On this podcast, we feature 12 great spirituals from an excellent group of artists celebrating their love of God and the world. These songs and performances express the genius, honesty, character, love, and integrity of these artists, including Mary Lee, The Swan Silvertones, Rev. Robert Wilkins, Mahalia Jackson, The Staple Singers, James Shorty and Viola James, L. C. Ulmer, Diunna Greenleaf, Guitar Gabriel, Blind Willie Johnson, Wynton Marsalis, Eric Clapton, and Taj Mahal. Please enjoy!!

Episode 270 – Recorded 11-10-25 

On this podcast we feature excerpts from recent interviews we had with Blues Legend Willie Buck and Blues Harp Genius Bob Corritore. Willie is one of the few living blues artists still performing who grew up under the Jim Crow era oppression in the south and moved north to find a better life. At 88 years of age, Mr Willie Buck is still very active and performing live on stage. Please enjoy!!

Episode 269 – Recorded 10-27-25 

This podcast features excerpts from a recent interview we had with Blues Legend and Chicago Hall of Fame inductee, Ms Mary Lane. Mary is among the very few living blues artists still performing who grew up under the Jim Crow era oppression in the south and moved north to find a better life. At almost 90 years of age, Mary Lane is still active and performing regularly in the Chicago area, and her live performances are excellent. Please enjoy!!

Episode 268 – Recorded 10-6-25 

This podcast features excerpts from an extensive interview we had with our friend Dr David Evans who befriended, coached, accompanied, produced and recorded 2025 Blues Hall of Fame inductee, Ms. Jessie Mae Hemphill. From Dr Evans’ discussions, we learn a great deal about Ms. Hemphill’s incredible song-writing and recordings that embodied her rather short but, important Hall of Fame career. Please enjoy!!

Episode 267 – Recorded 9-15-25

Journey through the powerful story of Jessie Mae Hemphill—Mississippi Hill Country blues queen—as Dr. David Evans recounts her European tours, breakthrough albums, soulful spirituals, and unshakable spirit.

This podcast features excerpts from an extensive interview with our friend Dr. Evans, who befriended, coached, accompanied, produced, and recorded 2025 Blues Hall of Fame inductee Ms. Jessie Mae Hemphill.

Through his insights, we explore her raw voice, fiery style, and the remarkable songwriting and recordings that defined her short yet profoundly important Hall of Fame career—an unforgettable tribute to her enduring legacy.

Dr David Evans – Jessie Mae Hemphill Part 1

Episode 267 – Recorded 9-15-25



The post Dr David Evans – Jessie Mae Hemphill Part 2 appeared first on Blues Disciples Podcasts.

In this episode, Blues Disciples shines a spotlight on Jessie Mae Hemphill (1923–2006), the best-known woman in the deeply hypnotic tradition of Mississippi Hill Country Blues and a 2025 Blues Hall of Fame inductee. Raised in the rich Hemphill musical family, Jessie Mae learned guitar, drums, and tambourine from her grandfather, the legendary Sid Hemphill, and her aunt Rosa Lee Hill.



Ethnomusicologist Dr. David Evans and field researcher George Mitchell share their first encounters with Jessie Mae, tracing her journey from gospel and tambourine-led spirituals to her raw, driving Hill Country blues. You’ll hear early field interviews and rare recordings dating from 1967 and captured by Dr David Evans and George Mitchell, along with insights into Jessie Mae’s influences, community roots, and the role of fife-and-drum music in shaping her sound.

This is the beginning of our deep dive into the life and music of a groundbreaking blueswoman whose artistry helped carry the Hill Country tradition to a global stage.

The post Dr David Evans – Jessie Mae Hemphill Part 1 appeared first on Blues Disciples Podcasts.

This podcast features excerpts from an interview we had with our friend and Blues Hall of Fame artist Mr John Primer, about his latest album titled “Grown In Mississippi,” which was produced by John’s lovely wife, Lisa Primer, along with Michael Frank. Here, Mr Primer shares stories of his life and career, along with introducing the 10 great songs from this LP album. Please enjoy!!

Episode 265 – Recorded 8-11-25

This podcast episode features interview excerpts with Blues Harp Legend, Jerry Portnoy who tells us about his life and performing alongside Mr Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton and others as he shares stories from his excellent new book, “Dancing with Muddy”. This is a great read with many historic and hilarious backstage stories. Check it out!  

Show 264 – Recorded 8-1-25 

Welcome to the music half of our interview and discussions with Hall of Fame Blues Legend and amazing electric bassist, Mr Bob Stroger.

You'll hear two great recordings made in 1998 for Mr Stroger's first solo album titled "Bob Stroger in the House."

Those two songs are "Loan Me Train Fare" and "Keep Your Hands Off Her."

Then you'll hear the 12 songs from his just released CD recorded with the Brazilian blues band, The Headcutters, entitled "Bob Stroger & The Headcutters - Bob is Back." 

Again, thank you for listening, and please enjoy this great music.

Episode 262 – Recorded 6-28-25. This podcast episode features interview excerpts with Bob Stroger, who tells us about his life growing up as a tenant farmer and finding his way to a life as a blues man, and then with his success, having the ability to mentor and assist others in the world of The Blues.