Living Blues #231, May/June 2014

WHAT'S INSIDE:

• #231 Contents

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  2014 Living Blues Awards Ballot—73

  Cover photo by Gene Tomko

  Contents photo by ???

  Roy Lee Johnson—The Music Has to Have the Soul in It—10

  By Gene Tomko

  Guitarist Roy Lee Johnson was a central figure in the 1960s Georgia blues music scene, growing up with Robert Ward and later playing with Dr. Feelgood and the Interns. Johnson recorded a string of solid records, even garnering a cover by the Beatles (Mister Moonlight), but never had a hit on his own. Johnson is back later this year with his first release in 15 years.

  Johnny Drummer—I Got a Few Miles on Me—18

  By David Whiteis

  Chicago multi-instrumentalist Johnny Drummer’s career dates back to 1959. Stints with Lovie Lee, Eddie King, the Aces, and his own band the Starlighters (which at times included Jimmy Johnson, Lefty Dizz, Eddie Shaw, and others) set his roots deep in the soil of Chicago blues. Still a vibrant force, Drummer is out with his latest release on Earwig Records.

  Vernon Garrett—I Raised My Hand—26

  By Scott M. Bock

  For over 60 years vocalist Vernon Garrett has worked in the R&B, blues, and gospel fields. Starting in gospel with the Swan Silvertones, Garrett moved to R&B in the 1960s and later drifted onto the chitlin’ circuit where he remains a strong draw today.

  Tommie “T-Bone” Pruitt—I Been Playin’ a Long Time—32

  By Melanie Young

  Eighty-one-year-old Ellisville, Mississippi, native Tommie “T-Bone” Pruitt has worked the jukes and stages of south Mississippi since the 1940s. Although he was content to work a day job and raise a family, Pruitt’s music remains a central part of his life.

  Henry “Son” Simms—Headstone of Blues Fiddler Located—74

  By T. DeWayne Moore

  Blues fiddler Henry “Son” Simms recorded with Charley Patton and Muddy Waters but until recently the location of his gravesite was a mystery.

  Record Reviews—38

  New releases—Selwyn Birchwood, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, and the Holmes Brothers—38

  Reissues—Johnny Winter, Sid Selvidge, and the Staple Singers—68

  DVD Reviews—57

  Book Reviews—64

  Editorial—2

  Blues News—5

  LB Talks To—John Mayall—43

  Radio Charts—8