Bman's Blues Report

Richard Wayne Penniman (born December 5, 1932), known by the stage name Little Richard, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, recording artist, and actor, considered key in the transition from rhythm and blues to rock and roll in the 1950s. He was also the first artist to put the funk in the rock and roll beat and contributed significantly to the development of soul music. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website entry on Penniman states that: He claims to be "the architect of rock and roll", and history would seem to bear out Little Richard’s boast. More than any other performer – save, perhaps, Elvis Presley, Little Richard blew the lid off the Fifties, laying the foundation for rock and roll with his explosive music and charismatic persona. On record, he made spine-tingling rock and roll. His frantically charged piano playing and raspy, shouted vocals on such classics as "Tutti Frutti", "Long Tall Sally" and "Good Golly, Miss Molly" de...

Last week, JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound released their Bloodshot Records debut, Want More , an 11-song collection of soul crooning, R&B horn pops, and a raw post-punk aesthetic. Metromix mentioned that the album, “ Sounds like the MC5 jamming with Otis Redding’s horn section.” Following the release of their first single from the album, “Everything Will Be Fine” (available for download below), the band has followed up with a music video for the song as well. Co-created by the band and folks at Chicago’s storied Second City, the video is a fusing of retro ‘80s Dial-A-Lawyer commercials and a narrative that brings JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound from the street to the board room. In addition to the main video, the band also made five short teaser videos that showcase their well-intentioned but somewhat misinformed manager, Glenn Peacock. #1 “The Interview” - http://youtu.be/RaLWkVibVoQ #2 “Wilco” - http://youtu.be/6tV2J8_Kky0 #3 “Bullies” - http://youtu.be/gcHAYcinJ8...

(photo: Erika Goldring) Last night at the 2011 Americana Music Association Awards at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN, Justin Townes Earle won the award for Song of the Year for “Harlem River Blues” from the album of the same title. Released in late 2010, Harlem River Blues was also nominated for Album of the Year at this year’s honors ceremony. In addition to Thursday night’s win and nomination, Earle performed a rousing rendition of the song for the gathered crowd of peers and fans, a performance that can be heard HERE , courtesy of NPR. [Justin’s performance can be found at the 35:35 mark, and his Song of the Year category announcement at 1:01:43.] An edited version of the award show will be aired November 19, 2011 as a special episode of the new season of the highly-acclaimed PBS series Austin City Limits (check local listings for exact local day and time). "ACL PRESENTS: AMERICANA MUSIC FESTIVAL 2011" will reach approximately 98% of American TV households ...