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to music in group settings, which can provide a strong sense
of belonging and community. Because of this complex healing
quality, blues fans most often remain blues fans for life, unlike
some other genres.
In 2019, a group of exceptional blues musicians collaborated
on a project aimed at both raising awareness about mental
illness and sharing the wonderful healing aspects of this music.
Additionally, they aimed to raise money for the Handy Artist
Relief Trust (the “HART Fund”), a division of The Blues Foundation
that pays for health care (including mental health treatment)
that blues musicians are otherwise unable to afford. The result
of this collaboration was a book entitled Blues Therapy, which
I co-authored with Tab Benoit, with all proceeds donated to the
HART Fund.
In the book, numerous successful blues musicians share their Co-authors of Blues Therapy, Tab Benoit and Anita Schlank, Ph.D.
experiences with mental illness and/or substance abuse, as Photo by Ÿ Marilyn Stringer
well as the ways in which this music has been healing for them.
In the foreword, Mike Zito describes his journey from mental through treatment and the healing effects of the blues.
illness and addiction, while Mike Welch provides a heart- The success of this book has inspired a second volume that is
wrenching description of his life-long struggles with depression currently in the works. This time, it is co-authored with Mike Zito,
and suicidal thoughts. Annika Chambers shares her history of who is well known not only for his incredible musicianship, but also
substance dependence to cope with the ramifications of being for his inspirational writing in his blog, A Bluesman in Recovery.
sexually assaulted, while Nick Moss describes his struggle with In the second volume, fans of the music will be interviewed as
panic disorder. Anders Osborne and Beth Hart discuss their well as blues musicians, to continue to raise awareness of mental
diagnoses of bipolar disorder and substance dependence, illness and addiction, and to further explore the ways in which
and many others – including Amanda Fish, Eric Gales, Janiva this beautiful genre provides such a significant therapeutic effect
Magness, Phil Pemberton, Billy Price, Dawn Tyler Watson, to both musicians and listeners. John Lee Hooker said the blues is
Ronnie Earl, Mark Earley and the Rev. Billy C. Wirtz – also a healer, and this appears to be true. Blues Therapy helps spread
generously share compelling stories about their individual the word about how this happens. To purchase the book and for
emotional struggles and paths toward healing. In doing so, more information, visit bluestherapybook.com.
these musicians use their celebrity status to raise much-needed
awareness around this important topic, and also offer comfort Anita Schlank, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and a
and inspiration to those suffering in silence. In addition, they board-certified forensic psychologist who has treated criminal
introduce potential new fans to the incredible healing effects offenders for over 30 years. She has authored numerous articles
of the blues. In its first year of publication, Blues Therapy raised and book chapters, and edited the five-volume book series entitled
over $11,000 for the HART Fund. The Sexual Predator. She is also a passionate blues fan and is on
Since the book was published in 2019, readers have the board of directors for the River City Blues Society in Richmond,
frequently stated that the musicians’ personal accounts have VA. To connect, email anita.schlank@earthlink.net.
helped them feel less alone in their struggles, and many also
learned about treatment options available to them. They References:
found hope in the fact that these celebrities have all become Brodsky, M. (1995). Blues Musicians Access to Health Care.
successful despite their mental Medical Problems of Performing Artists (10), 18-23.
health and/or addiction struggles. Kemper, K.J. & Danhauer, S.C. (2005). Music as therapy.
Several contributors to the book Southern Medical Journal, 98(3), 282-289.
joined together, along with Kevin Krout, R.E. (2001). The effects of single-session music therapy
Burt, to present a panel about interventions on the observed and self-reported levels of pain
mental health at the 2019 Big control, physical comfort and relaxation of hospice patients.
Blues Bender in Las Vegas. Their American Journal of Hospital Palliative Care, 18, 383-390.
emotional disclosures brought Mathews, P. (2016). Rhythm and Blues: Help for Kiwi
tears to the eyes of many in the musicians with depression, anxiety and addictions. www.stuff.
audience, and attendees noted co.nz/entertainment/music/84835569/rhythm-and-blues-Help-
how helpful it was to learn of for-Kiwi-musicians-with-depression-anxiety-and-addictions.
others with the same symptoms, Patel, A. (2015). Music and the Brain (Audiotape). Available
who had found success both from www.TheGreatCourses.com.

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