Born Eddie Jones, Guitar Slim created one of the most seminal blues classics of all time in “The Things I Used to Do.” This is the B-side of that great record, both of whose sides feature Ray Charles on piano. A master showman who dyed his hair to match his suits and shoes, Guitar Slim was highly influential during the 1950s, and his colorful legacy, which touched musicians from Earl King to Frank Zappa, is well-worth another look. Come see WWOZ DJ and documetarian David Kunian lead a panel today discussing Slim’s career, with his peers and bandmates Gerri Hall, Irving Banister, and Lawrence Cotton. It runs 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. at the Renaissance Arts Hotel in New Orleans’ Warehouse District, 700 Tchoupitoulas St. For more info on the conference, click here.
Category Archives: Blues
Song of the Day: “Stormy Monday” by Bobby Rush with Bobby “Blue” Bland and Johnny Taylor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MkYlzldpKU South Louisiana is still climbing out of this stormy weather from Tropical Storm Lee (now a depression whose vestiges are churning northeastward). Today’s Song of the Day features Ponderosa Stomp performer Bobby Rush joining two fellow legends – Bobby “Blue” Bland and Johnny Taylor – on “Stormy Monday” in a tribute to Bland. Check … Continue reading Song of the Day: “Stormy Monday” by Bobby Rush with Bobby “Blue” Bland and Johnny Taylor
Song of the Day: “Raining in My Heart” by Excello stalwarts Slim Harpo, Warren Storm, and Lazy Lester
With Tropical Storm Lee having battered the central Gulf Coast, specifically south Louisiana, for all of Labor Day weekend, today’s Song of the Day continues the rain theme, with three versions of “Raining in My Heart” by Excello-related artists (or their sidemen) who will be appearing at this month’s 10th annual Ponderosa Stomp. First up, … Continue reading Song of the Day: “Raining in My Heart” by Excello stalwarts Slim Harpo, Warren Storm, and Lazy Lester
Blues-harmonica smackdown (strictly for grins): Chicago’s Billy Boy Arnold vs. Baton Rouge’s Lazy Lester
We’re thrilled that Chicago blues-harmonica god Billy Boy Arnold is returning to the Ponderosa Stomp this year for its 10th anniversary. And the Stomp, of course, is named after south Louisiana’s Lazy Lester of Excello fame. Both appeared at the inaugural Stomp and both are perennial performers at the annual blowout. We love ‘em both. … Continue reading Blues-harmonica smackdown (strictly for grins): Chicago’s Billy Boy Arnold vs. Baton Rouge’s Lazy Lester
Song of the Day: “Wind Howlin’ Blues” by the late, great David “Honeyboy” Edwards, June 28, 1915 – Aug. 29, 2011
The oldest still-performing bluesman, David “Honeyboy” Edwards, passed away Monday, Aug. 29, just shy of his 96th birthday, on the sixth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and a little less than a year after gracing the Ponderosa Stomp with his historic presence. The great bluesman worked with all the legends of the genre, from Robert Johnson … Continue reading Song of the Day: “Wind Howlin’ Blues” by the late, great David “Honeyboy” Edwards, June 28, 1915 – Aug. 29, 2011