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

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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.

Episode 267 – Recorded 9-15-25

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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.

Dr David Evans – Jessie Mae Hemphill Part 2

Episode 266 – Recorded 9-2-25

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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!!

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Episode 263 – Recorded 6-28-25. This podcast episode features two songs from Bob Stroger’s first solo album, Bob Stroger – In The House, and twelve songs from his latest CD, recorded with the Brazilian Blues band The Headcutters and titled Bob Is Back. Please enjoy!

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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!

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Episode 263 – Recorded 6-28-25. This podcast episode features two songs from Bob Stroger’s first solo album, Bob Stroger – In The House, and twelve songs from his latest CD, recorded with the Brazilian Blues band The Headcutters and titled Bob Is Back. Please enjoy!

The post Bob Stroger – Blues Legend and Bassist – Part 2 appeared first on Blues Disciples Podcasts.

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.

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Bob Corritore’s Doin’ the Shout brings 30 blues legends together—discover why this electrifying album has everyone talking.

Highlights include appearances by Thornetta Davis, Francine Reed, Oscar Wilson, Tia Carroll, Nora Jean Wallace, Bobby Rush, Jimmy “Primetime” Smith, and John Primer.

With a rich blend of Chicago blues, swamp blues, funk-infused blues, and gospel-blues fusion, the album showcases iconic vocals, soulful harmonica, and masterful guitar work by artists like Bob Margolin, Duke Robillard, and Kid Ramos.

Corritore delves into stories behind tracks like “Say Baby Say,” “Doing the Shout,” “I Guess I’m a Fool,” and “Same Old Thing,” offering a behind-the-scenes look at the personalities, recording sessions, and the emotional truths embedded in each performance.

The podcast celebrates authentic blues storytelling, female blues vocalists, collaborative recording techniques, and the legacy of blues bass legend Bob Stroger, recently inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.

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Dr David Evans introduces us to a True Country Blues Diva, Madame Van Zula Hunt who he met and started recording in 1979 when Madame Hunt was in her 80’s. Here, Dr Evans provides you with some of her history and some very interesting stories of this early Blues Diva. This is the first in a series of interview episodes and until now, unpublished field recordings made by Dr Evans with accompaniments with Madame Hunt’s daughter, “Sweet Charlene”, her favorite pianist  and Dr Evans’ excellent Beale Street Jug Band.   Please enjoy!

Episode 260 – Recorded 5-1-25

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