2022 JUS' BLUES MUSIC AWARDS HONOREES
Jus’ Blues "King Of The Blues" Award "Tribute to B. B. King" D K Harrell
D'Kieran "D.K." Harrell was born on April 24, 1998 in Ruston, Louisiana.
From the beginning D.K. was surrounded by the music of the absolute greats of Blues, R&B, Soul, and Gospel provided mostly by His Mother Christal and His Grandfather.
At 13, he got his first guitar, and began to teach himself how to play and SOUND like all of his heroes. Which happened to be the greatest blues guitarists of all time. He dove headfirst into the Kings of the Blues. Albert King, Freddie King, and most notably, The King of the Blues, B.B. King. D.K.'s particular obsession with B.B. King's style and technique has since manifested into His ability to nail the tone and licks of THE King with incredible accuracy.
D'Kieran's respect for these great artists, and his desire to play like them has proven to be his secret weapon.
D.K. is also a prolific songwriter with hundreds of songs ready to go. His first studio sessions are currently being discussed and planned for the near future.
D.K Harrell is one of the most talked about young Blues Guitarist and is fast becoming a fan favorite. He's got the touch, dynamic range, tonality, taste, and showmanship of a future blues guitar legend, and vocals to match.
In a very short time, D.K. Harrell has gone from an unknown prodigy playing in His house, to a well-respected professional who never fails to impress.
D'Kieran "D.K." Harrell was born on April 24, 1998 in Ruston, Louisiana.
From the beginning D.K. was surrounded by the music of the absolute greats of Blues, R&B, Soul, and Gospel provided mostly by His Mother Christal and His Grandfather.
At 13, he got his first guitar, and began to teach himself how to play and SOUND like all of his heroes. Which happened to be the greatest blues guitarists of all time. He dove headfirst into the Kings of the Blues. Albert King, Freddie King, and most notably, The King of the Blues, B.B. King. D.K.'s particular obsession with B.B. King's style and technique has since manifested into His ability to nail the tone and licks of THE King with incredible accuracy.
D'Kieran's respect for these great artists, and his desire to play like them has proven to be his secret weapon.
D.K. is also a prolific songwriter with hundreds of songs ready to go. His first studio sessions are currently being discussed and planned for the near future.
D.K Harrell is one of the most talked about young Blues Guitarist and is fast becoming a fan favorite. He's got the touch, dynamic range, tonality, taste, and showmanship of a future blues guitar legend, and vocals to match.
In a very short time, D.K. Harrell has gone from an unknown prodigy playing in His house, to a well-respected professional who never fails to impress.
Jus’ Blues Ruben Hughes Lifetime Blues Radio Personality Award
Rojene Bailey is best known as host of Blues Time in the City, a nationally syndicated radio show playing the best in Blues and Southern Soul. It’s heard in 30 markets and as far away as Paris and Belize. He’s also known for his many years as a multi-Emmy award winning television producer/director. He is currently retired from television as of 2002.
He was educated at Columbus College in Columbus Georgia, now Columbus State University, and got his start in television there. He finished Elkins Institute in Atlanta where he earned an engineering license. Working as an engineer and news director for ten years at WYEA-TV in Columbus Georgia, he moved to Atlanta in 1977 to give Public Television a try, where he eventually retired. Over the years, Rojene produced, directed, wrote and edited hundreds of different programs for Georgia Public Television and other organizations, including the Georgia Music Hall of Fame where he is the only producer/director to win an EMMY for the live production, The Lawmakers, Extensions of Congo Square, PrimeTime, PostScript, and many others. He has received numerous awards for his work including 18 Emmy nominations, winning 6 of the statues, and he was inducted into the NATAS Silver Circle, for lifetime achievement in November 2002. In October 2002, he officially retired from Georgia Public Broadcasting, but not from the television industry.
Rojene also has a distinguished, parallel in radio. In 1985 he hit the radio airwaves with “The New Atlanta Blues Show.” Being a Blues enthusiast and collector, what began as a one-time special for a fundraiser, evolved into the top-rated show on Saturdays in Atlanta. The “Saturday Morning Blues Show” on WCLK radio was the top-rated Arbitron show in its time slot in the Atlanta market. In 1998, Rojene decided to concentrate on golf and to relax, and left the Saturday Morning Blues Show. In less than two weeks, he was called by David Dickey, owner of KISS-104.7 FM at the time, and was asked to become the host of their blues show. Rojene accepted, and a new venture was under way. Blues on commercial radio in Atlanta. According to the Arbitron rating services, Down Home Blues with Rojene Bailey, later changed to BluesTime in the City became the top-rated show in its time slot, 4pm – 7pm in the city. It was a top 3 program in that time slot until Rojene left the station in 2009. Blues Time in The City is now in syndication and is heard by over 750,000 people every weekend and growing.
Jus’ Blues Willie Dixon Lifetime Songwriters Award Bobby Patterson
Like many other Dallas-based rhythm & blues musicians, Bobby Patterson is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who continued the deep soul tradition of people like Otis Redding, Joe Tex, and Wilson Pickett. But unlike some of these other singers, Patterson has worked in all aspects of the record business: as a songwriter, producer, promotion man, and label owner. Patterson began performing when he was ten, playing guitar and drums. While still in his early teens, he formed a band called the Royal Rockers, who won talent contests in and around Dallas. In 1957, one of the talent contests led to a trip to California to track a single for Liberty Records, which was never released. Patterson then went on to nearby Arlington College, where one of his classmates was the son of a local record company owner. In 1962, Patterson recorded "You Just Got to Understand" for Abnak Records. The single wasn't terribly successful, but it convinced the label's owner, John Abnak, to start a soul division, called Jetstar Records. Patterson recorded for Jetstar for the next six years, becoming a talented songwriter, producer, and promotion man in the process. Patterson's regional hits, all self-penned, on the Jetstar label included "Let Them Talk" (also popularized by Little Willie John), "I'm Leroy, I'll Take Her" (an answer song to Joe Tex's "Skinny Legs and All"), "Broadway Ain't Funky No More," "T.C.B. or T.Y.A.," "My Thing Is Your Thing," "The Good Old Days," and "I'm in Love With You."
In 1969, after a string of regional hits, Abnak Records folded and Patterson recorded his own self-produced album. Shortly after that, he quit recording under his own name to produce and promote records for other artists. As a producer, Patterson worked with Fontella Bass, Chuck Jackson, Ted Taylor, Shay Holiday, Roscoe Robinson, the Montclairs, Tommie Young, and Little Johnny Taylor. Patterson's songs have been recorded by Albert King ("That's What the Blues Is All About") and the Fabulous Thunderbirds, who scored a hit with his "How Do You Spell Love?"
In 1995, Wilco's Jeff Tweedy gave Patterson's visibility a boost, recording his song "She Don't Have to See You (To See Through You)," on Down by the Old Mainstream, an album from his side project Golden Smog. A year later, Patterson hit the comeback trail as an artist, recording and releasing an album, Second Coming, for the soul revivalist label Ichiban. A second new album, I'd Rather Eat Soup, was released by Big Bidness Records in 1998, and while both new albums showed Patterson's voice and songwriting chops were in fine shape, they didn't do much business. But after appearances at several blues festivals and the annual vintage R&B and rock showcase the Ponderosa Stomp, Patterson's cult following grew.
Like many other Dallas-based rhythm & blues musicians, Bobby Patterson is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who continued the deep soul tradition of people like Otis Redding, Joe Tex, and Wilson Pickett. But unlike some of these other singers, Patterson has worked in all aspects of the record business: as a songwriter, producer, promotion man, and label owner. Patterson began performing when he was ten, playing guitar and drums. While still in his early teens, he formed a band called the Royal Rockers, who won talent contests in and around Dallas. In 1957, one of the talent contests led to a trip to California to track a single for Liberty Records, which was never released. Patterson then went on to nearby Arlington College, where one of his classmates was the son of a local record company owner. In 1962, Patterson recorded "You Just Got to Understand" for Abnak Records. The single wasn't terribly successful, but it convinced the label's owner, John Abnak, to start a soul division, called Jetstar Records. Patterson recorded for Jetstar for the next six years, becoming a talented songwriter, producer, and promotion man in the process. Patterson's regional hits, all self-penned, on the Jetstar label included "Let Them Talk" (also popularized by Little Willie John), "I'm Leroy, I'll Take Her" (an answer song to Joe Tex's "Skinny Legs and All"), "Broadway Ain't Funky No More," "T.C.B. or T.Y.A.," "My Thing Is Your Thing," "The Good Old Days," and "I'm in Love With You."
In 1969, after a string of regional hits, Abnak Records folded and Patterson recorded his own self-produced album. Shortly after that, he quit recording under his own name to produce and promote records for other artists. As a producer, Patterson worked with Fontella Bass, Chuck Jackson, Ted Taylor, Shay Holiday, Roscoe Robinson, the Montclairs, Tommie Young, and Little Johnny Taylor. Patterson's songs have been recorded by Albert King ("That's What the Blues Is All About") and the Fabulous Thunderbirds, who scored a hit with his "How Do You Spell Love?"
In 1995, Wilco's Jeff Tweedy gave Patterson's visibility a boost, recording his song "She Don't Have to See You (To See Through You)," on Down by the Old Mainstream, an album from his side project Golden Smog. A year later, Patterson hit the comeback trail as an artist, recording and releasing an album, Second Coming, for the soul revivalist label Ichiban. A second new album, I'd Rather Eat Soup, was released by Big Bidness Records in 1998, and while both new albums showed Patterson's voice and songwriting chops were in fine shape, they didn't do much business. But after appearances at several blues festivals and the annual vintage R&B and rock showcase the Ponderosa Stomp, Patterson's cult following grew.
Jus’ Blues Bobby Byrd “I Know You Got Soul” Award James “Boogaloo” Bolden
James “Boogaloo” Bolden was born February 9, 1950 to James and Rachel Bolden in Houston, Texas. From youth onward he had a passion for music. He learned to play classical trumpet during his high school years and was a member of the school choir. Later, Bolden also learned to play the guitar.
Playing with famous acts such as Stevie Wonder, Issac Hayes, Temptations, Supremes, The Spinners and James Brown he gained knowledge and reputation and was eventually asked to join Duke Ellington's band. He eventually joined B.B. King's Blues Band and successfully became leader of that world famous band. A member of the King’s Blues Band for more than 30 years, it was B.B. King who gave Bolden the nickname “Boogaloo” because of Bolden’s restless feet.
Bolden's own R&B band is the James Boogaloo Bolden Blues Band. James "Boogaloo" Bolden is a Schilke Performing Artist, performing on a HC2L-S "Handcraft" Trumpet with tuning bell.
James “Boogaloo” Bolden was born February 9, 1950 to James and Rachel Bolden in Houston, Texas. From youth onward he had a passion for music. He learned to play classical trumpet during his high school years and was a member of the school choir. Later, Bolden also learned to play the guitar.
Playing with famous acts such as Stevie Wonder, Issac Hayes, Temptations, Supremes, The Spinners and James Brown he gained knowledge and reputation and was eventually asked to join Duke Ellington's band. He eventually joined B.B. King's Blues Band and successfully became leader of that world famous band. A member of the King’s Blues Band for more than 30 years, it was B.B. King who gave Bolden the nickname “Boogaloo” because of Bolden’s restless feet.
Bolden's own R&B band is the James Boogaloo Bolden Blues Band. James "Boogaloo" Bolden is a Schilke Performing Artist, performing on a HC2L-S "Handcraft" Trumpet with tuning bell.
Jus’ Blues Millie Jackson “Classy & Sassy Keeping it Real" Award Shirley Jones
Shirley Jones (born September 22, 1953) was born in Detroit, Michigan and began singing gospel as a child with her sisters, Brenda and Valorie, and her mother Mary Frazier Jones. Shirley and her sisters eventually began singing secular music as The Jones Girls, and signed their first recording contract with GM Records in 1970, releasing the single "My Own Special Way".
The Jones Girls became background singers for Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Teddy Pendergrass and others.
In 1979, Jones and her sisters signed a recording contract to Philadelphia International Records and enjoyed a string of hit singles in the first half of the 1980s.
After the group disbanded in 1984, Jones was offered a solo contract with Philadelphia International Records, and released the hit single, "Do You Get Enough Love". The song spent 20 weeks on Billboard's R&B chart peaking at No. 1 on August 26, 1986.\ A full-length album followed entitled, "Always In The Mood" which peaked at No. 8 on Billboard's R&B Album chart.[
After the success of the single, Jones married Harlem Globetrotters basketball player Harold Hubbard.
Jones resides in McDonough, Georgia and continues to tour around the country and overseas preserving the legacy of The Jones Girls.
Shirley Jones (born September 22, 1953) was born in Detroit, Michigan and began singing gospel as a child with her sisters, Brenda and Valorie, and her mother Mary Frazier Jones. Shirley and her sisters eventually began singing secular music as The Jones Girls, and signed their first recording contract with GM Records in 1970, releasing the single "My Own Special Way".
The Jones Girls became background singers for Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Teddy Pendergrass and others.
In 1979, Jones and her sisters signed a recording contract to Philadelphia International Records and enjoyed a string of hit singles in the first half of the 1980s.
After the group disbanded in 1984, Jones was offered a solo contract with Philadelphia International Records, and released the hit single, "Do You Get Enough Love". The song spent 20 weeks on Billboard's R&B chart peaking at No. 1 on August 26, 1986.\ A full-length album followed entitled, "Always In The Mood" which peaked at No. 8 on Billboard's R&B Album chart.[
After the success of the single, Jones married Harlem Globetrotters basketball player Harold Hubbard.
Jones resides in McDonough, Georgia and continues to tour around the country and overseas preserving the legacy of The Jones Girls.
Jus’ Blues “Bobby Rush Blues Entertainer” Lifetime Achievement Award Terry Harmonica Bean
Terry W. "Harmonica" Bean (born January 26, 1961) in Pontotoc, Mississippi, United States, where he has remained living to date. His father, Eddie Bean, was a blues guitarist who played in an electric blues band, and encouraged his son to play both harmonica and guitar. A sharecropper, he also enlisted his twenty-four children in assisting in picking cotton to earn a living. Terry Bean played for his school and in American Legion baseball, before two traffic accidents meant that his competitive career finished in his early twenties. In 1988, Bean saw Robert Lockwood, Jr. play at a music festival in Greenville, Mississippi, and this experience inspired Bean to perform regularly in and around Greensville for the next few years. Bean became more versatile, appearing as a one-man band, accompanist or band leader and he variously worked with T-Model Ford, Asie Payton and Lonnie Pitchford.
Bean's first solo recording, Here I Am Baby, was released in 2001. This has been followed by six more albums, using a variety of musical ensemble settings.
He plays both harmonica and guitar, occasionally at the same time, and has performed at blues festivals, and in juke joints, to supplement his regular income gained from working in a furniture factory in Pontotoc. Playing solo, or with his own blues ensemble, Bean also made an appearance as himself in the 2008 documentary film, M For Mississippi, making mention of his daytime employment. Four years later Bean had a part in the film's follow-up, We Juke Up In Here, where he notes the decline in the number of performance outlets, such as juke joints
Bean played harmonica on T-Model Ford's 2008 album, Jack Daniel Time.
In 2011, Bean toured Italy, played in concert in France in March 2013, and made a more comprehensive European tour in 2013, whilst sticking to performing in a traditional blues style. His most recent album, Catfish Blues, was issued by the Austrian-based Wolf Records in March 2014. One music journalist commented "On Catfish Blues, Terry "Harmonica" Bean delivers a pitch perfect hill country experience that can be enjoyed from the smoky haze of the barroom to the quiet desks of the archives."
Bean is currently appearing in the television series, Moonshine & Mojo Hands.
Terry W. "Harmonica" Bean (born January 26, 1961) in Pontotoc, Mississippi, United States, where he has remained living to date. His father, Eddie Bean, was a blues guitarist who played in an electric blues band, and encouraged his son to play both harmonica and guitar. A sharecropper, he also enlisted his twenty-four children in assisting in picking cotton to earn a living. Terry Bean played for his school and in American Legion baseball, before two traffic accidents meant that his competitive career finished in his early twenties. In 1988, Bean saw Robert Lockwood, Jr. play at a music festival in Greenville, Mississippi, and this experience inspired Bean to perform regularly in and around Greensville for the next few years. Bean became more versatile, appearing as a one-man band, accompanist or band leader and he variously worked with T-Model Ford, Asie Payton and Lonnie Pitchford.
Bean's first solo recording, Here I Am Baby, was released in 2001. This has been followed by six more albums, using a variety of musical ensemble settings.
He plays both harmonica and guitar, occasionally at the same time, and has performed at blues festivals, and in juke joints, to supplement his regular income gained from working in a furniture factory in Pontotoc. Playing solo, or with his own blues ensemble, Bean also made an appearance as himself in the 2008 documentary film, M For Mississippi, making mention of his daytime employment. Four years later Bean had a part in the film's follow-up, We Juke Up In Here, where he notes the decline in the number of performance outlets, such as juke joints
Bean played harmonica on T-Model Ford's 2008 album, Jack Daniel Time.
In 2011, Bean toured Italy, played in concert in France in March 2013, and made a more comprehensive European tour in 2013, whilst sticking to performing in a traditional blues style. His most recent album, Catfish Blues, was issued by the Austrian-based Wolf Records in March 2014. One music journalist commented "On Catfish Blues, Terry "Harmonica" Bean delivers a pitch perfect hill country experience that can be enjoyed from the smoky haze of the barroom to the quiet desks of the archives."
Bean is currently appearing in the television series, Moonshine & Mojo Hands.
Jus’ Blues "Benny Latimore Let's Straighten It Out” Award Lee King & Jesse Thompson - Jackson Music Awards
Jus’ Blues Juke Joint Award “Keeping the Chitlin' Circuit Alive R L Griffin - R L Blues Palace II”
R.L. Griffin is a major figure on the Dallas blues scene, doing much more than just bending notes to keep the genre of music vital and ensure that a forum exists for its appreciation. He runs his own nightclub, which he promises to be R.L. Griffin's Blues Palace. The man often called "the Right Reverend of the Blues" or "Ting-A-Ling" is also a classic blues and R&B disc jockey on KKDA, sometimes broadcasting directly from his club. Musicians who toil in the related careers of radio and venue management are naturally in the position to help other players, something Griffin seems to have excelled at, apparently at the expense of his own personal glory and fame.
Griffin hails from Kilgore, TX, and remembers a contrasting scenario to the usual family full of blues, folk, and/or gospel enthusiasts. He was the only member of his family interested in playing music, beginning enthusiastically with school bands. He initially was a drummer and claims singing came about only in response to an off the cuff request for him to try a version of "Fever" by Little Willie John -- in terms of singing, the man seems not to have known his own strength. Once discovered, the talent led to an R&B combo, the Corvettes, eight pieces strong and attempting a James Brown sound.
In 1965, Griffin hit Dallas for what turned into an eight-year stint at the Empire Room. During a period when the rock audience began discovering authentic blues, Griffin was handled by the same agency that booked guitar monster Freddie King, a favorite of Eric Clapton. Griffin, however, was not swept up in the kind of demand that allowed King -- any of them -- to tour auditorium-size venues throughout the world. Instead, Griffin's offices were Texas honky tonks: Louann's, Kenneth's Place, the Red Jacket, and the Climax Club, the latter owned by gunman Jack Ruby.
As for managing his own enterprises of this nature, Griffin began with the Blues Alley in 1987, upgrading to a palace six years later. On record, the Griffin presence can be felt on the regional scene beginning with Robin Hood -- not the outlaw, but a bluesman who worked out of Tyler, TX. Griffin also cut sides with a group called the Sweet Sounds of Music, Big Bo Thomas, Al Braggs, and Earnest Davis. He has toured overseas with Charlie Musselwhite.
R.L. Griffin is a major figure on the Dallas blues scene, doing much more than just bending notes to keep the genre of music vital and ensure that a forum exists for its appreciation. He runs his own nightclub, which he promises to be R.L. Griffin's Blues Palace. The man often called "the Right Reverend of the Blues" or "Ting-A-Ling" is also a classic blues and R&B disc jockey on KKDA, sometimes broadcasting directly from his club. Musicians who toil in the related careers of radio and venue management are naturally in the position to help other players, something Griffin seems to have excelled at, apparently at the expense of his own personal glory and fame.
Griffin hails from Kilgore, TX, and remembers a contrasting scenario to the usual family full of blues, folk, and/or gospel enthusiasts. He was the only member of his family interested in playing music, beginning enthusiastically with school bands. He initially was a drummer and claims singing came about only in response to an off the cuff request for him to try a version of "Fever" by Little Willie John -- in terms of singing, the man seems not to have known his own strength. Once discovered, the talent led to an R&B combo, the Corvettes, eight pieces strong and attempting a James Brown sound.
In 1965, Griffin hit Dallas for what turned into an eight-year stint at the Empire Room. During a period when the rock audience began discovering authentic blues, Griffin was handled by the same agency that booked guitar monster Freddie King, a favorite of Eric Clapton. Griffin, however, was not swept up in the kind of demand that allowed King -- any of them -- to tour auditorium-size venues throughout the world. Instead, Griffin's offices were Texas honky tonks: Louann's, Kenneth's Place, the Red Jacket, and the Climax Club, the latter owned by gunman Jack Ruby.
As for managing his own enterprises of this nature, Griffin began with the Blues Alley in 1987, upgrading to a palace six years later. On record, the Griffin presence can be felt on the regional scene beginning with Robin Hood -- not the outlaw, but a bluesman who worked out of Tyler, TX. Griffin also cut sides with a group called the Sweet Sounds of Music, Big Bo Thomas, Al Braggs, and Earnest Davis. He has toured overseas with Charlie Musselwhite.
Jus’ Blues "Denise LaSalle" Lifetime Achievement Award Tia Carroll
Tia Carroll was born and raised in Richmond, California and her singer's career started before she even knew it was a career. According to her parents Tia sang instead of crying when she entered this world. Although this might be hard to prove, it can be said that Tia grew up listening to musicians like Stevie Wonder, Larry Graham, Ike & Tina Turner, the Beatles and The Monkeys (!?). Tia listened to and sang along with everything and everybody, thus her musical influence runs the gamut which also helps to explain the various styles on her albums.
Tia's first paying gig was with an old-time rock n roll band called Yakety Yak at a backyard BBQ. Luckily there have been many memorable performances, including Eddie Money, The Coasters with Leon Hughes and Tia opened shows for Gladys Knight, Ray Charles, Patti LaBelle and Tower of Power. In addition, Tia's voice can be heard in the background of a few Bay Area recording artists, i.e. Sugar Pie DeSanto, E.C. Scott and Jimmy McCracklin.
Tia also tours with the legendary blues singer Jimmy McCracklin at select appearances and not so long ago she went on a 12day tour with the Bay Area Blues Society and Zakiya Hooker to Thailand on the island of Koh Samui. There they spent Christmas and New Year’s doing shows to help raise money for the Tsunami survivors
Tia's constantly being compared to legendary female singers Tina Turner, Koko Taylor and Aretha. Sure, her power and sassy style of storytelling may be similar, but TIA CARROLL has her own unique star power that's evident in her new self-titled album. Don't pass on America's hot new sweetheart Tia Carroll. Name drops not required when the sound is this hot. Tia has toured with legendary blues icons Jimmy McCracklin & Sugar Pie DeSanto to Canada, France and Italy where she left a great impression on the audiences there. Tia Carroll was featured during the Jazzar festival in Tallinn Estonia. Awarded West Coast Female Blues vocalist of the year 2007 and recipient of the Jus Blues Music Foundations Traditional Blues Woman of The Year 2008 and Band Leader of the Year in 2009.
Tia Carroll was born and raised in Richmond, California and her singer's career started before she even knew it was a career. According to her parents Tia sang instead of crying when she entered this world. Although this might be hard to prove, it can be said that Tia grew up listening to musicians like Stevie Wonder, Larry Graham, Ike & Tina Turner, the Beatles and The Monkeys (!?). Tia listened to and sang along with everything and everybody, thus her musical influence runs the gamut which also helps to explain the various styles on her albums.
Tia's first paying gig was with an old-time rock n roll band called Yakety Yak at a backyard BBQ. Luckily there have been many memorable performances, including Eddie Money, The Coasters with Leon Hughes and Tia opened shows for Gladys Knight, Ray Charles, Patti LaBelle and Tower of Power. In addition, Tia's voice can be heard in the background of a few Bay Area recording artists, i.e. Sugar Pie DeSanto, E.C. Scott and Jimmy McCracklin.
Tia also tours with the legendary blues singer Jimmy McCracklin at select appearances and not so long ago she went on a 12day tour with the Bay Area Blues Society and Zakiya Hooker to Thailand on the island of Koh Samui. There they spent Christmas and New Year’s doing shows to help raise money for the Tsunami survivors
Tia's constantly being compared to legendary female singers Tina Turner, Koko Taylor and Aretha. Sure, her power and sassy style of storytelling may be similar, but TIA CARROLL has her own unique star power that's evident in her new self-titled album. Don't pass on America's hot new sweetheart Tia Carroll. Name drops not required when the sound is this hot. Tia has toured with legendary blues icons Jimmy McCracklin & Sugar Pie DeSanto to Canada, France and Italy where she left a great impression on the audiences there. Tia Carroll was featured during the Jazzar festival in Tallinn Estonia. Awarded West Coast Female Blues vocalist of the year 2007 and recipient of the Jus Blues Music Foundations Traditional Blues Woman of The Year 2008 and Band Leader of the Year in 2009.
Jus’ Blues "The Muddy” Lifetime Achievement Blues Award Alabama Mike Benjamin
Alabama Mike (Michael Benjamin) was a truck driver that by luck and fate, in 1999, became a soul singer who's got the blues. He started his own label Jukehouse Records, in 2009, which has released three acclaimed records. His latest offering, Upset The Status Quo is the culmination of a life that started, as many do, in the church choir, back home in Talladega, Alabama, though he now calls the Bay Area home.
Mike is a throwback to the singers that made this music famous, possessing an emotional tenor voice that can pack a punch or mend a broken heart. His original lyrics deal with life in the modern world, as this is blues for a new time. There has been an almost mythical aura surrounding soul singers, and their church choir connections. It has been deemed a rite of passage for most of the great vocalists and Alabama Mike is certainly no exception, the hymns of his childhood resonating inside him
Mike is a dynamic, energetic vocalist that strongly connects with his audience. He's a true force on the microphone with his first rate, church house tenor. He delivers a sound that will remind you of a young BB King, Buddy Guy, Elmore James, and Little Johnny Taylor
Alabama Mike (Michael Benjamin) was a truck driver that by luck and fate, in 1999, became a soul singer who's got the blues. He started his own label Jukehouse Records, in 2009, which has released three acclaimed records. His latest offering, Upset The Status Quo is the culmination of a life that started, as many do, in the church choir, back home in Talladega, Alabama, though he now calls the Bay Area home.
Mike is a throwback to the singers that made this music famous, possessing an emotional tenor voice that can pack a punch or mend a broken heart. His original lyrics deal with life in the modern world, as this is blues for a new time. There has been an almost mythical aura surrounding soul singers, and their church choir connections. It has been deemed a rite of passage for most of the great vocalists and Alabama Mike is certainly no exception, the hymns of his childhood resonating inside him
Mike is a dynamic, energetic vocalist that strongly connects with his audience. He's a true force on the microphone with his first rate, church house tenor. He delivers a sound that will remind you of a young BB King, Buddy Guy, Elmore James, and Little Johnny Taylor
Jus’ Blues “Willie Mitchell Lifetime Achievement Artist” Award Barbara Morrison
Barbara Morrison (born September 10, 1949) in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and raised in Romulus, Michigan, Barbara Morrison recorded her first appearance for radio in Detroit at the age of 10. In 1973 she moved to Los Angeles at the age of 23 and sang with Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson's band. Between the mid-1970s and early 1990s, she recorded several albums with Johnny Otis.
In 1986, Morrison toured with the Philip Morris Superband, completing a 14-city one-month tour of Canada, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines, playing with jazz organist Jimmy Smith and backed by saxophonist James Moody, guitarist Kenny Burrell, trumpeter Jon Faddis, and Grady Tate on drums. Morrison also completed a 33-city tour in the US in an all-star tribute to composer Harold Arlen. In 1995, Morrison appeared in a televised tribute to Ella Fitzgerald with Mel Torme, Diane Reeves, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Tony Bennett, Dionne Warwick, and Lou Rawls.
She has worked with Gerald Wilson, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, James Moody, Ron Carter, Etta James, Esther Phillips, David T. Walker, Jimmy Smith, Dr. John, Kenny Burrell, Terence Blanchard, Joe Sample, Cedar Walton, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, Tony Bennett, Keb' Mo, Count Basie Orchestra, Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra and Doc Severinsen. She has performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Nice, Pori, Carnegie Hall, North Sea, Darling Harbour, Sydney Opera House, Monterey, Long Beach, and in tributes to Dizzy Gillespie and Benny Golson. In 2011 Morrison began performing with Jack Hale, a guitarist, arranger, and bandleader
Barbara Morrison (born September 10, 1949) in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and raised in Romulus, Michigan, Barbara Morrison recorded her first appearance for radio in Detroit at the age of 10. In 1973 she moved to Los Angeles at the age of 23 and sang with Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson's band. Between the mid-1970s and early 1990s, she recorded several albums with Johnny Otis.
In 1986, Morrison toured with the Philip Morris Superband, completing a 14-city one-month tour of Canada, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines, playing with jazz organist Jimmy Smith and backed by saxophonist James Moody, guitarist Kenny Burrell, trumpeter Jon Faddis, and Grady Tate on drums. Morrison also completed a 33-city tour in the US in an all-star tribute to composer Harold Arlen. In 1995, Morrison appeared in a televised tribute to Ella Fitzgerald with Mel Torme, Diane Reeves, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Tony Bennett, Dionne Warwick, and Lou Rawls.
She has worked with Gerald Wilson, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, James Moody, Ron Carter, Etta James, Esther Phillips, David T. Walker, Jimmy Smith, Dr. John, Kenny Burrell, Terence Blanchard, Joe Sample, Cedar Walton, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, Tony Bennett, Keb' Mo, Count Basie Orchestra, Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra and Doc Severinsen. She has performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Nice, Pori, Carnegie Hall, North Sea, Darling Harbour, Sydney Opera House, Monterey, Long Beach, and in tributes to Dizzy Gillespie and Benny Golson. In 2011 Morrison began performing with Jack Hale, a guitarist, arranger, and bandleader
Jus’ Blues Albert King Lifetime Achievement Award “The Lucy Award” Eric Gales
Eric Gales (born October 29, 1974), also known as Raw Dawg, was originally hailed as a child prodigy. Gales picked up the guitar at age four. His older siblings, Eugene and Manuel (Little Jimmy King), taught him songs and licks when he was young, in the style of Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, B.B. King and others. In 1985, the young Gales began to play at blues competitions with his brother Eugene backing him on bass. Although Gales plays a right-handed guitar "upside-down" (with the bass E string on the bottom), he is not naturally left-handed; he was taught by his brother, who is left-handed, and never second-guessed the untraditional technique.
In late 1990, Eric and Eugene Gales signed with Elektra Records, and together with the drummer Hubert Crawford released The Eric Gales Band (1991) and Picture of a Thousand Faces (1993).
In 1994, Gales performed with Carlos Santana at Woodstock '94. In 1995, Gales teamed up with both of his brothers to record an album, Left Hand Brand (released in 1996), as the Gales Brothers. In 2001 Gales released his album That's What I Am on MCA Records.
Gales has released the albums Crystal Vision, The Psychedelic Underground, The Story of My Life and Layin' Down the Blues on the Shrapnel Records label. Relentless (2010) was followed by Transformation (2011) and Live (2012).
In the winter of 2010, Gales returned to the touring circuit in Europe with TM Stevens on bass guitar and Keith LeBlanc on drums. The tour was billed as VooDoo Chile and featured works of Jimi Hendrix as well as original material from both Gales and Stevens.
In 2017, Gales released his fifteenth studio effort, Middle of the Road, featuring numerous artists, including Gary Clark Jr., Lauryn Hill and others, as well as his own brother and mother. The album became his first to chart on Billboard's Top Blues Album chart, peaking at No. 4,
As of 2019, Gales has recorded eighteen albums for major record labels and has done session and tribute work. He has also contributed vocals on several records by the Memphis rap groups Prophet Posse and Three 6 Mafia under the name Lil
On October 21, 2021, Gales released the single "I Want My Crown," featuring Joe Bonamassa. The song serves as the lead single from his upcoming album Crown. Produced by Bonamassa and Josh Smith, the album was released on January 28, 2022. The album highlights Gales' “struggles with substance abuse, his hopes about a new era of sobriety and unbridled creativity, and his personal reflections on racism.” Upon release, it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Album chart his second to do so.
Eric Gales (born October 29, 1974), also known as Raw Dawg, was originally hailed as a child prodigy. Gales picked up the guitar at age four. His older siblings, Eugene and Manuel (Little Jimmy King), taught him songs and licks when he was young, in the style of Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, B.B. King and others. In 1985, the young Gales began to play at blues competitions with his brother Eugene backing him on bass. Although Gales plays a right-handed guitar "upside-down" (with the bass E string on the bottom), he is not naturally left-handed; he was taught by his brother, who is left-handed, and never second-guessed the untraditional technique.
In late 1990, Eric and Eugene Gales signed with Elektra Records, and together with the drummer Hubert Crawford released The Eric Gales Band (1991) and Picture of a Thousand Faces (1993).
In 1994, Gales performed with Carlos Santana at Woodstock '94. In 1995, Gales teamed up with both of his brothers to record an album, Left Hand Brand (released in 1996), as the Gales Brothers. In 2001 Gales released his album That's What I Am on MCA Records.
Gales has released the albums Crystal Vision, The Psychedelic Underground, The Story of My Life and Layin' Down the Blues on the Shrapnel Records label. Relentless (2010) was followed by Transformation (2011) and Live (2012).
In the winter of 2010, Gales returned to the touring circuit in Europe with TM Stevens on bass guitar and Keith LeBlanc on drums. The tour was billed as VooDoo Chile and featured works of Jimi Hendrix as well as original material from both Gales and Stevens.
In 2017, Gales released his fifteenth studio effort, Middle of the Road, featuring numerous artists, including Gary Clark Jr., Lauryn Hill and others, as well as his own brother and mother. The album became his first to chart on Billboard's Top Blues Album chart, peaking at No. 4,
As of 2019, Gales has recorded eighteen albums for major record labels and has done session and tribute work. He has also contributed vocals on several records by the Memphis rap groups Prophet Posse and Three 6 Mafia under the name Lil
On October 21, 2021, Gales released the single "I Want My Crown," featuring Joe Bonamassa. The song serves as the lead single from his upcoming album Crown. Produced by Bonamassa and Josh Smith, the album was released on January 28, 2022. The album highlights Gales' “struggles with substance abuse, his hopes about a new era of sobriety and unbridled creativity, and his personal reflections on racism.” Upon release, it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Album chart his second to do so.
Jus” Blues KoKo Taylor “Queen of the Blues" Lifetime Achievement Awards Demetria Taylor
Demetria Taylor is the seventh child of eight from the family of the late blues legend Eddie Taylor Sr. and is helping keep the legacy of her father alive. Eddie is best known as the rhythm guitarist in the band of Jimmy Reed, but he also had his own solo career and recorded some wonderful sides for the VJ label including the classic "Bad Boy". Her mother Vera Taylor was also a blues singer. Demetria has fond memories of blues greats and friends of the family coming by the house-- including Floyd Jones, Carey Bell, Sunnyland Slim, Johnny Littlejohn, Sam Lay, Willie Kent, Tail Dragger, Eddie Shaw, Johnny B. Moore and Magic Slim.
Born in Chicago, Demetria grew up surrounded by Blues music listening on records to her biggest influences including Etta James, Bessie Smith, Big Mama Thornton and most importantly, "The Queen of The Blues” Koko Taylor (no relation to her family) Demetria started playing drums at age 14, coached by her older brothers Larry and Tim, both professional blues drummers. She played in family shows across Chicago which also featured brother Eddie Taylor Jr. on guitar. She also sang in the gospel choir at Trinity All Nations Church on Chicago's south side.
"I put God first and everything else will work out", says Demetria, who is married with eight children. "I feel that singing is something I was born to do. Sometimes on the stage my eyes tear up as I feel the music I'm singing. I love to listen to all types of music, but the blues caught my ear. I'll never give up my dream."
Demetria has toured nationally and internationally and performs in many clubs and festivals including the Chicago Blues Festival. Her first album, Bad Girl, is on Delmark Records.
Demetria Taylor is the seventh child of eight from the family of the late blues legend Eddie Taylor Sr. and is helping keep the legacy of her father alive. Eddie is best known as the rhythm guitarist in the band of Jimmy Reed, but he also had his own solo career and recorded some wonderful sides for the VJ label including the classic "Bad Boy". Her mother Vera Taylor was also a blues singer. Demetria has fond memories of blues greats and friends of the family coming by the house-- including Floyd Jones, Carey Bell, Sunnyland Slim, Johnny Littlejohn, Sam Lay, Willie Kent, Tail Dragger, Eddie Shaw, Johnny B. Moore and Magic Slim.
Born in Chicago, Demetria grew up surrounded by Blues music listening on records to her biggest influences including Etta James, Bessie Smith, Big Mama Thornton and most importantly, "The Queen of The Blues” Koko Taylor (no relation to her family) Demetria started playing drums at age 14, coached by her older brothers Larry and Tim, both professional blues drummers. She played in family shows across Chicago which also featured brother Eddie Taylor Jr. on guitar. She also sang in the gospel choir at Trinity All Nations Church on Chicago's south side.
"I put God first and everything else will work out", says Demetria, who is married with eight children. "I feel that singing is something I was born to do. Sometimes on the stage my eyes tear up as I feel the music I'm singing. I love to listen to all types of music, but the blues caught my ear. I'll never give up my dream."
Demetria has toured nationally and internationally and performs in many clubs and festivals including the Chicago Blues Festival. Her first album, Bad Girl, is on Delmark Records.
Jus’ Blues “Bobby Blue Bland” Lifetime Achievement Blues Award Gregg A Smith
Gregg A Smith was born July 25, 1951 in Honeygrove, Texas. He started singing and dancing at the age of 3 in his mother’s cafe, The Luckyheart Cafe, in Bucktussel, Texas. At the age of 9, his family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where Gregg began harmonica lessons which led to an appearance on The Uncle Rays Cartoon TV Show. By the time Gregg turned 12 years old he began to sing and play the trumpet which led to him starting his first band called The Soul Flames. The group appeared at the Elks Club American Legion and at the Paloma Bar in Albuquerque during the 1960s.
1970 in Chicago, Gregg had the opportunity to work with Buddy Guy, Jr Wells, KoKo Taylor and many others at Pepper’s Lounge. In the fall of 1970, Gregg returned to Portland, Oregon to attend Portland Community College and Portland State University. At the University he began to study music. While studying, he was given the opportunity to perform as the house band at the Cotton Club with Etta James, the Whispers and many other artists. Soon after, Gregg formed his second band called Gregg Smith and the Shades of Brown. Gregg and The Shades of Brown appeared at the Downstairs Lounge and began to add jazz to their music repertoire. The band played with famous jazz artist such as Jimmy Smith, Johnny Hammond, Grover Washington Jr, Jeff Lorber and Johnny "Guitar" Watson. This talented group also opened for artist such as Tower of Power, Cold Blood, Quick Silver Messenger and Albert Collins for almost a decade. By 1980 Gregg had opened for BB King and also opened for James Brown for three nights at Portland's popular night spot, Lung Fung's. In 1983, Gregg found himself returning home to Texas to perform at the Dallas Blues Festival with Little Milton, Lil Joe Blue, Al T and T Braggs.
Gregg released his first album in 1985 titled The Texas Blues Wailer, produced by Phil York. With the album's release, he began to tour and establish a lifelong friendship with the late legendary Johnny Taylor and open for the Bobby "Blue" Bland Orchestra
Long awaited, 2009 presented Gregg with the Jus Blues Legendary Blues and Soul Award in Memphis, Tennessee as well as the re-release of his Greatest Hits with a bonus track on Gman Records. This cd was distributed nationwide as well as international. Gregg A Smith, for the past 21 years, has been hosting his own radio show in Dallas, Texas. The Gregg Smith Radio Blues Review can be heard on KNON 89.3 FM, Friday 9a-12p. For more than 45 years, Gregg has been blessed to be able to keep the blues alive and he is more dedicated now than ever. Get the all product here or at www.greggasmithmusic.com
Gregg A Smith was born July 25, 1951 in Honeygrove, Texas. He started singing and dancing at the age of 3 in his mother’s cafe, The Luckyheart Cafe, in Bucktussel, Texas. At the age of 9, his family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where Gregg began harmonica lessons which led to an appearance on The Uncle Rays Cartoon TV Show. By the time Gregg turned 12 years old he began to sing and play the trumpet which led to him starting his first band called The Soul Flames. The group appeared at the Elks Club American Legion and at the Paloma Bar in Albuquerque during the 1960s.
1970 in Chicago, Gregg had the opportunity to work with Buddy Guy, Jr Wells, KoKo Taylor and many others at Pepper’s Lounge. In the fall of 1970, Gregg returned to Portland, Oregon to attend Portland Community College and Portland State University. At the University he began to study music. While studying, he was given the opportunity to perform as the house band at the Cotton Club with Etta James, the Whispers and many other artists. Soon after, Gregg formed his second band called Gregg Smith and the Shades of Brown. Gregg and The Shades of Brown appeared at the Downstairs Lounge and began to add jazz to their music repertoire. The band played with famous jazz artist such as Jimmy Smith, Johnny Hammond, Grover Washington Jr, Jeff Lorber and Johnny "Guitar" Watson. This talented group also opened for artist such as Tower of Power, Cold Blood, Quick Silver Messenger and Albert Collins for almost a decade. By 1980 Gregg had opened for BB King and also opened for James Brown for three nights at Portland's popular night spot, Lung Fung's. In 1983, Gregg found himself returning home to Texas to perform at the Dallas Blues Festival with Little Milton, Lil Joe Blue, Al T and T Braggs.
Gregg released his first album in 1985 titled The Texas Blues Wailer, produced by Phil York. With the album's release, he began to tour and establish a lifelong friendship with the late legendary Johnny Taylor and open for the Bobby "Blue" Bland Orchestra
Long awaited, 2009 presented Gregg with the Jus Blues Legendary Blues and Soul Award in Memphis, Tennessee as well as the re-release of his Greatest Hits with a bonus track on Gman Records. This cd was distributed nationwide as well as international. Gregg A Smith, for the past 21 years, has been hosting his own radio show in Dallas, Texas. The Gregg Smith Radio Blues Review can be heard on KNON 89.3 FM, Friday 9a-12p. For more than 45 years, Gregg has been blessed to be able to keep the blues alive and he is more dedicated now than ever. Get the all product here or at www.greggasmithmusic.com