Living Blues #207, May/June 2010

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Little Sonny

Little Sonny’s Detroit

By John Penney

Harmonica player John “Little Sonny” Willis has been deeply involved in the Detroit blues scene since the 1950s. The popular harmonica player and bandleader spent decades performing in the Detroit club scene as well as practicing his other craft, photography. Sonny’s stories and photos about the scene provide wonderful first-hand details about Detroit’s glory days.

Harrison Kennedy

From Soul To Blues

By Scott M. Bock

Harrison Kennedy took an odd journey to the blues. Former vocalist in the popular 1970s group the Chairmen of the Board, Kennedy came to blues late in his musical career. But his excitement at the conversion is evident in his music.

Living Blues

The 1990s

As Living Blues turns 40 this year, we are taking a year-long look back at the magazine and the blues world around it. This installment covers the third decade of publication.

Littlejohn’s Grill

Discovering Clemson’s Stop Along The Chitlin’ Circuit

By Vince Jackson

Littlejohn’s Grill was one of hundreds of stops across the Deep South’s Chitlin’ Circuit during pre-segregation days. An African American-friendly place, the Grill included a club, a restaurant, and a hotel where blues and soul musicians could eat, stay, and perform. Musicians like Chuck Willis, Fats Domino, Ray Charles, Elmore James, Wilson Pickett, Clarence Carter, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and the young James Brown all performed at Littlejohn’s Grill.

Record Reviews

• New Releases: Bettye LaVette, the Mannish Boys, Rev. Gary Davis, and Magic Slim
• Reissues: Cyril Neville, Willie Buck, and Goldwax Records

Editorial

Letters

Blues News

In The Groove

Book Reviews

2010 Living Blues Awards Ballot

Radio Charts

Cover photo courtesy Little Sonny.