Living Blues #289 March/April 2024

WHAT'S INSIDE:

William Bell

Music Has Been My Life, My Whole Life 

By Robert H. Cataliotti

One of the greatest living soul men, William Bell released his first single for Stax back in 1961. Over the next six decades he has poured out a string of hits including winning a Grammy in 2017. We take a deep dive into the legendary vocalist’s long career.

Snapper Mitchum

You Got to Be There at the One 

By Justin O’Brien

Bass player Snapper Mitchum has played behind dozens of Chicago’s great guitarists including over ten years with Son Seals. His funky bass drove the sound of Chicago blues in the 1970s to new heights. Mitchum also served two tours in Vietnam as a paratrooper and was awarded the Bronze Star. He tells his story to LB.

Downtown Charles Brown

I Just Love the Blues 

By Mike Stephenson

Chicago-based Downtown Charles Brown started his first band in 1995 on keyboards and then picked up the guitar about ten years ago. His live shows now range from full band to trio to solo acoustic. 

Let It Roll!

Lead Belly: Library of Congress, Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, circa July 1, 1934

By Jas Obrecht

Lead Belly was serving time in Angola for assault with intent to murder when, in July 1934, John and Alan Lomax of the Library of Congress arrived to record. They recorded 14 powerful tunes from the 12-string guitar master with the booming voice. One of the songs even secured his release from prison.

Record Reviews

• New Releases: Walter Wolfman Washington, Omar Coleman, and Kevin Burt
• Reissues: The Memphis Blues Box, Eddie Bo, and Lazy Lester

Editorial 

Blues News 

Catching Up With Cedric Burnside

Book Reviews

Living Blues Radio Charts Top 50 Blues Albums of 2023

Radio Charts

Cover photo by Marilyn Stringer: William Bell at the Blues Music Awards, Memphis, 2019.