Browsing: Billy Branch

The free concert, a double bill with Ronnie Baker Brooks and Shemekia Copeland, provided a full slate of priceless memories and magical moments.

Lil’ Red’s approach to life and music: “mix what’s pissing you off with some bounce and swing, sprinkle a
pinch of blue notes, and bend it all together on six strings for guaranteed feel-good satisfaction.”

Escape to a world time left behind with music that’s as timely as it is carrying an American legacy, a Disneyland for blues lovers. This year’s festival begins on Wednesday with an homage to the late Bubba Sullivan, the visionary whose devotion to blues built an event that’s become the gold standard of the genre.

Remembering Joseph “Mojo” Morganfield – (April 14, 1964 – December 10, 2020)

“It tells the story of how music of all kinds has played a role in America’s political arena, particularly as a form of protest and as an agent for political, social, racial, and economic change.” – Bob Santelli, GRAMMY Museum founding Executive Director and exhibit curator.

“If it hadn’t been for music, the civil rights movement would’ve been like a bird without wings.” – Rep. John Lewis

Come home to the 35th annual King Biscuit Blues Festival.

“The blues, despite it being the roots of all American music, has always been relegated to an underground status. I was always acutely aware that blues was not on mainstream radio or television except on rare occasions. It has not been given the due that it legitimately deserves.” – Billy Branch

“I was inspired by the challenge to take Rolling Stones songs and turn them into Chicago blues grooves, while at the same time maintaining both the Chicago blues tradition and sound and doing the same for the Rolling Stones songs…”

“Well man, I spent over half my life in the streets of Chicago. So, I’ve seen plenty of blues, and I’ve had plenty of blues.”