Memphis Gold
The Prodigal Son
by Scott Barretta
Chester Chandler, a.k.a. Memphis Gold, grew up in the early days of the COGIC church in Memphis learning to play guitar from the likes of Robert Wilkins and Rev. Utah Smith. As a young man he played in several legendary Memphis bands including the Fieldstones. After a nearly fatal accident in 2008, Chandler is back and busting out.

Roy “C” Hammond
Carolina Soul
by Scott M. Bock
For a man who sings sweet Carolina soul, Roy “C” Hammond has lived a rough life. Crushed by a truck at age 12, he later became a boxer, a tank driver in the army, and a Black Panther. Hammond battled the music industry for years until finally deciding to do it on his own.

Ernie Johnson
My Instrument Is My Mouth
by Scott M. Bock
Dallas-based soul blues singer Ernie Johnson has been recording for over 40 years. With hits like You’re Gonna Miss Me, Party Time, and I’m In The Mood For The Blues to his credit, Johnson has been a regular on the chitlin’ circuit for decades.

Sam Chatmon
The Last Of The Mississippi Sheiks
by Jas Obrecht
Sam Chatmon was one of the most popular Mississippi prewar bluesmen. With his band the Mississippi Sheiks, Chatmon recorded scores of hit records in the early 1930s including the iconic Sitting On Top Of The World. Our interview was conducted in 1980 at Chatmon’s home in Hollandale, Mississippi.

Record Reviews

New releases by Shemekia Copeland, Guy Davis, and Howlin’ Wolf.

Reissues from Jerry McCain, Delmark Records, and Blacktop Records.

New DVDs of John Jackson and Rev. Gary Davis.

Editorial
Blues News
Obituaries
Radio Charts
2008 Top 50

Cover photo by Joseph A. Rosen