May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
The Blues Foundation will present the Blues Music Awards May 8, 2008, at the Grand Casino Event Center in Tunica Resorts, Miss.
Among those heading the list of honorees is Bobby Rush who garnered four nominations. Watermelon Slim & the Workers received six nominations for the second consecutive year with their album of the year candidate The Wheel Man. Koko Taylor returns to form with four nominations, including one for her album of the year nominee Old School. Lurrie Bell also was honored with three nominations, including one he shares with his late father Carey in the newly-created DVD category.
Album of the year nominees include:
Bettye LaVette’s The Scene of the Crime
James Blood Ulmer’s Bad Blood in the City
Koko Taylor’s Old School
Nick Moss & the Flip Tops’ Play It ‘Til Tomorrow
Omar Kent Dykes & Jimmie Vaughan’s On the Jimmy Reed Highway
Sugar Ray & the Bluetones’ My Life, My Friends, My Music
Watermelon Slim & the Workers’ The Wheel Man
More info: blues.org
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
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Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
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The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM
Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
