Articles
Clear Filters
Loading...
18 results
- Music, The Secret History of Chicago Music Apr 22, 2021
-
-
Saxophonist Gene Barge helped shape the sound of Chicago R&B
He’s done his most influential work as a sideman or producer, but he’s just as important as any of the genre’s marquee stars.
- Music, The Secret History of Chicago Music Mar 11, 2021
-
-
Pianist Willie Mabon gave Chess Records its first big hit
Despite that 1952 smash, he was soon overshadowed by the likes of Bo Diddley and Muddy Waters.
- Music, The Secret History of Chicago Music Feb 25, 2021
-
-
Big Daddy Kinsey was the Muddy Waters of Gary, Indiana
The blues patriarch also had three sons who played together as the Kinsey Report.
- Music, The Secret History of Chicago Music Jan 28, 2021
-
-
The Aces helped invent the sound of electric Chicago blues
They’re best known as a backing band for Junior Wells and Little Walter, but they took the lead when it came to the future of the genre.
- Music, The Secret History of Chicago Music Mar 24, 2020
-
-
Blues guitarist Lurrie Bell beat mental illness to build a thriving career
By the early 90s he didn’t even own a guitar anymore, but now he’s got a shelf full of Blues Music Awards.
- Music, The Secret History of Chicago Music Jan 27, 2020
-
-
Slide guitarist John Littlejohn brought Mississippi country blues to Chicago
His raw style grew from the same soil that produced Elmore James, but he never became a star outside the Windy City.
- Music, Music Feature Apr 19, 2018
-
-
Entertainment lawyer Jay B. Ross fought for the people who made the music he loved
An expert negotiator, he went to bat for stars as big as James Brown and Muddy Waters, but he also clawed back royalties for countless forgotten artists who’d never gotten their due.
- Music, The Secret History of Chicago Music Jan 2, 2018
-
-
Underappreciated guitarist Johnny B. Moore links Delta blues with the electric postwar Chicago sound
Johnny B. Moore launched his career as a full-time bluesman in 1975 with the great Koko Taylor, and he's still kicking today.
- Music, The Secret History of Chicago Music Apr 20, 2016
-
-
Rowdy bluesman Detroit Junior used to crawl under his piano while he played
Detroit Junior worked with Little Mack Simmons and Howlin' Wolf, but it was his deep catalog of original songs that made him beloved in the blues world.
- Music, The Secret History of Chicago Music Mar 6, 2014
-
-
The Secret History of Chicago Music: Lafayette Leake
This brilliant pianist cut countless sides with blues giants as a Chess Records session player, but he released little music of his own.
- Music, The Secret History of Chicago Music Aug 8, 2013
-
-
The Secret History of Chicago Music: Emmett "Maestro" Sanders
This guitarist was a huge figure in Peoria blues, but died unheralded this spring—in part because he only ever released one single.
- Blogs, Bleader Jun 10, 2013
-
-
Jukebox update: Koko Taylor, Vybz Kartel, Mikal Cronin, and more
Our latest round of staff picks for the Reader's Interactive Jukebox (jukebox.chicagoreader.com)
- Music, The Secret History of Chicago Music Mar 7, 2013
-
-
The Secret History of Chicago Music: Eddie C. Campbell
This flamboyant, innovative blues guitarist needs help getting home after a heart attack and stroke on the road in Germany.
- Music, Music Feature Jun 6, 2012
-
-
The Reader's guide to the Chicago Blues Festival
There's more than Mavis: Other must-see acts include Texas Johnny Brown, Floyd Taylor, Joe Louis Walker, and the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band
- Music, Music Sidebar Jun 9, 2011
-
-
The Reader's Guide to the Chicago Blues Festival
- Music, Music Feature May 19, 2011
-
-
At 40 years old, Alligator Records continues to evolve
Founder Bruce Iglauer on the Chicago blues label's bumpy road from Hound Dog Taylor to JJ Grey & Mofro
- Music, Music Sidebar Jun 11, 2009
-
-
The Reader's Guide to Chicago Blues Fest 2009
- Blogs, Bleader Jun 3, 2009
-
Koko Taylor 1928-2009
RIP Queen of the Blues