Living Blues #230, March/April 2014

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Swamp Dogg

A Lot of Freedom

By Gene Tomko

Legendary songwriter, producer, and musician Jerry Williams (a.k.a. Swamp Dogg) has flown under the radar for much of his career. Swamp opens up for a candid interview about his blues roots, studio work, and one-of-a-kind character.

Gregg A. Smith

I Call It Soul Music

By Scott M. Bock

Dallas-based soul singer Gregg A. Smith talks about working in the heyday of the soul blues scene and the struggles of making it in music today.

Pee Wee Hayes

I Just Ain’t Had an Opportunity

By Steve Sharp

Tennessee-born, Wisconsin-based bluesman Pee Wee Hayes eschewed the hustle and bustle of the Chicago blues scene for the road houses of the Midwest. About to turn 70, Hayes just wants to be heard.

Lonnie Johnson

Lonnie Johnson in the 1920s

By Jas Obrecht

During the 1920s, Lonnie Johnson emerged as the prewar era’s most gifted and influential blues guitarist. Charlie Christian, T-Bone Walker, and B.B. King were all heavily influenced by Johnson. But Johnson’s role in the invention of lead guitar playing has rarely gotten its due.

Record Reviews

• New Releases: Joe Louis Walker, Bobby Rush, Kent Burnside, and Nick Moss
• Reissues: Little Sonny, Merry Clayton, Charlie McCoy, and Carla Thomas

Editorial

Blues News

Breaking Out: Jerekus Singleton

LB Talks To: John Nemeth

2014 Living Blues Festival Guide

Obituaries

Radio Charts

Cover photo by Gene Tomko.