Author: Don Wilcock

In this candid interview, blues singer Ollee Owens opens up about balancing motherhood with her musical career, the support of her family, and her exciting upcoming performance at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. As she discusses her new album, ‘Nowhere to Hide,’ Owens reflects on the deep connections that fuel her artistry.

Alongside his partner Kim, Reggie Harris has spent decades sharing stories of joy, history, and hope through music. As they prepare for Sing Solstice on December 15th, Harris discusses his role in the folk movement, the evolution of his music, and the transformative power of song to unite and uplift, especially during the darkest times of the year.

“He was my hero, man. I remember watching him on ‘Soul Train’ and ‘Hee Haw.’ I was so proud that this was my father. I was looking at the TV saying, ‘I love you, man.'”

Ronnie Baker Brooks reflects on his father Lonnie’s legacy, blending family, blues, and life lessons in his new Alligator Records album ‘Blues in My DNA.’ From a strict upbringing that taught him the value of hard work to the bittersweet farewell to his mentor, Ronnie carries on the tradition of authenticity and soul in every note.

“This book wrote itself,” says Cary Baker about ‘Down On The Corner: Adventures in Busking and Street Music.’ Reflecting on life’s transitions — from closing his PR firm to moving to the desert — he delves into the colorful, often untold stories of buskers, from icons like Elvis Costello to street performers like Grandpa Elliott.

He discusses his deep love for the written word, recounts a remarkable tale of Mick Jagger thanking Ramblin’ Jack Elliott for playing in a subway station during a school field trip, and more. It’s these serendipitous moments that make both Baker’s book and his career truly unique.

If Woody Guthrie captured the heart of the working man’s lot in life and foreshadowed “the folk scare” of the early ’60s, then Arlo Guthrie gave warmth, humor and an Everyman perspective that reached a much larger demographic with his style and youthful exuberance.

New York folkie Lucy Kaplansky reflects on her unexpected journey from clinical psychologist to celebrated singer-songwriter. In this candid interview, she shares insights on her creative process, the value of co-writing with her husband, and her unique approach to independently producing and marketing her music. With a new album on the horizon, Lucy discusses the evolution of her career, her enduring passion for songwriting, and the balance between artistry and business in today’s music world.

“My U.S. fans are expecting ‘Devil with the Blues Dress On’ and ‘Jenny Take A Ride’ or ‘Sock It to Me.’ They’re gonna hear songs they have never heard before.”

On Thursday, November 7th, The Ruf Records 30th Anniversary Tour kicks off at Carnegie Of Homestead Music Hall in Pittsburgh. Samantha Fish headlines the show that includes Mitch Ryder, Canned Heat, Bernard Allison, and Ghalia Volt.

The Owsley Stanley Foundation of Grateful Dead fame has just released ‘You’re Doin’ Fine,’ a sumptuous three-CD set capturing John Hammond at two 1973 concerts at the Boarding House, a small club in San Francisco. The sound man was Owsley Stanley who invented the Grateful Dead’s wall of sound technology.

“I didn’t know that Owsley was recording that show. I was told he was the sound man, but I didn’t understand the significance of it. I mean the sound is great.”

“Our approach to it is to make it authentic, and we do that all the time. People say, ‘You guys sound like the record, only better.’” Interview with Dusty Hanvey, who has been the Grass Roots’ lead guitarist and one of their vocalists since 1984.

There’s no question Jerry Phillips has his daddy’s genes. “Do something different or don’t do anything at all.” Debut solo record out now via Omnivore Recordings!