The Blues, Episode 12: Celebrating the Blues Today

Reporting locale: New Orleans

The revival that the blues experienced in the 1980s extended into the ‘90s, with more blues albums being released during this decade than ever before.  A plethora of young blues artists, led by Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Susan Tedeschi, brought fresh sounds and stylings to the music, while warhorses like Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, and B.B. King only heightened their acclaim. Blues festivals sprouted across the country, blues societies increased membership, and celebration of the blues crossed over onto Madison Avenue, where the music helped sell cars, beer, and jeans.  This episode celebrates the long-standing relationship the blues has had at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.  Interviews with Jonny Lang, Susan Tedeschi, R.L. Burnside, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, Dr. John, and others fill out the contemporary blues story.  Muddy Waters’ son Big Bill Morganfield demonstrates how modern Blues builds on what came before.