Page 39 - Akae Beka

Big Bill Morganfield proudly displays "The
Muddy" Lifetime Blues Award he received
at the 2016 Jus’ Blues Music Awards.
Photo courtesy of Jus’ Blues Music
Foundation

Rush, one of those rare
bluesmen to receive mainstream
attention, finally got a Grammy
in his 80s. “I’m one of the last
ones left. We’ve got to find a
way to keep this music going.”
The Jus’ Blues Music Award
Show does just that – bringing
to light these artists who contribute so greatly to the genre.
Jus’ Blues also focuses on a younger generation – many of
whom play what is left of the Southern soul circuit. Ms. Jody, O.B.
Buchana, Lola Gulley, Grady Champion, Zac Harmon, Karen
Wolfe and many others offer some real hope that this music has
a bright future. By making these introductions, attendees get to
hear some of their favorites and discover a few performers they
had never heard before.
Mitchell says, “Everyone should come to have a good time.
For the artists and music professionals, it’s network, network,
network. It’s a great place to connect with people. They’re all
here.”
To date, the Foundation’s Music Award Show has honored
almost 250 musicians, songwriters and other industry
professionals that have helped keep the blues alive.
Mitchell says, “We are just getting started. I have so many
ideas and there is so much to do.”
This year, the Jus’ Blues Music Awards and Conference will
take place July 29-August 1. To learn more about the Jus’ Blues
Music Foundation and its programs, visit www.jusblues.org.

Blues icon Bobby Rush plays oil can guitar at a BGAS youth camp.
Photo courtesy of Jus’ Blues Music Foundation

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