Bettye LaVette
By Lee Hildebrand
After 40 years of struggling, Bettye LaVette’s seems to have broken through. With her recent popular album on Anti and her dynamic live shows, LaVette is finally getting the attention she deserves. LB explores her musical journey, including her formative years in the Detroit soul scene and her stints at Atlantic, Calla, Atco, and Motown.

Candi Staton
By Lee Hildebrand
Candi Staton has spent her musical life caught between two worlds: gospel and rhythm & blues. LB follows Stanton’s career from her childhood years in the Jewell Gospel Trio through her marriage to blues legend Clarence Carter to her disco sounds in the 1970s, her decade with Jim Bakker on the PTL network, and her recent recording and touring resurgence.

Sugar Pie DeSanto
By Lee Hildebrand
Rhythm & blues legend Sugar Pie DeSanto has been turning heads since being discovered by Johnny Otis in 1955. In the 1960s she toured with James Brown, was part of the touring American Folk Blues Festival with Howlin’ Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson II, and others, and recorded with Etta James. DeSanto also worked as a songwriter for Chess and has spent the last three decades touring and recording for Jasmine Records.

Boogie Knights
By Isaiah Thomas
Chicago blues pianist Barrelhouse Chuck recalls his days of friendship with piano masters Sunnyland Slim and Little Brother Montgomery.


Record Reviews
New CDs by Robert Cray, Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials, Ike Turner, and more. Reissues by Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Candi Staton, and others.

Editorial
Blues News
Breaking Out – Ronnie Baker Brooks
Obituaries
Radio Charts