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Dynamic R&B diva Bettye LaVette, soulful singer/songwriter/producer Syl Johnson and harmonica man Billy Branch are among the latest performers set to be inducted into the Blues Music Hall of Fame.
The 41st annual class of inductees was confirmed by the Memphis-based Blues Foundation, and also includes Muddy Waters and Big Mama Thornton sideman George “Harmonica” Smith, as well as pioneering 1920s blues artists Victoria Spivey and Bertha “Chippie” Hill.
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Additionally, the Blues Hall of Fame will honor important achievements in several categories beyond performers, recognizing Non-Performing Individuals, Classics of Blues Literature, Classics of Blues Recording (Song) and Classics of Blues Recording (Album).
Groundbreaking country and blues producer Ralph Peer will be honored for his contributions to the genre. The biography “Earl Hooker, Blues Master,” by French writer/producer/translator, and American roots music authority Sebastian Danchin, will be honored as well.
The 1991 release from blues master Howlin’ Wolf “The Chess Box” will be recognized as Classic of Blues Recording: Album. Five songs will be recognized as Classic of Blues Recording: Singles, including Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup’s original recording of “That’s All Right (Mama)”; Bertha “Chippie” Hill’s 1926 hit version of “Trouble in Mind”; “Future Blues,” by early Delta bluesman Willie Brown; as well as a pair of 1950s classics, “3 O’Clock Blues,” the breakout for B.B. King, and Ruth Brown’s “Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean.”
Held as part of the annual Blues Music Awards Week, the Blues Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place May 6 at the Halloran Centre. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $75 and go on sale Jan. 7. To purchase or for more information go to Blues.org.
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