Two decades after the VFW shows and suburban battle-of-the-bands, the bands that soundtracked a coming-of-age brought the same scrappy charm, and a little more wisdom, to Summerfest 2025.
American Blues Scene brings you a massive exclusive gallery and full recap of the 2025 Chicago Blues Festival—from the Ramova Theater kickoff to Kingfish’s electrifying Saturday-night finale.
ZZ Top delivers the fireworks on July 4 with From The Top (1979–1990), a limited-edition collection…
To mark Willie Dixon’s 110th birthday, retired music publicist and journalist Cary Baker offers a rare and personal tribute. From his early days as a Golden Gloves boxing champion to his pivotal role at Chess Records, Dixon’s songwriting and production helped elevate the careers of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, Koko Taylor, and many others. Baker reflects on a remarkable friendship that began with a cold call in 1970 and grew into a decades-long connection with one of American music’s most influential figures.
Influenced by author George Saunders’ philosophy—“If it’s not fun, don’t do it”—Scheffler embraced a new creative rhythm and rediscovered his voice after two decades away from music.
Luca Sapio’s new single “Lil Help” premieres ahead of his upcoming album ‘Black Waves,’ a soul-symphonic journey shaped by personal trials, sweeping strings, and bold reflections on identity and connection.
In this concert review from the 2025 Dave Koz & Friends at Sea cruise, Jonathan Butler’s Uplifted: Gospel at Sea show brings powerful gospel performances, smooth jazz stars, and heartfelt testimony to the World Stage aboard Holland America’s Rotterdam.
In this installment of Language of the Blues, author and rocker Debra Devi explores the origins and evolution of slide guitar—tracing its roots from African and Hawaiian traditions to Depression-era bottleneck slides and modern variations. Drawing on W.C. Handy’s first written account of blues slide guitar, Debra reveals how everyday objects like knives, medicine bottles, and even lipstick covers have shaped the sound and technique of this expressive blues staple.
On what would’ve been Clifton Chenier’s 100th birthday, the Rolling Stones honor the King of Zydeco with a high-octane cover of “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés”—part of a new tribute album benefiting a scholarship in Chenier’s name.
He had the early heat, the critical raves, the record deal with Clive Davis. The industry buzzed like he was the next big thing—then watched as he took his own road. Now 21 albums in, Willie Nile looks back on a career driven more by passion than spotlight, sharing stages with The Who and Ringo, and holding fast to his instincts.