Author: Barry Kerzner

Ranking among the IBC’s marquee offerings is the Keynote Panel “Blues as Healer” on February 3. The panel will look at the restorative power that music, especially blues music, can hold.

“The musicians that I surround myself with are musicians that I trust. They’re good, they’re fantastic, and they are all craft; all of them. That means that I can tap their strengths.”

The inductees for the class of 2017 are Joan Baez, Electric Light Orchestra, Journey, Pearl Jam, Tupac Shakur and Yes.

The collection features 60 photographs of ‘Women of the Blues’ of all ages and ethnic backgrounds representing all styles from southern soul blues to Chicago blues & rock blues.

The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates performers who have made outstanding contributions of artistic significance to the field of recording, while the Trustees Award honors contributions in areas other than performance.

Yet, here are the Rolling Stones, telling us “School is in session, and here is how it’s done.” Not with malice. Not with a sense of being smug, or full of themselves. No: It is done with a sense of knowing.

“If you don’t know the blues… there’s no point in picking up the guitar and playing rock and roll or any other form of popular music.”

“Well, blues is pretty much a part of everything that I do. …That music is in my heart, and always will be.”

Chicago blues piano great “Barrelhouse” Chuck has died after a four year battle with prostate cancer. He was 58 years old.

“Well, I’ll tell you; sometimes life can throw you a curve. Take a swing. Who knows? You may hit a home run, but you got to stay in the game.”