Blues Disciples

On this episode, we feature excerpts from recent interviews we had with our friends Dr David Evans and Marc Ryan, who each worked with and learned from the legendary Roosevelt Holts in the 1960’s and early 1970’s. Dr Evans and Marc share some of their stories about Roosevelt and his unique character, genius, and playing style as we feature some of the great songs from Dr Evans’ new Dust To Digital album titled Roosevelt Holts- Sun Gonna Shine. Please enjoy!!

Episode 274 – Recorded 4-7-2026 

On this podcast, we feature 11 great blues and spirituals from an excellent group of my blues heroes and friends, past and present.  And these artists embody the genius, honesty, and creativity found only in the blues. This show’s main artists are David “Honeyboy” Edwards, Pinetop Perkins, Bob Corritore, Bob Margolin, Diunna Greenleaf, Blind Willie McTell, Paul Oscher, Pat Thomas, T-Model Ford, Bill “Howl ‘N Madd” Perry, and Mud Morganfield.   Please enjoy!!

Episode 273 – Recorded 2-21-26

The post Just Great Blues Artists with Great Blues Music appeared first on Blues Disciples Podcasts.

With this episode, we wrap up our excerpts from recent interviews we had with our friends Dr David Evans and Marc Ryan, who each worked with and learned from the legendary New Orleans Songster, Babe Stovall, in the 1960’s. Here Dr Evans and Marc share more of their stories about Babe and his unique character, genius, and playing style as we feature more of the great songs from Dr Evans’ new Dust To Digital album titled Babe Stovall, Pied Piper of New Orleans. Please enjoy!!

Episode 272 – Recorded 1-19-26 

On this episode, we feature excerpts from recent interviews we had with our friends Dr David Evans and Marc Ryan, who each worked with and learned from the legendary New Orleans Songster, Babe Stovall, in the 1960s. Dr Evans and Marc share some of their stories about Babe and his unique character, genius, and playing style as we feature some of the great songs from Dr Evans’ new Dust To Digital album titled, Babe Stovall, Pied Piper of New Orleans. Please enjoy!!

Episode 271 – Recorded 12-16-25 

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.