The Blues: The Radio Series (2003)

Full title: The Blues: The Radio Series
Year: 2003
Runtime: 13 episodes, approx. 57 min each
Language: English

In 2003 a number of radio station in USA broadcasted thirteen hour-long programs on the history of the blues - from its African roots to its modern day form. The project was hosted by the renown blues musician Keb' Mo' and includes a gazillion of interviews, live performances, recordings from the archives etc.

Listen to full episodes:

Note: the info links below will take you to the specific episode's web page where you can find the program's description, transcript (html or pdf), list of names discussed, producer's notes (very interesting!), citations and listen/download the episodes and extras!

♬ Episode 1: The Birth of the Blues [info]

The opening program discusses the roots of the blues in West Africa with performance by bluesman Taj Mahal.



Extras: interviews with Bonnie Raitt, Carlos Santana, John Lee Hooker, Martin Scorsese and a song by Taj Mahal.


♬ Episode 2: Goin' up the Country [info]

Part two deals with the formation of the blues genre in the beginning of the 20th century and the first recordings by artist such as Blind Lemon Jefferson, Blind Blake, Charley Patton, Son House, and Blind Willie McTell.



Extras: interviews with Bill Ferris and Wyman, a song by Rory Block and a walking tour of Clarksdale, Mississippi.


♬ Episode 3: Tain't Nobody's Business If I Do [info]

Discusses the integration of the blues into the American pop music and documents the work of "The Father of Blues" - W.C. Handy.



Extras: interviews with Angela Davis and Gaye Adegbalola, a song by Shemekia Copeland and an excerpt from the poem The Weary Blues by jazzer Branford Marsalis.


♬ Episode 4: Standin' at the Crossroads [info]

Interviewees Eric Clapton, Chris Thomas King, and Bonnie Raitt (and others) discuss the legend of Robert Johnson and the blues styles of the depression era.



Extras: interviews with George Thorogood and Rory Block and a song "Mamie" by Cephas and Wiggins.


♬ Episode 5: Mystery Train [info]

This episode discusses the famous Beale street, where the likes of Muddy Waters, Albert King, Memphis Minnie, B. B. King and Rufus Thomas developed what is known today as Memphis blues.



Extras: interviews with B.B. King, Bobby "Blue" Bland and Rufus Thomas plus a song "Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burnin'" by Richard Johnson.


♬ Episode 6: Sweet Home Chicago [info]

Sixth show examines the blues scene of 1950s (including Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, T-Bone Walker, Elmore James, and Little Walter) and takes you on a tour of Chess Records from Willie Dixon’s daughter, Shirli Dixon Nelson.



Extras: Interviews with Charlie Musselwhite, George Thorogood, Howlin' Wolf, Willie Dixon and a song "Juke" by Billy Boy Arnold & Hubert Sumlin.


♬ Episode 7: Key to the Highway [info]

This episode investigates the rebirth of the "old" blues and how many older blues artists were rediscovered and started playing again on stages such as the Newport Folk Festival.



Extras: interviews of Dick Waterman and Son House plus a performance "Phonograph Blues" by John Hammond.


♬ Episode 8: Blues Power [info]

In this episode the important impact of blues on the music scene in UK (1950s & 1960s) is discussed through the testimonies of Mick Jagger, Robert Plant, Bill Wyman, Mick Fleetwood, Eric Burdon and others. Included is a rare recording of “Crossroads” from Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Steve Winwood.



Extras: interviews with Eric Clapton, John Mayall and a song "Train Kept a Rollin'" by The Yardbirds.


♬ Episode 9: Bring it on Home [info]

Blue's strong impact on the 1960s rock scene is addressed with insight on musical legends such as ed Zeppelin, Cream, the Rolling Stones, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, the Allman Brothers Band, Janis Joplin, and Johnny Winter.



Extras: "Walking Blues" by Hot Tuna and interviews with Charlie Musselwhite and Taj Mahal.


♬ Episode 10: Gimme Back My Wing [info]

Episode ten examines what happened to blues music after the blue-rock era of the 60's and 70's and focuses on artists such as Muddy Waters and Johnny Winters who continued to put out great records.



Extras: interviews with Bobby Rush and Koko Taylor - plus a song "I Cried Like a Baby" from the latter.


♬ Episode 11: Texas Flood [info]

Texas-based blues revival which was caused by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robert Cray and similar in the 1980s is discussed.



Extras: interviews with SRV's brother Jimmie Vaughan, Muddy Waters and Sue Foley, plus "One's Too Many" by The Fabulous Thunderbirds.


♬ Episode 12: When Love Comes to Town [info]

The twelfth episode talks about the blues in the late 20th century and takes a better look at the blues legends like B.B. King, Buddy Guy and John Lee Hooker on one side and emerging musicians such as Jonny Lang, Corey Harris, Keb’ Mo’, the North Mississippi Allstars, and Susan Tedeschi on the other side.



Extras: Big Bill Morganfield's "Hoochie Coochie Girl" and interviews with Buddy Guy & Shemekia Copeland.


♬ Episode 13: Future Blues [info]

The series concludes with a discussion about the future of the blues (acid jazz and Moby are discussed among others). Various musicians and experts offer their opinion on the future of the genre and Martin Scorsese is interviewed regarding his film documentary project for PBS: The Blues.



Extras: interviews with Chuk D and Chris Thomas King, plus a song "Shake 'Em On Down" by North Mississippi Allstars.

---

Also look at other great stuff on the official Year of the Blues web page, such as articles, art gallery, recordings and much more: http://www.yearoftheblues.org/