Rufus Thomas, Tommy Tate, and Eddie Floyd made their mark as soul singers; here they reveal genuine blues credentials. Ivory Joe Hunter sold millions of records as a crossover crooner, but shows off his early blues roots. Fred Sanders’s Club Handy Band, a long-time Beale Street attraction, influenced virtually all Memphis musicians coming of age in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Award-winning bluesman Bobby Rush still plays to sell-out crowds as his career passes the half century mark. Blues Hall of Famer Percy Mayfield wrote “Hit The Road Jack” for Ray Charles.
 

Charles Jacobs proves why he’s a French Quarter draw for blues aficionados, while up river, the Memphis All Stars indisputably earn their name. And the Memphis Queen, Carla Thomas authenticates her blues credentials with “Little Red Rooster.” Beale Street headliner Papa Don McMinn shows his mastery of Delta roots. The Crescent City’s Selwyn Cooper & The Hurricane Blues Band, dare we say, blow us away with their performance. West along the Gulf Coast to Houston, harmonica maestro Tommy Dardar laments how rain doesn’t help the blues. Gulf Coast favorite Carol Fran gives the blues a barrelhouse spin, and Mississippi’s Carson Whitsett channels Ray Charles on the organ. The iconic Albert King puts his “Finger on the Trigger,” while Louisiana’s Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers offer prime swamp blues. Tara Darnell closes with an absolutely stunning version of “Ain’t No Sunshine”.

Ain’t No Sunshine (Tara Darnell)