck Berry, will get the Hollywood treatment in an upcoming film.