Photo: Larry McCray performing at the 2011 Monterey Blues Festival
Usage: CC BY-SA 3.0 Wikipedia

Larry McCray is a talented blues guitarist who stands out for his unique sound. He draws inspiration from various styles, especially the classic Delta blues, which is known for its raw emotion and depth. You can hear hints of the legendary B.B. King in McCray's music. Just like King, McCray’s guitar playing is expressive, and his singing is filled with emotion, bringing that deep, soulful vibe that true blues fans love.

What makes McCray special is that he doesn’t just replicate the past; he adds his own modern twist to the blues. He mixes traditional influences with contemporary themes and techniques, making his music both timeless and fresh. This blend of old and new allows him to tell stories that connect with today’s audience while still honoring the rich history of the blues. Overall, Larry McCray is a remarkable artist who keeps the spirit of the blues alive while pushing it in exciting new directions.

"McCray’s latest album, *Heartbreak City*, features tracks like 'Try to Be a Good Man,' 'Heartbreak City,' 'Bye-Bye Blues,' 'Bright Side,' and 'I Knew What I've Done,' among others. Be sure to check it out on Spotify!"

I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Podcast and Blues.

Blues Music

Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Photo: Spotify Promo
Story by: Gail Nobles

Well, gather ‘round, folks, because we’re diving into the soulful sounds of Bobby King and Terry Evans—a duo that set the stage ablaze in the early ‘70s and continued to captivate hearts well into the ‘90s! Now, we’re talking about a special kind of magic, blending gospel fervor with that irresistible R&B groove, a blend that made them not just singers but true purveyors of soul!

Their album, *Live and Let Live!*, came out in 1988 and shows how great they are. It’s full of feelings, different beats, and lovely tunes. Even the famous Lou Reed liked it and included it in his “picks of 1989.” You know you have something special when big-name artists notice your talent!

Now, why don’t we dive deep into the lyrics from the lyrics, *Live and Let Live!* It starts out with  lines: "People going here and there. Mind wondering everywhere. Never giving life a second thought….” It’s a reflection of the hustle and bustle, the distractions of modern life. Bobby and Terry bring those words to life with their soulful harmonies, making us stop and think!

You're listening to Podcast and Blues. I'm your host, Gail Nobles.

Blues Music

Story: B57 Blues Melodies in the Sky
Story by: Gail Nobles © 2025
Cover Illus. By Gail Nobles
Missles: Pixabay.com

Willie and Rosco helped many independent blues artists gain recognition. They received numerous requests to play their records on the radio. They stored records in Rosco’s old shed for sale and traveled from county to county, promoting and performing shows. They even owned their own airplane, which had "Blues 57” written on it.

After some time, their airplane was spotted by someone. A man named Freddie approached Willie and Rosco, asking them to construct planes for him. He had purchased an old building with plans to convert it into an aircraft factory. Although other workers were present, Willie and Rosco took charge due to their superior knowledge and expertise. The airplanes they built were unmatched, far outclassing any others in the world. They showcased their creations at air shows, attracting many spectators eager to see the remarkable planes.

As Willie and Rosco’s success grew, they became targets. A man from Russia sought to provoke conflict with them. One day, while testing their planes, the Russian man attempted to challenge them in the sky, launching missiles in their direction.

Willie yelled: Hey! What’s happening! Who’s that shooting at us!
Rosco: Man I don’t know! But he’s got to go!

Tune in again next time for more Blues 57. Story by Gail Nobles © 2025


Blues Music

Spotify Promo Card
Story by: Gail Nobles
Intro music by: Gail Nobles

Straight out of Mississippi, hotter than a summer sidewalk, it's the bluesman with the soul, the man with the raspy vocals, it's... Grady Champion.

He’s got a new single droppin' ! It's called If The Price Is Right!

Now, folks, Grady's tellin' it like it is! He's singin' about how you can get just about anything you want in this world, but you gotta be ready to *pay the price!*

He's belting out the truth! He's got that down-home sound with a modern twist! "If The Price Is Right!" Don't be a square, get hip to the groove!

“If The Price Is Right!" Get yourself a copy! Tell 'em podcaster Gail Nones sent ya! And remember, keep it real!

This is Gail Nobles, and I'll catch you next time with more Today’s Blues!

Blues Music

Photo: David Carrol https://flic.kr/p/oi7VFt
Usage: CC BY-SA 2.0
Intro: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

I wanna tell ya about a blues lady who's got the blues in her bones and the soul in her voice. Her name's Thornetta Davis, and she's a Detroit blues and rhythm and blues singer.

This ain't no fly-by-night singer, see? This woman's paid her dues in the Motor City and beyond. She's opened for legends like Bonnie Raitt, Gladys Knight, and the queen herself, Etta James! Yeah, she's been rollin' with the best! She even laid down some backing vocals for Bob Seger, you dig?  She's worked with everybody from that Kid Rock fella to the late, great Alberta Adams.

And Davis ain't just a sideman, she's a star in her own right! Three solo albums under her belt, and the trophies?  Forget about it! The Detroit Music Awards love this lady!  Outstanding Blues Artist, Outstanding Blues/R&B Vocalist...she's swept the joint multiple times.

She's a winner - I tell you! And then she moved up to National Awards. She was nominated for a Blues Music Award in 2017 for her 'Honest Woman' album, and in 2023, she took home the Blues Music Award for 'Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year'!

Now, let me tell ya about one of her tracks off that "Honest Woman" album, a song called "Am I Just a Shadow." This ain't just some bubblegum pop tune, kiddies. This is raw emotion, poured straight from the heart.

The lyrics, they hit you right in the gut:
"You take me in, keep me from the rest, you lock me away inside your walls of indecision..."

She's singin' about a cat who's got her trapped, see?  He ain't sure about her, keeps her on a short leash.

"I don't know why you feel the need, to cut my heart and watch it bleed. Is that your way to make me pay for her deceptions?"

This cat's carryin' baggage from some past woman, and he's makin' Thornetta pay for it. He's playin' head games. It ain't right!

Then comes the chorus, and it's a killer:
"Do you really know me? Or, am I just a shadow? (Just a shadow) Of someone who reminds you of that someone not to love (Not to love)"

The lyrics are askin' the big question - Does this guy even see her for who she is? Or is she just a reminder of some old flame, some old heartache? This is the real deal when it comes to love! It's raw, it's honest, and it's the kind of soul-stirring stuff that'll make you wanna light a cigarette and stare into the darkness.

Thornetta Davis, man, she's keepin' the blues alive. Check her out - you won't regret it! She's a true queen of the blues, puttin' her heart and soul into every note! 

That's all I got for ya, folks! Keep the faith and keep on rockin'! I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Podcast and Blues.

Blues Music

Photo: Dave https://flic.kr/p/XSyn9q
Usage: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/

We’re going into the deep, soulful sounds of a band that's been making waves on the blues scene since 2002—give it up for the Altered Five Blues Band! Originally known simply as Altered Five, this five-piece powerhouse hails from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, serving up a hot plate of blues that’s as fresh as it is electrifying!

These talented gentlemen have been around the block, releasing six albums since their start in 2008, and every one of them is a testament to their talent and tenacity. Their 2021 release, **Holler If You Hear Me**, climbed the charts to a blazing number three spot on the US Billboard Top Blues Albums Chart!

And the groove doesn’t stop there! In 2022, they dropped a tasty single called **Great Minds Drink Alike**, which is sure to have you tapping your toes and raising your glass. It’s a track packed with the kind of energy that only the finest blues can deliver!

But wait—there’s more! If you thought they were done, think again! From 2024, they’ve got an album titled Testifyin'

Make sure you keep an ear out for the Altered Five Blues Band. They’re here to keep the spirit of the blues alive and kicking, and they’ve got the power to make you feel every note! So keep it tuned right here, and let’s spread the blues like wildfire!

I'm Gail Nobles & you're listening to Podcast and Blues.


Blues Music

Intro: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles
Photo: Florian Stangl from Bayern
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY 2.0

Tune in and lend me your ears because we're about to dive into the world of none other than Joe Bonamassa! This American blues rock titan not only strums the strings of his vintage guitars but also the very strings of our hearts. Can you believe he kicked off his career at just twelve years young? Opening for the legendary B.B. King – that’s like being a baseball rookie hitting a home run off Babe Ruth!

Since the turn of the millennium, Bonamassa has been cranking out those blistering solo albums through his own label, J&R Adventures. He’s no slouch! With a whopping eleven of those albums hitting the pinnacle of the Billboard Blues chart, he’s racking up those numbers like a true rock and blues maestro! You want soul? He’s got it in spades!

And oh, the company he keeps! This guy has jammed alongside some of the biggest names in the industry, proving time and time again that he’s more than just a name – he’s a force to be reckoned with. Not to mention those three Grammy nominations – that’s right. This man is not just playing around!

But let’s talk about that anthem titled:  "I Wanna Shout About It.” What a tune! It’s got all the elements we love in a killer rock jam. With lyrics that give off strength and devotion, it captures love that’s not only fierce but uplifting. "Well, she's strong enough to hold me, strong enough to turn me loose," you can just feel the passion and the raw energy in every line! That’s what we crave, that connection to the music and to each other.

Bonamassa is out there telling us he wants to sing his song and do the best he can do – and you better believe he’s doing just that! This is a modern-day blues prodigy who’s keeping the flame alive and handing it off to the next generation. So let’s get out there, turn up those amplifiers, and give a hearty shout about it, because Joe Bonamassa is in the house, and he’s here to stay!

I'm Gail Nobles. You're listening to Podcast and Blues.

Blues Music

Photo: Nesster: https://flic.kr/p/4KFdAKUsage
Usage:  Flicker CC BY-SA 2.0

Today's topic: Big Mama Thornton
🎶Ball and Chain🎶

Big Mama Thornton and her song, "Ball and Chain,” tells a story.
Big Mama, sitting by her window, watching the rain fall. You can feel the weight of her thoughts. She’s looking out, lost in the moment, and then BAM! Something hits her. It’s heavy, it’s inescapable—like a ball and chain! That’s the story of blues. It’s about life’s struggles and the weight we carry.

Even though her original recording didn’t make it to the charts, don’t you underestimate Big Mama! Her raw, powerful voice and deep emotion paved the way for others. Janis Joplin took that blues torch and ran with it, making "Ball and Chain" one of the anthems of a generation.
So, next time you hear that soulful blues sound, remember Big Mama Thornton—she’s the one who brought it to life with her bluesy magic. Her music shows us that sometimes, we all feel that weight, but it's how we sing about it that makes us free! Keep that blues spirit alive!

You're listening to Podcast & Blues. I'm your host, Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening.

Blues Music

Photo: Patrickdenoreaz Patrick Denoréaz - Own work by uploader Patrick Denoréaz
Usage: CC BY-SA 3.0
Actor: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles
Background keyboardist:Gail Nobles

Let’s take a moment to shine the spotlight on the legendary big Joe Williams a true Titan of the Delta blues, whose nine-string guitar unleashed a sound as deep as the Mississippi River itself. Now, if you’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to his music, you know he was all about the raw emotional vibe that pulls at your heartstrings.

Now, let’s dig into those lyrics from his classic Christmas Blues. Big Joe sings Christmas is almost here. Little girl what you want to do for me? You can just feel the warmth and intimacy of the moment. He’s not just talking about the holiday season .In this line, you get the sense that big Joe is reflecting on love.

So while Christmas Blues might have a title that hints at sorrow, it’s really about that yearning for connection. For sharing moments that matter, especially during this time of year. That’s the genius of Big Joe Williams. He was a storyteller at heart, weaving his life experiences into the fabric of the blues.

As we dive into the groove of his music, let’s celebrate not just the man but the legacy he left behind. Let that-nine-string magic of Big Joe lift your spirits and get you ready to celebrate the season.

You’re listening to Podcast and Blues. I’m your host, Gail Nobles.

Blues Music

Photo:  Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0
Story by: Gail Nobles

We’re diving deep into the smooth, soulful sounds of "Bobby Blue Bland: Members Only." This album is a true treasure, bursting with the intensity and emotion that only Bobby Blue Bland can deliver.

Bobby Blue Bland, a master of his craft, pours every ounce of passion into his music. The way he sings each lyric feels personal. The “Members Only" album is packed with tracks that showcase not just his vocal skills but the soulful arrangements that accompany him.

And let’s not forget the emotion! Bobby does not hold back; he channels every love lost and gained in his heartfelt delivery. Songs like "Members Only" encapsulate that feeling of exclusivity—like he’s letting you into his world, into the club of those who’ve felt heartbreak and joy in equal measure. It's a musical safe haven, and once you’re in, you never want to leave.

I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Podcast and Blues. Turn down the lights. Pour yourself a glass of something smooth, and let Bobby Blue Bland serenade you.

Blues Music