Living Blues #294 January/February 2025

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Ronnie Baker Brooks

Lead with Love

By David Whiteis

Son of blues star Lonnie Brooks, Ronnie Baker Brooks carries on the family legacy of powerful blues with deep, traditional roots. On the heels of his debut release on Alligator Records, the label that helped cement his dad’s career, Ronnie sits down and reflects on his life in the blues.

Gerald McClendon

Soulkeeper

By Peter Hurley

First-rate Chicago vocalist Gerald McClendon calls himself a soulkeeper. His career is based on keeping the sounds of classic soul alive and thriving in the Windy City.

Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport

Let the Music Speak Through You

By Frank Matheis

Mississippi artist Harrell Davenport, better known as “Young Rell,” is just 17 years old, but he has embraced the blues with a passion and is stepping off into what he hopes will be a lifetime in music. 

Let It Roll!

The Famous Hokum Boys, ARC, New York City, April 8–11, 1930

By Jas Obrecht

Just six months after the 1929 stock market crash, Lester Melrose talked ARC into doing a recording session featuring three top talents bundled together as the Famous Hokum Boys. Big Bill Broonzy, Frank Brasswell, and Georgia Tom Dorsey headed to New York and recorded 17 sides in four days that feature their exceptional skills. 

Record Reviews

• New Releases: The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra Featuring Willy Jordan, Steve Cropper, and EB Davis
• Reissues: Ray Charles, Jimmy Reed, and Sleepy John Estes

Editorial

Blues News

LB Talks to Eleanor Ellis

Book Reviews

Obituaries

Radio Charts

Cover photo by Laura Carbone: Ronnie Baker Brooks on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, October 2024.