In this installment of Language of the Blues, author and rocker Debra Devi follows the story of the cooling board, from home porches in the South to the verses of Blind Willie McTell and Son House, where death, ritual, and music converge.
Backline launches B-LINE, a first-of-its-kind 24/7 mental health and crisis support line created exclusively for the music industry.
“Turn On Your Love Light,” the first single from ‘Just Stay Live,’ presents a newly restored 2011 performance with Garth Hudson, now reborn in Dolby Atmos.
Folk Alliance International kicked off its 38th annual conference with the International Folk Music Awards. Highlights included Artist of the Year for I’m With Her and Carsie Blanton, Song of the Year for Crys Matthews’ “Sleeves Up,” and the inaugural Global Folk Album Award for The Baltic Sisters. Lifetime Achievement Awards went to Taj Mahal, Clifton Chenier, and Louisiana Folk Roots, while rising talent Yasmin Williams and socially conscious artist Kyshona were also recognized. With over 125 events, official showcases, and global collaborations, FAI’s conference celebrates the community, activism, and enduring creativity of folk music worldwide.
In this installment of Language of the Blues, author and rocker Debra Devi follows the deep blue current of “cool” from African philosophy into the blues, where character, composure, silence, and generosity become the language of soul.
G. Love has always lived at the intersections—between blues and hip-hop, porch and pavement, tradition and instinct. Here, Garrett Dutton talks about the harmonica that opened the door, the records that stayed with him, and the sound that emerged when he stopped trying to belong to any one place.
Two cornerstone albums from Chess Records — Etta James’ At Last! and Chuck Berry’s Berry Is On Top — are brought back into focus, with Bo Diddley and Muddy Waters set to follow, reminding listeners why these recordings still matter.
The award-winning trio delivers New Orleans–influenced funk, deep blues, and soul-driven rock in an intimate coastal setting.
A conversation with Corey Ledet about his long-awaited album ‘Live in Alaska,’ the magic of improvisation, and how a black accordion gave new life to his band.
In this installment of Language of the Blues, author and rocker Debra Devi decodes the conjure bag, or mojo hand, exploring how root doctors use flannel colors, ingredients, and ritual feeding to cast spells, protect love, bring money, bless babies, and shape fortune in blues-rooted folk magic.