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Kenny Acosta
Full Moon On Blues Street
http://www.kennyacosta.com/
KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD
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Raful Neal
Hailing from
Abbeville, Louisiana, Robert
Charles Guidry began his career in
music, performing with a small combo at Mount Carmel High School
dances. At the age of fourteen, he wrote a song that would firmly
establish him in Rock 'N Roll history. "See You Later Alligator"
somehow caught the attention of Leonard Chess whose Chicago record
label, Chess Records, was emerging on the national music scene.
Chess arranged for the young Louisiana singer to record the song in
Cosimo's studio on North Rampart Street in New Orleans. The song
gained immediate regional popularity. Chess signed Charles, sight
unseen, as an artist for his label, and later dropped Guidry from
his name feeling that "Bobby Charles" would be more memorable.
Charles became the only white artist on an all black label, touring
with Chuck Berry and other Chess artists to support his singles.
Soon after, Bill Haley and the Comets recorded a cover version of
"See You Later Alligator", which soon became a hit around the world,
helping to establish Bill Haley as the father of Rock 'N Roll.
Charles continued to grow as a songwriter, achieving critical
acclaim for his 1971 self-titled album for Bearsville Records. When
commercial success didn't measure up to creative accomplishments, he
became disenchanted with the record business and moved back to
Abbeville, dropping out of the mainstream. There he combined his
songwriting with his concern for the environment to create the
children's program, "The Solution to Pollution."
Through the years Charles' songs have been recorded by a variety of
artists representing all styles of music from Jazz to Country. Fats
Domino made Charles' "Walking to New Orleans" a hit, but many other
artists have recorded his compositions including Ray Charles, Etta
James, Lou Rawls, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Junior Wells, UB40,
Joe Cocker, Muddy Waters, Paul Butterfield, Dr. John, Wilson
Pickett, Jackie DeShannon, Tom Jones, Amos Garrett, Kris
Kristofferson, Rita Coolidge, Bonnie Bramlett, Bo Diddley, Delbert
McClinton, David Alan Coe and Jerry Jeff Walker.
Young Mark Klien with Boobie Kings
Raful Neal and
sons
Memories to Treasure !
Robert Lockwood Jr. and Little Milton
Kenny & Raful Neal
B B
King and Little Milton
You are
visitor 
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Meeting this Thursday, October 2 at 8pm Phil Brady's Bar
4848 Governmwent Street, Baton Rouge 225-927-3786
JONATHON "BOOGIE"
LONG &
The Baton Rouge Soul Explosion to
represent BRBS, IBC 2009
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The Baton Rouge Blues Society is
pleased to announce, Jonathon "Boogie" Long
and the Baton Rouge Soul Explosion, will be representing
Baton Rouge
for the 2009 International Blues Challenge held in
Memphis, TN.
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Welcome to The Baton Rouge Blues Society |
Huddie Ledbetter, aka Leadbelly
See Article
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Ferdinand “Jelly
Roll” Morton
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The Baton Rouge
Blues Society is a non-profit organization that supports the
Blues in Baton Rouge
and the surrounding areas. We are dedicated to cultivating
appreciation and respect for the blues
and encouraging local Blues Musicians.
    
Baton Rouge is
known as the Blues music capital of Louisiana.
It's situated on the banks of the
Mississippi River, the great blues highway.
 
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Mr. Henry Gray
As Henry
tells it, "When my father saw that I could make money
playing the blues, he liked that all right!" Henry
was a recepient of the NEA (National Endowment for the
Arts) in 2006 which is the country's highest honor in
the folk and traditional arts. Eleven fellowships, which
include a one-time award of $20,000 each, are presented
to honorees from nine states.
These awardees were chosen for their artistic
excellence, cultural authenticity, and contributions to
their field. They represent a cross-section of ethnic
cultures including Hispanic, Hawaiian, Alaskan, and
African American artistic traditions expressed through
art forms ranging from hula dancing and cedar bark
weaving to blues piano and gospel singing.
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'Rockin' Tabby Thomas is
one of the
best known blues musicians in Baton Rouge, known as the
"King of the Swamp Blues." His career began in San
Francisco when, as a young man in the Air Force, he
entered and won a talent contest against Etta James and
Johnny Mathis. After his military career, Thomas
returned to Louisiana to find that recordings he had
made on a Hollywood label were doing well. He decided to
move home and cast his lot with the Blues movement in
Louisiana. It was a good decision. |
Kenny Neal
Kenny Neal, a native of Baton Rouge, began playing music
at a very young age. The oldest of ten children, he learned the
basics from his father, singer and blues harmonica player, Raful
Neal.
Family friends also contributed to Kenny’s early education.
Friends like Lazy Lester, Buddy Guy and Slim Harpo. In fact, it
was Harpo who gave the crying three-year-old a harmonica to
pacify him.
Kenny stopped crying that day, and eventually learned to play
the harmonica. Along the way, he also mastered the bass,
trumpet, piano and guitar. At 13, he joined his father’s band
and began paying his musical dues. Four years later, he was
recruited and toured extensively as Buddy Guy’s bass player.
Kenny's latest CD, Let Life Flow is much concerned
with healing, coping with loss and spiritual renewal. Neal
dedicates one song, Fly Away, to the memory of his
father Raful, brother Ronnie, sister Jackie, and past drummer
Kennard Johnson, who all died between 2004 and 2005. In his rich
baritone, he also sings about hope, love and joy.
 Larry
Garner
“My parents didn’t want me playing the blues,” Garner
continues. “They thought it was the devil’s music — then
I guess the jook joint a quarter-mile down the road was
the devil’s recruitment office. I never went into the
jook except during the day, when it was a store.”
Larry
is best seen live. He is one of the top blues song
writers alive today. He is also a real professional. He
is much more than a Blues singer and is genuinely
entertaining.
Anyone who writes the songs, play the music and paint
the pictures that are rooted in the spirit of love for
universal oneness. Every now and then there's someone
who reminds you that you have a meaningful part in the
big picture. I hope those kind of people influence
everyone at some point because these are the kind of
people we want as friends .
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Buddy Guy
Internationally acclaimed, a Grammy winner
and now an inductee of the Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame, Guy has firmly cemented a
blues legacy that places him squarely in the
company of his heroes who came before. “This
all reminds me of something my mother used
to tell me,” Guy says of his current-day
status as a music icon. “She said, ‘If you
got the flowers for me, son, give ‘em to me
now so I can smell ‘em, ‘cause I’m not gonna
smell ‘em when you put ‘em on the casket.’
” I’m gettin’ to smell a few now”
- Buddy Guy
Chris Thomas King
See artical on his new movie
Initially
known for his audacious fusion of blues and hip-hop, Chris
Thomas King reached a whole new audience with the Coen Brothers
film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, not only appearing on the
award-winning soundtrack but establishing himself as a serious
dramatic actor as well.
Chris Thomas King is the son of respected Baton Rouge, Louisiana
bluesman and club owner Tabby Thomas and thus was surrounded by
music from a very young age. He began playing trumpet in sixth
grade and learned guitar shortly thereafter, soaking up as much
as he could by hanging out at his father's club. Even so, the
young Thomas was still affected more by rock (especially Jimi
Hendrix), soul, and early rap music; he didn't really settle on
the blues until his late teenage years when he accompanied his
father on a tour of Europe and found the audiences much larger
and more enthusiastic than he'd ever experienced at home. Upon
his return to the States, Thomas (as he was still known)
recorded a demo tape that landed him a deal with Arhoolie
Records. He played all the instruments on his debut album, The
Beginning, which appeared in 1986. Thomas supported the record
with tour dates in Europe and Texas, and afterwards he relocated
to Austin, where he spent the next four years expanding his
musical horizons and honing a more contemporary sound.
During that period, Thomas caught on with the Hightone label,
for whom he debuted in 1990 with the critically acclaimed Cry of
the Prophets. Afterward, Thomas proposed a follow-up project
fusing blues guitar with hip-hop beats, rapped lyrics, and DJ
scratching. However, parent company Warner -- which distributed
Thomas through its Sire imprint -- declined to release the
material, having just been burned by the controversy over
Ice-T's rap-metal band Body Count. Meanwhile, Hightone wanted
Thomas to continue in a more traditional vein and had him
re-enter the studio to work on another record; after cutting
some material, Thomas abandoned the project due to lack of
interest. Over his objections, Hightone eventually released
those tracks as Simple in 1993 and despite the unfinished nature
of the material, Thomas again received good reviews.
Thomas took his rap-influenced material to Sony, which wasn't
sure what to make of it and declined to release it. Frustrated,
Thomas moved to London in hopes of finding a more receptive
record company; when that didn't happen, he traveled to
Copenhagen in 1991 and met a couple of Danish musicians who
extensively worked on the project with him. Eventually, British
producer John Porter (Los Lonely Boys) heard the tapes and
helped set up a deal with RCA/BMG subsidiary Private Music.
Thomas returned to the States after a three-year absence,
completing his masterpiece in Los Angeles. 21st Century
Blues...From da 'Hood was finally released in early 1995 and was
predictably met with considerable controversy; some reviews were
highly complimentary, but many festival and club promoters
refused to book Thomas at all. He did find success on the
concert circuit in Europe and upon his return to the U.S., he
began billing himself as Chris Thomas King.
King debuted his new moniker on a self-titled album for Scotti
Brothers in 1997, delving deeply into the funky, gritty sound of
Memphis soul. The follow-up, Red Mud, appeared on Black Top in
1998 and found King returning to the roots of the blues with
mostly acoustic, folk-blues-flavored material. By this time,
King was regularly playing around Louisiana, often backed by a
bassist and DJ. This setup provided the foundation for his next
record, 2000's Me, My Guitar and the Blues, which combined most
of King's previous interests -- electric and acoustic blues,
funky soul, New Orleans R&B, and hip-hop -- into a more
integrated whole.
Chris Thomas King is the only blues artists to have a major
impact on hip-hop music. King’s Influence on artists such as Nas,
Bubba Sparks, Common, Mos Def, Kenye West, Cowboy Troy and
others has brought the sound of the blues to the hip-hop
generation.
He has also influenced rock acts such as Kid Rock and the White
Stripes (White Stripes recently released a new book titled “21st
Century Blues” proclaiming they are a “21st Century Blues”
band.)
Now, 20 years after his humble beginnings Chris Thomas King is
one of the most famous and successful blues artists in the world
today.
The Chicken Scratch Man
James Johnson
James Johnson created one of music’s great
guitar
licks. He plays lead in Slim Harpo’s biggest hit,
“Baby Scratch My Back.” The song, which went No. 1 R&B and No. 16 pop in early
1966, features Johnson’s much-imitated “chicken scratch.”
“I started that mess,” the just-turned-66
guitarist said
last week at Main Street Studio. “So many people do it now.”
Slim Harpo, a.k.a. James Moore, Johnson, drummer
Sammy K. Brown, bassist August Ransom (Johnson’s brother-in-law)
and percussionist Lazy Lester cut “Baby Scratch My Back” in one take. The song
already was a staple in the band’s stage act.
But J.D. Miller — owner of the Crowley recording
studio where Slim Harpo, Lightnin’ Slim and others
laid the foundation for Louisiana swamp blues — never was satisfied with “Baby
Scratch My Back.” “J.D.”, Johnson recalled, “he always said that we should of had
more into it, that he could have
made it sound better and all this. But original is original. A lot of people
have tried to do it over
since, but you can’t beat original.”
Johnson is heard in many more Slim Harpo
classics, including “Rainin’ In My Heart,” a national anthem
of sorts for south Louisiana that reached the upper ends of the pop and R&B
charts in 1961. When the
song was recorded at Miller’s studio, however, it was just another track.
“Yeah, we didn’t know exactly which one was going to make it,” Johnson, who
played bass for that particular session, said. “But Slim hit the right spot at
the right time. Got lucky. Because they had better musicians
out there than we were. Joe Tex, Joe Valentine, they had good bands. We just an
old blues band, and I
didn’t never think something like that would go that far.”
Johnson also backed Slim Harpo on the novelty
number, “Blues Hangover,” the lashing
“Shake Your Hips” (covered by the Rolling Stones), “Got Love If You Want It”
(covered by the
Kinks), “Strange Love,” “What A Dream,” “I’m Gonna Miss You (Like The Devil)”
and others.
College gigs throughout the South kept Slim
Harpo and his King Bees on the road through
much of the 1960s. The college dates, usually on Saturdays, were followed by
Sunday shows
back home.
“Me and Rudy used to be so mad,” Johnson
recalled. “Slim would leave 1 and 2 o’clock in the morning
to make it to the gig the next night. And we had to get out of bed, man, and hit
the road. That took a toll
on me.”
The most unusual gig Johnson played with Slim
Harpo was a 1966 show at New York’s Madison Square
Garden with soul star James Brown.
“Believe it not, it was just me and Slim and the orchestra,” he said. “I was
worried about how
we was going to sound.”
But lugging his Vox amp over New York streets,
not performing with an orchestra, proved the toughest
part of the gig.
“I said, ‘Man, Slim, you big time now. Why you
ain’t got no valet?’ ‘Aw, you can do it. Come on,
let’s go.’ And he’s gone with his little harmonica case and I’m fussing with
this amp and a guitar.”
The two of them rehearsed with the orchestra
that afternoon at the Garden.
“You know Slim had his music wrote out,” Johnson
said. “He handed them the music. They
played the hell out of it. We did a good show with the orchestra, but I’m just
glad we came on
before James Brown. First time I had played with an orchestra. Last time, too.”
Johnson worked with Slim Harpo until shortly before the singer-harmonica
player’s death in
1970. But the death of his mother the previous year had already dampened his
interest in
music.
“That kind of slowed me down. And then they came
out with this disco stuff. So the blues just dropped.
I didn’t play for about 14 years. I just hung myself up.”
Pawn shop guitar
The son of sharecroppers in Pointe Coupe Parish, Johnson bought his first guitar
from a
pawnshop on Baton Rouge’s Main Street. He was about 15. His inspiration was a
performance
at his high school by the Texas blues singer and guitarist Albert Collins.
By JOHN WIRT,
Music critic
Published: Apr 21, 2006
Big Luther
Kent |
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Luther Kent was born in New Orleans,
Louisiana. At age 14 Luther began
singing professionally and signed
with Louisiana based Montel Records.
His first record was released under
the name of Duke Royal, and the song
was "I Wanna Know". Luther toured
the country for a three year period
while being managed by Walt Daisy
who also handled Wayne Cochran & the
C.C.Riders.
In 1970 Luther became lead singer
for
"Cold Grits" who was signed to Lou Adlers Ode Records in Los Angeles. Shortly after the
breakup of "Cold Grits" Luther was
asked to come aboard as new lead
singer for "Blood, Sweet & Tears".
He did their world tour dates in
1974-75 and part of 76. During this
time he learned he would not be
granted a release from Ode records,
therefore he was never allowed to
record with the world famous group.
I
Luther now went solo to record his
first album at Abby Road studios in
London, England. The album is call
"Luther Kent World Class" The album
featured the Brecker Brothers with
members from the London symphony and
the London Philharmonic and was
arranged by Dell Newman.
In 1978 Luther teamed up with former
musical director for Wayne Cochran,
Charlie Brent. They formed a large
New Orleans horn band which became
known as "Luther
Kent & Trick Bag". This
became the after hours band for many
named artists to sit in with,
whenever they were visiting New
Orleans. Some of these artists
included big names such as; Boz
Scaggs, B.B. King, Bobby Blue Bland,
Slim Harpo, Jimmy Page, Bonnie
Bramlett, Greg Allman, Etta James,
Joe Cocker, Stevie Winwood, Bo
Diddley, Dr. John, Rita Coolidge,
Righteous Brothers, Ike & Tina
Turner, Wilson Pickett, ZZ Top,
Rickie Lee Jones, Mick Fleetwood,
Billy Preston, Ernie K-doe, Mike
Post, Average White Band, AL Hirt,
Billy Ekstein and Pete Fountain.
Many good times were had while
listening to Big Luther and told in
such books later written by Jimmy
Buffet and football great, Kenny
"The Snake" Stabler. Luther was also
written up in another book titled, "
Up From The Cradles of Jazz".
Anyone who has ever been to
New Orleans and
heard Luther Kent, upon
returning to the city will
·
Get checked into their hotel
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Find out if Luther is playing in
town
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Make plans to chow down on some good
Creole food, moan for awhile if
Luther is out of town, and if he is
playing ......
Party all night long until the sun
comes up and tell their friends back
home that they have not lived until
they've heard Luther sing the
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blues.
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Kenny Acosta
This year marks 43 years in the music industry for this highly
talanted Baton Rouge Blues Icon. In Kenny’s illustrious career,
he has played with all the greats; Muddy Waters, Roy Buchanan,
Taj Mahal, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Kim Wilson, The Neville Brothers,
and so many more it’s even mind boggling to him. Kenny’s latest
CD, " Full Moon On Blues Street" was released by Rockin’ Camel
Records On Aug. 17, 2007. It was produced by award winning
producer, Johnny Sandlin and is already receiving rave revues by
blues publications around the world. . Kenny won the Baton Rouge
Blues Society’s blues challenge. He then represented The Society
in Jan. 04’ at the International Blues Competition, held in
Memphis, TN. Kenny has established himself as a master bluesman
in all his travels, from Key West, FL to Fox, AK and all points
between. At a moments notice Kenny’s grooving down Funk St,
swinging over to Latin Parkway, recollecting in Oldies Cove, or
ripping down R&B Lane. But if it’s blues that you love, you will
enjoy Kenny. His soulful voice and scorching guitar are
combine with a super tight and funky rhythm section, that is one
of the best ever to come out of South LA. Yes, Kenny "has been
lots of places and done lots of things", but bottom line is, he
will entertain you with his Professionalism and Charisma
 
Sundanze
Rudy
Richard Oscar 'Harpo
Davis
Our mission is to preserve the Baton Rouge Blues, past and
present, promote our blues musicians and bring to your attention
the wealth of talent we have in our area. We host local events
featuring the blues musicians of the area, contribute to as many
of their needs as we are able and publicize them on this web
site.
Smokehouse &
Mamie Porter
Chicago Al
Elvin
Killerbee Jarred Daigle
Chris LeBlanc
Enjoy Baton Rouge Blues
 
Andy Squint
Susan Owens Miguel Hernandez
Baton Rouge is proud of
her young bluesicians
 
Mark Klein
Jonathan "Boogie" Long
Clay Newsom
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Ryan Patterson
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Live Music
Support Our Musicians
Blues jam's at Phil Brady's
Two Tone
Malone Larry
Garner and wife, Sandra
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Grit, Larry Garner, Pic on drums, Kenny Neal, Alonzo, Gregg
Wright
Lawrence Taylor,
Oscar Davis, David Hyde , Will Dale
Clint, James, Pic, Miguel,
Andy
Rudy Richard, David Hyde and Raful Neal
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