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2022 Award Recipient

Joe Louis Walker

Joe Louis Walker, a versatile blues icon, blends gospel, jazz, and rock. A prolific artist and mentor, his legacy and influence span generations, keeping the blues vibrant and evolving.

2014 Award Recipient

Eddie Shaw

Eddie Shaw, a legendary saxophonist, shaped blues with his work alongside Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. His legacy endures through his music and mentorship in the blues community.

2013 Award Recipient

John Primer

John Primer, a stalwart of Chicago blues, rose from Mississippi roots to fame with Muddy Waters and Magic Slim. His authentic style and mentoring keep the blues vibrant for future generations.

2012 Award Recipient

Bobby Rush

Bobby Rush, a blues legend, rose from humble beginnings in Louisiana to Grammy-winning fame, blending traditional blues with funk and soul, inspiring generations with his dynamic performances and resilience.

2012 Award Recipient

Lonnie Brooks

Lonnie Brooks, born in Louisiana, became a blues icon with his unique blend of Delta, Texas, and Chicago blues. His influential career, marked by dynamic performances and mentoring, left a lasting legacy.

2011 Award Recipient

Otis Clay

Otis Clay, a gospel-rooted soul and blues icon, bridged musical genres with his powerful voice, leaving a lasting legacy of emotional depth and community dedication.

2010 Award Recipient

Hubert Sumlin

Hubert Sumlin, a blues guitar legend, known for his emotive, innovative style with Howlin' Wolf, influenced generations of musicians, leaving an enduring legacy in blues and rock.

2009 Award Recipient

Sugar Pie DeSanto

Sugar Pie DeSanto, a dynamic blues artist, blended cultural influences into her music, leaving a lasting legacy of passionate performances and powerful vocal delivery.

2009 Award Recipient

Magic Slim

Magic Slim, born Morris Holt, was a blues titan from Mississippi. His powerful guitar and gritty vocals defined Chicago blues, leaving an enduring legacy in the genre.

2008 Award Recipient

Denise LaSalle

Denise LaSalle, born in Mississippi, rose to fame with hits like "Trapped by a Thing Called Love." A trailblazing blues singer, songwriter, and producer, her legacy inspires future generations.

2008 Award Recipient

Billy Boy Arnold

Billy Boy Arnold, a Chicago blues legend, revolutionized harmonica playing and influenced generations with hits like "I Wish You Would," leaving an indelible mark on blues and rock music.

2007 Award Recipient

Nappy Brown

Nappy Brown, born in 1929, blended gospel, blues, and R&B with his powerful voice. His hits like "Don't Be Angry" and dynamic performances left a lasting legacy in music.

2007 Award Recipient

Jimmie Jones

Jimmie Jones, a jazz and blues historian, photographer, and advocate, dedicated his life to preserving and promoting these genres, leaving a lasting legacy of passion and education.

2007 Award Recipient

Alberta Adams

Alberta Adams, the Queen of Detroit Blues, rose from humble beginnings to become a trailblazing vocalist, blending blues, jazz, and gospel, leaving an enduring legacy in American music.

2006 Award Recipient

James Cotton

James Cotton, "Superharp," revolutionized blues harmonica, mentored by Sonny Boy Williamson II and played with Muddy Waters. His energetic performances and albums left a lasting legacy on the blues genre.

2005 Award Recipient

Sterling D. Plumpp

Sterling Plumpp, a blues poet, bridged music and literature, capturing African American experiences in his works. His legacy inspires future generations in both genres.

2005 Award Recipient

R. L. Burnside

R.L. Burnside, a Mississippi blues legend, fused traditional Delta blues with modern sounds. His gritty style and resilience left an enduring impact on the blues genre and future generations.

2004 Award Recipient

Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown

Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, a genre-blending blues virtuoso, left an indelible mark on music with his eclectic style, Grammy-winning albums, and unforgettable performances. His legacy endures.

2004 Award Recipient

Bob Koester

Bob Koester, founder of Delmark Records, preserved and promoted blues and jazz, impacting the genre significantly with his recordings and dedication. His legacy endures through his work and influence.

2003 Award Recipient

John Mayall

John Mayall, the "Godfather of British Blues," shaped the genre with his Bluesbreakers, nurturing legends like Eric Clapton. His enduring legacy continues to inspire musicians worldwide.

2003 Award Recipient

Henry Townsend

Henry Townsend, a blues legend, bridged Delta and urban styles. Spanning 80 years, his career included iconic recordings, influential mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the blues.

2003 Award Recipient

Fred Anderson

Fred Anderson, a saxophone virtuoso, bridged jazz and blues. From Louisiana to Chicago, his innovation and mentorship left a lasting impact on the music scene and future generations.

2002 Award Recipient

“Little Milton” Campbell

Little Milton, born James Milton Campbell, was a soulful bluesman from Mississippi. Known for blending blues and soul, his hits like "We're Gonna Make It" left a lasting legacy on the genre.

2001 Award Recipient

Odetta

Odetta Holmes, the "Voice of the Civil Rights Movement," bridged folk and blues, inspiring artists like Bob Dylan. Her powerful performances championed social justice and equality.

2001 Award Recipient

Koko Taylor

Koko Taylor, the "Queen of the Blues," rose from humble beginnings in Tennessee to blues stardom with hits like "Wang Dang Doodle," breaking barriers and influencing future generations.

2001 Award Recipient

John Dee Holeman

John Dee Holeman was a Piedmont blues artist known for his fingerpicking guitar style, blending traditional and modern blues. His legacy includes preserving the Piedmont blues and influencing future generations.

2000 Award Recipient

Henry Gray

Henry Gray, born in Louisiana in 1925, was a pioneering blues pianist who shaped Chicago blues. His legacy lives on through iconic recordings and influence on future musicians.

2000 Award Recipient

Gene “Daddy G” Barge

Gene "Daddy G" Barge, saxophonist and producer, shaped blues and R&B with Chess Records, iconic tracks, and innovative arrangements, leaving a lasting legacy in music.

2000 Award Recipient

Boozoo Chavis

Boozoo Chavis, zydeco pioneer, blended Creole, blues, and Cajun sounds. Known for hits like "Paper in My Shoe," he shaped zydeco and influenced future generations.

2000 Award Recipient

Bobby “Blue” Bland

Bobby "Blue" Bland, born in Tennessee, became a blues legend with hits like "Two Steps from the Blues." His blend of blues and soul influenced countless artists, leaving a lasting legacy.

1999 Award Recipient

Pinetop Perkins

Pinetop Perkins, born in 1913, was a legendary blues pianist whose career spanned eight decades. His boogie-woogie style and influence on the blues genre remain unmatched.

1999 Award Recipient

Howard Armstrong

Howard Armstrong, a versatile blues musician, blended diverse musical traditions, influenced American roots music, and left a lasting legacy through his recordings and charismatic performances.

1999 Award Recipient

Francis Clay

Francis Clay, influential blues drummer, shaped the Chicago blues sound with Muddy Waters. His blend of jazz and blues rhythms left a lasting impact on the genre and future generations.

1998 Award Recipient

John Jackson

John Jackson, a master of Piedmont blues, rose from humble beginnings to preserve traditional blues, inspiring future generations with his authentic style and soulful performances.

1998 Award Recipient

Jay McShann

Jay McShann, a pioneering pianist and bandleader, blended blues and jazz, shaping Kansas City jazz and mentoring talents like Charlie Parker, leaving a lasting musical legacy.

1997 Award Recipient

Snooky Pryor

Snooky Pryor, a pioneering blues harmonica player, revolutionized the genre with his amplified sound. His influential career and innovative style left a lasting legacy on the blues.

1997 Award Recipient

Franz Jackson

Franz Jackson, a jazz and blues legend, bridged New Orleans jazz and Chicago blues, leaving a lasting legacy through his recordings, performances, and mentorship of young musicians.

1996 Award Recipient

Robert Lockwood Jr.

Robert Lockwood Jr., a pioneering blues guitarist mentored by Robert Johnson, fused delta and Chicago blues, leaving a lasting legacy through his recordings and mentorship.

1995 Award Recipient

David “Honeyboy” Edwards

David "Honeyboy" Edwards, a Delta blues legend, preserved traditional blues while inspiring future generations with his emotive guitar work and rich storytelling. His legacy endures.

1996 Award Recipient

Robert Lockwood Jr.

A Blues Legend

Robert Lockwood Jr. was born on March 27, 1915, in Turkey Scratch, Arkansas. His early years were spent in the rural South, where the sounds of the delta blues were an integral part of everyday life. Raised in a deeply musical environment, Lockwood’s initial exposure to music came from his family. His father, a farmer and part-time musician, played various instruments, fostering an early appreciation for music in young Robert.

Introduction to Music and Early Influences

Lockwood’s life changed forever when his mother, Esther, began a relationship with the legendary bluesman Robert Johnson. Johnson, who is often regarded as one of the most influential blues artists of all time, became a pivotal figure in Lockwood’s life. Johnson taught him the intricacies of guitar playing, imparting techniques and styles that would shape Lockwood’s future career. Lockwood was just 11 years old when he began to learn from Johnson, and this mentorship laid a solid foundation for his musical journey.

Key Moments and Milestones in His Career

Lockwood’s professional career began in the 1930s when he started performing in juke joints and on street corners throughout the South. His first major break came in 1941 when he began recording with blues harmonica player Sonny Boy Williamson II for the Bluebird Records label. These recordings were significant as they showcased Lockwood’s exceptional guitar skills and marked his entry into the recording industry.

In the 1950s, Lockwood moved to Chicago, a city that was quickly becoming the epicenter of the blues. Here, he became a sought-after session musician, recording with some of the biggest names in blues, including Muddy Waters, Little Walter, and Howlin’ Wolf. His versatility and proficiency on the guitar made him an invaluable asset in the studio.

Significant Albums, Songs, and Performances

Lockwood’s discography is extensive, but several works stand out. His collaboration with Sonny Boy Williamson II resulted in numerous classic tracks, including “Dust My Broom” and “Stop Breakin’ Down,” both of which highlight Lockwood’s intricate guitar work.

In 1970, Lockwood released his debut solo album, Steady Rollin’ Man. This album was a testament to his prowess as a blues artist, featuring a blend of original compositions and covers that paid homage to his mentor, Robert Johnson. Songs like “Little Boy Blue” and the title track “Steady Rollin’ Man” are exemplary of his unique style and deep understanding of the blues tradition.

Lockwood’s live performances were legendary. One of his most notable performances was at the 1970 Ann Arbor Blues Festival, where he played alongside some of the biggest names in blues. His ability to captivate an audience with his soulful playing and emotive vocals solidified his reputation as a masterful performer.

Impact on the Blues Genre and Music Industry

Robert Lockwood Jr.’s impact on the blues genre is profound. His fusion of delta blues and Chicago blues styles created a unique sound that influenced countless musicians. His meticulous guitar work, characterized by clean, precise picking and sophisticated chord progressions, set a new standard for blues guitarists.

Lockwood was also a trailblazer in the music industry. He was one of the first blues musicians to receive formal music training, studying music theory and composition at a time when most blues artists were self-taught. This formal education allowed him to incorporate elements of jazz and classical music into his blues playing, further broadening the scope of the genre.

Personal Anecdotes or Notable Stories

One of the most notable stories about Lockwood involves his close relationship with Robert Johnson. Lockwood often spoke of Johnson not only as a mentor but as a father figure. Johnson’s untimely death in 1938 was a significant blow to Lockwood, but it also motivated him to keep Johnson’s legacy alive through his music.

Lockwood was known for his humility and dedication to his craft. Despite his success, he remained deeply connected to his roots, often returning to the South to perform for small, local audiences. His commitment to preserving the authenticity of the blues was unwavering.

Legacy and Influence on Future Generations

Robert Lockwood Jr.’s legacy is enduring. He was awarded the National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1995, recognizing his contributions to the preservation and growth of the blues. His influence can be heard in the playing of many contemporary blues musicians who continue to draw inspiration from his work.

Lockwood’s dedication to education and mentorship ensured that the knowledge and techniques he learned from Robert Johnson and developed himself were passed down to future generations. His recordings remain a vital part of blues history, serving as both a testament to his skill and a resource for aspiring musicians.

In summary, Robert Lockwood Jr. was more than a blues guitarist; he was a bridge between the early delta blues of Robert Johnson and the electric blues of Chicago. His contributions to the genre are immeasurable, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

Background

BornMarch 20, 1937
Stringtown, Mississippi, United States
DiedJanuary 29, 2018 (aged 80)
Chicago, Illinois, United States
GenresChicago blues
Occupation(s)Saxophonist, songwriter
Instrument(s)Tenor saxophone
Years activeEarly 1950s – 2018
LabelsVarious