Page 54 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2012

Rising to the Top

A Decade of Blues Recognition

In the year 2002, the W.C. Handy Awards (now known as the Blues Music Awards or BMA), did not include
Nick Moss, Janiva Magness, Tommy Castro, Tab Benoit, Watermelon Slim, The Mannish Boys or Candye Kane. Ten
years later in 2012, they are “household names” in the blues community. Relatively unknown by the masses, they
rose to prominence over the last decade, having multiple nominations and wins by the Blues Foundation and its
voters. This article shares just the tip of the iceberg of accolades for them. In keeping with the Blues Festival Guide’s
10th Anniversary, I posed a question to this group: “As a nominee and/or winner of BMA Band of The Year and/or
Author Marilyn Stringer B.B. King Entertainer, the Blues Foundation’s highest honor, how has this recognition impacted you? Where are you
Photo by Dee Wallace today?” Here are some of their responses:

Nick Moss was the fi rst of the group a slow steady climb and every time we get
to be nominated for a BMA in 2003 and nominated, it is a big help. But then being
his lineup has evolved over the years. I nominated at anything is helpful. I could be
fi rst heard Nick’s newest band featuring a great bag-boy if I was nominated. I know
Michael Ledbetter on vocals, Travis Reed how to separate the canned goods from the
on keys and Patrick Seals on drums, last produce — I can remember to put the eggs
summer at the Chicago Blues Festival when and bread on top!
Curtis Salgado was traveling with them. I am keeping things interesting [with the
Nick may appear serious on stage, but new lineup] by showcasing the talent and
his easy-going, light-hearted humor is ever- strengths of the whole band.”
present.
“Being nominated in any a category Nick Moss Nominations:
brings a lot more recognition to a band, Band of the Year:
Nick Moss, a Chicago native called a master of classic but I didn’t feel a giant jump, like, ‘We 2007 - 2008 - 2009 - 2010 - 2011
Chicago blues Photo by Marilyn Stringer
gotta’ have this guy!’ Instead, it has been

work, my career has basically exploded. nominations and taking that hardware home
I’ve gotten a steady stream of more airplay in 2009 was really crazy-good in every
every year, more work everywhere and way possible for me. I still get teary about
access to the best supporting agency, it. It is beautiful, rewarding and frightening
Intrepid Artists International… this has all at once. Some folks might say that I take
allowed me to fi nd, what for me, is the best it too personally... but I work in a career that
supporting band, and ultimately get signed is deeply personal — I sing music, I sing
to the biggest blues label in the world — songs for people, I have to tell the truth and
Alligator Records. bear my soul or there is no point in doing
Now, it is true that I have worked very the job. I’m not sure how to not take that
hard each and every day towards these personally — it is personal — it is deeply
goals; however I’m certain that without intimate and makes the recognition of my
the honor and recognition of the Blues work, in this way, all the more meaningful.
Foundation nominating committee and the I am terribly grateful for it... and it’s a really
Detroit native Janiva Magness at the Rhythm & Roots voting membership that sent me home with wild ride!”
Series in Tucson, AZ Photo by Marilyn Stringer the winning hardware, most of the things I
just mentioned would not have happened Janiva Magness Nominations/Wins:
B.B. King Entertainer of the Year:
Janiva Magness: “Ever since 2004 when for me. It really is standing in tall cotton! 2008 - 2009 (Winner) - 2011
the Blues Foundation began recognizing my The B.B. King Entertainer of the Year

54 Blues Festival Guide 2012