The Bus Stop Blues 

thebusstopblues.com

Our Patreon

EPISODE #123

Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 07/09/26 - A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Memphis

Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 

Date: July 9, 2026

Episode 123 of The Bus Stop Blues rolls straight down Beale Street for another installment of A Chapter in the History of the Blues, this time exploring one of the most important music cities ever carved into the American landscape: Memphis, Tennessee.

Road Bill and Kevin take listeners on a musical journey through the city that helped give birth to blues, rock and roll, soul, rockabilly, and rhythm & blues. From the smoky clubs of Beale Street and the legendary halls of Sun Studio to the soul-powered sound of Stax Records, Memphis became the crossroads where American music found electricity, grit, and swagger.

Throughout the episode, the crew dives into the artists, songs, and stories that shaped Memphis into a musical capital known around the world. Featuring legendary tracks connected to the city’s deep musical roots, Episode 123 captures the sound of riverboats, neon signs, train whistles, and amplifiers glowing long after midnight.

Join us for a ride through the history, soul, and musical heartbeat of Memphis, a city whose influence still echoes through blues clubs, jukeboxes, and guitar amplifiers across the world.

The Bus Stop Blues 

thebusstopblues.com

Our Patreon

EPISODE #122

Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 07/07/26 - The Music Show

Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 

Episode 122 of The Bus Stop Blues delivers another eclectic Music Show packed with blues, funk, rock, soul, ska, and a little outlaw country rolling through the speakers like a jukebox with chrome wheels and no speed limit. Road Bill and Kevin guide listeners through a wide-ranging musical ride featuring both regional talent and legendary artists from across the musical spectrum.

The evening kicks off with tracks from The West Side Winders, Skip Towne, and Skapone before diving headfirst into grooves from Sly and the Family Stone, Stanley Clarke, and KC and the Sunshine Band. The second half of the ride turns up the guitar heat with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joe Bonamassa, and Taj Mahal before closing out with the unmistakable sound of Johnny Cash.

From funky bass lines and horn-driven rhythms to blues guitar scorchers and railroad-track storytelling, Episode 122 keeps the Big Bus rolling through every musical neighborhood imaginable.

Another night, another ticket punched aboard The Bus Stop Blues, where blues roots, funky grooves, and late-night radio magic all ride together under the dashboard glow.

The Bus Stop Blues 

thebusstopblues.com

Our Patreon

EPISODE #121

Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 07/06/26 - with special guest Bill Pantle

Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 

Episode 121 of The Bus Stop Blues brings a little Rat Pack swagger aboard the Big Bus as Road Bill and Kevin welcome special guest Bill “Bob” Pantle for a night filled with stories, laughter, classic crooner vibes, and an unexpected detour through rock, blues, and modern jam-band sounds.

Known around Chicagoland for his smooth Sinatra-style performances and timeless stage presence, Bill Pantle joins the crew to talk about the music that shaped him, the songs that inspired him to perform, and the artists he’s listening to today. From old-school Vegas cool to guitar-driven rock and atmospheric modern grooves, this episode travels across decades of musical influence without ever taking its foot off the gas.

The soundtrack for the evening features Kraig Kenning, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Frank Sinatra, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, The Marcus King Band, Khruangbin, and Goose. Whether it’s the smoky glow of Sinatra classics, the thunder of Zeppelin, or the laid-back sonic drift of Khruangbin, Episode 121 rides like a jukebox parked outside a casino at midnight with a blues station fading in through the static.

So loosen the tie, settle into your seat near the back of the Big Bus, and enjoy another unforgettable ride through music history, personality, and stories from the road on The Bus Stop Blues.

The Bus Stop Blues 

thebusstopblues.com

Our Patreon

EPISODE #120

Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 07/02/26 - A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Chuck Berry

Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 

Date: July 2, 2026

Episode 120 of The Bus Stop Blues turns the ignition key on the history of rock and roll as Road Bill and Kevin spotlight one of the true architects of modern music in A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Chuck Berry.

Widely celebrated as one of the founding fathers of rock and roll, Chuck Berry fused blues, rhythm & blues, country, and storytelling into a sound that forever changed popular music. His guitar riffs, energetic performances, and unforgettable lyrics became the blueprint for generations of musicians that followed, influencing everyone from The Beatles and Rolling Stones to AC/DC and beyond.

Throughout the episode, Road and Kevin explore Berry’s remarkable career, groundbreaking songwriting, signature guitar style, and the lasting impact he had on blues and rock music alike. Packed with classic recordings and timeless energy, this episode rides straight down the center line of American music history.

From duck walks and hot guitar licks to jukebox anthems and teenage dreams, Episode 120 celebrates the music and legacy of Chuck Berry, a man whose sound still roars through amplifiers and dance floors around the world.

The Bus Stop Blues 

thebusstopblues.com

Our Patreon

EPISODE #119

Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 06/30/26 - The Music Show

Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 

Episode #119 of The Bus Stop Blues delivers another wide-ranging Music Show packed with blues, soul, rock, and powerhouse vocals from both modern artists and timeless legends. Road Bill and Kevin steer the Big Bus through a night of fiery guitar work, heartfelt songwriting, and classic tracks that hit like neon reflections off a chrome bumper rolling down a midnight highway.

The evening features an outstanding lineup including Derrick Procell, Ivy Ford, Keith Semple, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Chris Duarte, Elvis Presley, Etta James, Janis Joplin, Susan Tedeschi, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. From gritty blues grooves and soulful ballads to hard-driving rock and Texas-sized guitar tones, Episode 119 keeps the speakers glowing from start to finish.

Road and Kevin mix stories, conversation, and musical appreciation throughout the ride, spotlighting artists who continue to shape the sound and spirit of blues and rock music across generations.

Another ticket punched, another musical road trip rolling through the heart of blues and rock on The Bus Stop Blues.

The Bus Stop Blues 

thebusstopblues.com

Our Patreon

EPISODE #118

Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 06/28/26 - with special guest Kevin Ward

Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 

Episode 118 of The Bus Stop Blues cranks the amplifiers into classic rock territory as Road Bill and Kevin welcome special guest Kevin Ward, lead vocalist of the acclaimed Led Zeppelin tribute band Kashmir. Known for delivering the power, energy, and spirit of Zeppelin’s legendary live performances, Kevin joins the Big Bus for a night of stories from the stage, musical influences, and conversations about the timeless music that continues to inspire generations of rock fans.

The evening’s soundtrack travels through blues, classic rock, and high-voltage favorites with music from Edgar Winter, Buddy Guy, Jerry Lee Lewis, Thin Lizzy, Joe Walsh, The Beatles, Boston, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and Joe Jackson. From roaring guitar riffs and arena-rock anthems to soulful grooves and road-tested classics, Episode 118 rolls like a late-night FM broadcast cutting through the summer air.

Along the way, Road and Kevin dig into Kevin Ward’s musical journey, the challenge of honoring one of rock’s most iconic catalogs, and the magic that keeps live music alive night after night.

Hop aboard for another unforgettable ride on The Bus Stop Blues, where blues roots, rock legends, and stories from the road all ride shotgun together.

The Bus Stop Blues 

thebusstopblues.com

Our Patreon

EPISODE #117

Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 06/25/26 - A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Elvis

Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 

On Episode 117 of The Bus Stop Blues, Road Bill and Kevin take a special look at one of the most influential figures in American music history as A Chapter in the History of the Blues shines its spotlight on Elvis Presley.

While known around the world as the "King of Rock and Roll," Elvis's musical roots ran deep through the blues, gospel, and rhythm & blues traditions that helped shape his groundbreaking sound. From his early recordings at Sun Studio in Memphis to his rise as a global superstar, Elvis brought blues-inspired music to millions of listeners and forever changed the landscape of popular music.

Throughout the episode, Road and Kevin explore Elvis's remarkable career, his connection to the blues, and the artists and musical traditions that influenced him. Featuring some of his most iconic recordings, this episode traces the journey of a young Mississippi musician who became one of the most recognizable entertainers in history.

The Bus Stop Blues 

thebusstopblues.com

Our Patreon

EPISODE #116

Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 06/23/26 - The Music Show

Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 

Episode 116 of The Bus Stop Blues is another high-octane Music Show packed with a blend of blues, rock, and roots music from both local favorites and legendary artists. Road Bill and Kevin climb aboard the Big Bus for a musical journey that travels from the independent music scene to some of the biggest names in rock and blues history.

The evening kicks off with standout performances from Gary Vincent, Jim Murray, and the Abby Kay Band before shifting gears into a powerhouse lineup featuring AC/DC, Alvin Lee, Anthony Gomes, Bad Company, Bonnie Raitt, and Deep Purple. Along the way, Road and Kevin share stories, observations, and their love for the music that continues to inspire generations of fans and musicians alike.

From heartfelt blues and roots grooves to electrifying guitar work and classic rock anthems, Episode 116 delivers another memorable ride through the sounds that make The Bus Stop Blues a destination for music lovers everywhere.

The Bus Stop Blues 

thebusstopblues.com

Our Patreon

EPISODE #115

Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 06/21/26 - with special guest J.C. Pasquel

Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 

Episode 115 of The Bus Stop Blues brings a heavy dose of guitar firepower as Road Bill and Kevin welcome Chicagoland guitarist J.C. Pasquel aboard the Big Bus. Known for his expressive playing, road-tested experience, and deep roots in blues and rock music, J.C. has built a reputation as a versatile player who can shift from gritty blues grooves to soaring guitar leads without missing a beat.

Over the years, J.C. has performed with bands including The Wise Guys, Charles Walker Blues Band, The Nightburners, and J.C. and the Road Kings, and is currently laying down guitar work with Evolution Blues Band. Throughout the night, the crew dives into stories from the road, musical influences, favorite players, and the experiences that shaped his journey through the Chicagoland music scene and beyond.

The Bus Stop Blues 

thebusstopblues.com

Our Patreon

EPISODE #111

Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 06/11/26 - A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Honey Boy Edwards

Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 

Episode 114 of The Bus Stop Blues rolls back into the roots of American music with another installment of A Chapter in the History of the Blues, this time celebrating the legendary Memphis Minnie. Road Bill and Kevin dive into the life and legacy of one of the most groundbreaking women in blues history, a fearless guitarist, songwriter, and performer whose influence still echoes through blues, rock, and Americana music today.

Known as the “Queen of the Blues Guitar,” Memphis Minnie helped bridge the gap between Delta blues and the electrified Chicago sound that would later shape generations of musicians. With fiery guitar playing, sharp songwriting, and a commanding stage presence, she stood toe-to-toe with the greatest players of her era and carved out a place all her own in blues history.

This episode features a full lineup of Memphis Minnie classics including When the Levee Breaks, Me And My Chauffeur Blues, Bumble Bee, Hoodoo Lady, Black Rat Swing, and more. From haunting Delta blues to swinging Chicago rhythms, Episode 114 is a powerful journey through the music of one of the true pioneers of the blues.