In this week’s installment of The Language of the Blues, we dig into the word “Captain”—once a title for plantation overseers, later adopted by white employers and prison wardens in the Jim Crow South. Through blues lyrics from Big Bill Broonzy to Son House, Debra Devi traces how this word carried the weight of control, resistance, and survival.
Browsing: Column
In this edition of Gestures, a column reflecting on women’s contributions to the musical arts, we talk to Shelby Means and Hayley Skreens.
Solidarity takes center stage as Shelby and Hayley reflect on the power of collaboration in bluegrass. Through their shared experiences of co-writing, supporting one another’s projects, and forging meaningful connections, they’re helping to shape a bluegrass community where creativity and support thrive.
“I came straight from Muscle Shoals and being a background vocalist on hit records (“When a Man Loves a Woman” – Percy Sledge, “Suspicious Minds” – Elvis) … walking out on the stage with the Grateful Dead and being in front of a live audience was something I had never experienced in my life.”
This is the September edition of the new ABS column ‘Gestures,’ in which we reflect on women’s contributions to music and movement
This is the June edition of the new ABS column ‘Gestures,’ in which we reflect on women’s contributions to music and movement
This is the May edition of the new ABS column ‘Gestures,’ in which we reflect on women’s contributions to music and movement.
Choosing to challenge the social structures of patriarchy
In less than a year’s time, the Supremes eclipsed the Miracles, the Temptations, and Mary Wells to become the highest profile group at a label that was redefining the very definition of pop music
Remembering Sam Cooke on his 90th birthday
“My thing with him was he did not give me this voice, and he can’t do anything with it except what I give and let him use…” – Darlene Love