Showing posts with label SWBB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SWBB. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Bucky Buchanan Was Loveable, Encouraging and Extremely Talented! RIP


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Hamilton veteran musician Colin Bruce "Bucky" Buchanan. More details will be posted here if we learn anything new. Our condolences to his family, friends & fans.

The bassist/singer was a staple of the local scene for many years, including being with artists such as King Biscuit Boy (played on the alubm Mouth of Steel), Tim Gibbons & the Swampbusters, The Lowdown Dirty Mojos (he won a Maple Blues Award while in the group),  & many more.

A word from Lou, our blogger:
I've had the pleasure of meeting Bucky quite a few times over the years at many gigs. He was extemely talented and his fun-loving personability was very infectious. Bukcy was a hoot to hang with and always had a smile on his face. I'll miss him terribly.

Social Media Reaction 

Steelore-Hamilton Rock History 1970’s to 2010’s

Sad news hearing Bucky Buchanan has passed away. A well loved and talented local bassist, Bucky was born July 6, 1949, and would be a part of our Hamilton music scene for decades.

Throughout his career he would play with a variety of artists. King Biscuit Boy, a hometown legend would take Bucky on the road with him as well as have him in the recording studio for Biscuit’s album “Mouth Of Steel” in 1984. In 2003 he would join Dave Rave in the studio for the album “Everyday Magic”.

If you were out and about in the local clubs you could find him on stage with acts such as The Swampbusters, Rocket and The Renegades and The Lowdown Dirty Mojos. In fact when the Lowdown Dirty Mojos needed a seasoned pro they looked to Bucky to record with them in 2021 for their album “Stone Cold Groovers”. Bucky with The Lowdown Dirty Mojos would win the 2022 Maple Blues Award for New Artist /Group of the Year.

A fountain of music knowledge, Bucky would educate and amuse those around him with road stories, most passionately about his time with King Biscuit Boy. Our sincere sympathy to his family and friends. His passing is a great loss to the Hamilton music community. 

Bucky Buchanan, Rest In Power.

Corey Lueck (Smoke Wagon Blues Band)

A lot of egos in this business, and compared to the rest of the country Hamilton blues dogs had attitude, good attitude! The first time I saw Bucky Buchanan  on stage I think was with The Little Red Rooster Blues Band in the village and he had that attitude. This guy was in the blues pocket and having a good fucking time!

After I got to know Bucky I'd say he was the most lovable guy on the Hamilton scene, always so encouraging to us young guys at the time. Sometimes I'd be on bills with all these older Hamilton cats that I didn't know very well with anxiety creeping, Bucky would walk in the green room and put a smile on my face! He would always take me aside from the crowd, give me a compliment and encourage me to keep on keeping on. Those things stick with you forever.

He pinch hit for us a few times in our really early days with The Wagon and we always had an absolute blast followed by a party of course 😎. I'm really choked up to know that I won't ever be seeing Buck for a hug and a pint at the bar again while talking about our beloved Habs. Not that awards matter in this town but I'm glad he won a Maple Blues award a few years ago, because not enough unsung Hamilton legends like Buck get the credit they deserve.

I will forever remember Buck in that big bad blues pocket with that big devilish shit eating grin on his face. Condolences to all Bucky Buchanan's life long friends and band mates. I'm lucky to have been his friend and go Habs go Buck!

Virginia Vader

RIP Bucky a true Hamilton legend!

When I was first learning to play bass, Bucky said he would trade me a hair cut for bass lessons.

After the hair cut, I picked up my bass for the lesson he said always keep your thumb resting on the back of the neck & let your fingers do the rest. 

Then he said lesson over - you got all the talent you need to figure out the rest, time for a beer.

Lesson over drinking commenced!

CHEERS Bucky 🍻!  

Links: King Biscuit BoyMore KBB StoriesVideo above courtesy of Mike Papas


Previous (New Spencer Mackenzie Album) - - - Next (Victoria Day Videos)

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Rock Legend Myles Goodwyn (April Wine) Passes


It is with sadness that we announce that April Wine vocalist/guitarist Myles Goodwyn passed away on Sunday, December 2, 2023. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans. Myles, who was born in New Brunswick and lived in Nova Scotia, gained international fame for his seminal work with April Wine and also had an incredible solo career. He'd recently retired from the popular band. 

Social Media Reaction

Sad and shocked to hear of the  passing of April Wine’s Myles Goodwyn. A wonderful musician, singer writer  and great guy. I was honoured to to work with him and to become friends in recent years. A Canadian rock legend gone too soon. RIP Myles Goodwyn.

Corey Lueck (Smoke Wagon Blues Band

Super sad to see the passing of Myles Goodwyn 😪 this afternoon. It feels like a whole damn Canadian Rock'n'roll institution is passing along with him. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a Canadian music fan that hasn't rocked out to April Wine live! What an explosive singer/song writer/guitar hero and performer! One of the greatest that Canada has ever seen. I like most Canadians have seen them too many times to bother trying to count, a highlight for me was always their famous New year's Eve shows a lulus, very sad loss.

Lou Molinaro

Sad day for Canadian music.  Myles Goodwyn of April Wine has passed away.  April Wine were a band that were introduced to me when I was a young kid via K-Tel records.  Always loved their songs the most on those comps. I was in grade school when I bought "Electric Jewels" and to this day it still remains as one of my favourite Canadian albums.  Bummer... again. 

Andy Griffiths

Sorry to hear about Myles Goodwyn. April Wine was the sound track of late teens ... early twenties. I still remember one summer ... working on my car in the driveway ... with April Wine blasting out of the speakers in my bedroom window! My band of the time also covered a few AW tunes! RIP Myles!  

Paul Lawrence

Truly saddened by this news. Had a few funny chats with Myles on Facebook. One time I asked if he still had the sparkly red Goya guitar that’s on the cover of Electric Jewels and told him I had a blue one I was playing for a time. He responded with “oh that thing? Yeah. Plays like shite!” 

Thanks for the decades of wonderful music Myles. 

Rest in peace. 

Video above courtesy of Myles Goodwyn - Topic

Video above courtesy of Myles Goodwyn - Topic

Links: Myles Goodwyn, More April Wine StoriesVideo above courtesy of Myles Goodwyn - Topic


Previous (Introducing the Escarpment Blues Society) - - - Next (New SG Sinnicks EP)

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Hamilton Drummer Cliff Goodwin Passes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Hamilton drummer Cliff Goodwin. Unfortunately, we don't know the details of his death put will post on this page when we know more. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Cliff performed with many band in the area including Big Johnny Blue, No Show Smith, and Blueswinder (aka Paul Coombs Band)

Social Media Reaction

Very sad to hear about the passing of Cliff Goodwin . You sure will be missed around the Hamilton music scene. I remember some 20 plus years ago he pinched hit for us at the last minute for a New Year's Eve gig at "The Happy Hog" in Tottenham Ontario, saving our butts. He was always damn good company. RIP

Paul Coombs (Blueswinder)

From the beginning, when we were Blueswinder, Clifford Goodwin was family. 

He now joins the other incredible blues musicians who have gone on to play for the angels. 

Good journey, and rest peacefully Cliff.

Links: BlueswinderMore Blueswinder StoriesVideo above courtesy of Gary Greenland

Links: Big Johnny BlueMore Big Johnny Blue StoriesVideo above courtesy of John Crawford


Previous (Poet's Day Videos)

Friday, July 28, 2023

Blues Booster and Radio Host Patrick Monaghan Passes


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of one of the region's biggest Blues champions, Patrick Monaghan. He passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Patrick hosted the award-winning program, Buckslide Blues Cruise on 100.9 Canoe FM. His tireless efforts helped promote many new artists. In 2022, Patrick was named Blues Booster of the year at the Maple Blues Awards.

Click here for the Broadcast Dialogue story on his passing

Social Media Reaction

Grand River Blues Society

If you knew Patrick, you experienced his huge smile and saw his thumbs up photos and if fortunate you were in the photo with him, both of you giving the big thumbs up. You had to admire his dedication, opinions about, knowledge of and rarely duplicated commitment to The Blues. Patrick loved experiencing and supporting the live music scene. If he couldn't find anyone to travel with to share in his numerous trips he just headed out himself like a gypsy. 

He joined the Grand River Blues Society at the beginning 20 years ago and kept his membership active each year. He volunteered so many times to Judge the GRBS Road to Memphis Competitions and then travelled to Memphis to support the representing acts. He was one of a kind. Patrick was one of the kindest, nicest person you'd ever have the privilege to know. This truly is a sad moment for our tight knit Blues community. Rest in Peace our Blues Brother.

Gary Kendall (Downchild

Sad news today to hear of the passing of our good friend and tireless supporter, Patrick Monaghan.  In February 2020 he told me that he was terminal, only had a few months left and he was going to continue living life.  Cancer was not going to stop him.  Well he did just that.  His Buckslide Blues radio show continued to showcase artists new and well established.  Pat did his best to make every blues show and special event that fell into his radar.  There must be thousands of his signature thumbs up photos circulating the world.  He and I made a pact that we would have our picture taken together at The Southside Shuffle every year.  We pulled it off in 2021 and 2022 falling just a little short in 2023 as he moves on to the other side.   My heart goes out to his family and friends with a special thank you to Christine who helped him get to the shows he just couldn't miss.  Goodbye my friend, thumbs up.

Smoke Wagon Blues Band

The past weeks have been really hard for the Blues and the music community and it's very difficult to yet again find the words today. The Blues world has lost a son today. We will miss that infectious smile! We will miss that big thumbs up! We will miss your voice! We will miss The Canadian Blues Energizer Bunny! We all love you Patrick 

He was a huge supporter of the band, so much so that before he got sick he was planning on being our official manager. The Smoke Wagon Blues Band and I can not convey how much we appreciated your support and friendship over the years Pat. Outside of the band I've lost a great friend, I visited him on buckslide road, and met up with him around the province year round just to enjoy shows and hang. I will miss my Tuesday nights with Canoe FM but I will miss our weekly conversations on the phone the most of all. Its very difficult to imagine the Canadian Blues scene without you, you were an inspiration of tenacity and energy to us all, a lesson on how to live and fight for your dreams.

It was his bucket list to put on the first ever Haliburton Blues Festival this summer and it breaks my heart to know we won't be celebrating it together. Thank you Patrick for everything. Onward through the fog 

Jim Dan Dee

Dear Patrick Monaghan,
I am so very sad to hear of your passing today, and so grateful to have known you.
I will miss your late night phone calls, stories of Blues legends in smokey clubs and boxing matches. You almost died too many times but then were right back out there at the clubs and festivals; I haven't ever seen someone fight as hard as you and your fuel was gratitude and the Blues. What a life you've lived.
Never will there be a more tremendous supporter of live music, nor a more charismatic smile and the trademark "thumbs up" in EVERY pic. You painted a picture of positivity in the toughest of situations.
I will miss your raspy voice, and your support and encouragement so much. You were the man behind so many meetings with Blues legends and festival coordinators, and believed in me from day one.
I really wish that I picked up the phone one last time... my first thought was to call you when I got the news. You've got one last concert in you, I know it.
You're a true beauty, I'm glad you aren't struggling anymore. My deepest sympathies to Christine without whom you couldn't have continued to attend every damn concert regardless of your health state. All my love and support to Pat's close friends and family.
I'm sure the concerts are even better up there where you are, as are the photo ops. Sending a big thumbs up to my man, Patrick "Madman" Monaghan. Enjoy the big gig in the sky my friend.
Below is a 2020 video by Craig Mumford honouring Patrick



Previous (Moonshine Cafe Owner John Marlatt Passes) - - - Next (May, June & July Episodes of 'Sold on Hamilton')

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

The Grand River Blues Society Turns 20!


Today (May 25, 2023) is that day that the Grand River Blues Society turns 20 years old. We here at HBL salute this amazing organization that has helped keep the Blues alive in our area.

Here are few comments about the anniversary:

Bruce Hall (President, GRBS)
The Grand River Blues Society is celebrating its 20th anniversary this week on Thursday May 25th. We have indeed come a long way from the grass roots launch in Cambridge where in fact about 80 blues fans joined us then for a twenty dollar fee. We are proud that that annual membership is still only twenty dollars.
We would like to celebrate our success by honoring all our members, volunteers, venues, musicians and directors past and present who have helped make this feat possible. The GRBS has committed to making 2023 a year long celebration with more exciting shows and announcements to come. I invite you to check us out on Facebook and our website

Keep Shufflin'

Lou (HBL blogger and founder)

As a member and volunteer for the GRBS, I get to see first hand the dedication the board members and the volunteers have to local music. Blues is in their blood and they work hard to support local artists. Cheers!

Corey Lueck (Smoke Wagon Blues Band

Congratulations to the Grand River Blues society for turning 20! The best thing about the GRBS is the fact that it feels more like a Blues family then a society. We've been honored to represent the Grand River blues society in Memphis at the Memphis Blues challenge and to have performed at their 10th anniversary which seems like yesterday!  They are an inspiration to how a blues society should be run with genuine passion and love for preserving the Blues and we look forward to many more years of  continued success with our Blues family.

John McKinley

The GRBS has been at the forefront of creating a love & appreciation for Blues amongst the youth in our community via the Blues in the Schools program, The Grand River Blues Camp and The Youth Legacy Contest. I have personally witnessed its growth & impact over many years. 


Previous (Josie Music Awards Nominees) - - - Next (Honouring Tina Turner)

Friday, May 19, 2023

Blues With a Feeling 2023 in Hamilton


Hamilton's premiere Blues Party is back for another glorious year! The annual fundraiser (proceeds go the Bob Pedler Fund) in honour of Blues giant King Biscuit Boy (aka Richard Newell) is always the highlight of the season.

This year's edition (June 3, 2023 at 8pm in the Leander Boat Club in Hamilton) is just mind-blowing! The Blackburn Brothers headline an incredible lineup that also features the Smoke Wagon Blues Band, Josh Miller and the Pappy Johns Band as well as Mark LaForme with special guest. It's an unforgettable night for only $25.





Previous (Sue Foley Wins Blues Music Award) - - - Next (Fiddle Day Videos)

Monday, February 20, 2023

Trickbag, Lester Smith & Smoke Wagon Blues Band Videos

Links: TrickbagMore Trickbag StoriesVideo above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Links: Les SmithMore Les Smith StoriesSong courtesy of Lester Smith with Trickbag

Links: Smoke Wagon Blues BandMore Smoke Wagon Blues Band StoriesVideo above courtesy of Corey Lueck


Previous (Mardi Gras Videos) - - - Next (Throwback Thursday: Trickbag Edition)

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Sonny Del Rio's Hamilton Hometown Christmas (December 11)


The Holiday season wouldn't be complete without Sonny Del Rio's Hamilton Hometown Christmas Show! This amazing festive event will rock the Leander Boat Club on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 7pm. Tickets are only $20. Proceeds will go to the Bob Pedler Fund and the venue will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Good Shepherd Food Bank.

This year's incredible lineup includes

Previous (2022 Waterloo Region Arts Awards Winners) - - - Next (Charles M. Schulz's 100th Birthday)

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Remembering the Legendary Ronnie Hawkins

The music world lost a titan on May 29, 2022 when Canadian icon Ronnie Hawkins passed away. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Ronnie was born in Arkansas but moved to Ontario early in his career due to the great reception he received here. He's also responsible for helping launch the careers of many musicians such as the Band, Crowbar and many more.  

Media Links

Social Media Reaction

Robbie Robertson (The Band)

My heart sank when I heard “The Hawk” just flew into the sunset. 

The story of The Band began with Ronnie Hawkins. He was our mentor. He taught us the rules of the road.

Ronnie Hawkins brought me down from Canada to the Mississippi delta when I was 16. He recorded two songs I’d written and thought I might be talented. He tried me out on guitar and bass the only problem was; I’m too young to play in the clubs they toured, I was too inexperienced, not a good enough musician yet, and there are NO Canadians in southern rock and roll bands. But I practiced until my fingers were bleeding and he ended up hiring me against all odds. 

Ron prided himself in always having top notch players in his group. Levon Helm his drummer in the Hawks and I talked Ron into hiring Rick Danko on bass and vocals, Richard Manuel on piano and vocals and Garth Hudson on organ and sax. Along with Levon and me this became the magic combination. 

Ronnie was the godfather. The one who made this all happen. 

He had us rehearsing constantly into the wee hours. We balked about it, but we got better and better. Our goal whether we knew it or not. 

After the Hawks left Ron and went out on our own, we joined up with Bob Dylan. Next the Hawks became The Band and the rest is history, as they say. 

All starting out with Ronnie Hawkins. 

He was not only a great artist, a tremendous performer and bandleader, but had a style of humor unequaled. Fall down funny and completely unique. Yep, God only made one of those. And he will live in our hearts forever. 

My deepest condolences to his family. 

Bless his soul.

Jesse O'Brien

This is a tough one. RIP Ronnie Hawkins, a brilliant, hilarious, once in a lifetime entertainer and family friend. My first stint as a Hawk was in the summer at 15 years old before going back to school.  Thanks Ronnie for so many laughs and lessons, a musical education like no other, and thanks for letting a young kid wear your hat. 

 

Jack de Keyzer

Such a generous man, he was  a father to me, I joined at age 19,  but he told everyone I was 16  lol.  Ronnie Hawkins introduced me to the real  rock and roll lifestyle. We played everywhere from concert halls to biker bars, to supper clubs to strip joints.   Through Ronnie, I met  BB King and Johnny Rivers and Roy Buchanan,  Jerry Lee Lewis, Bo Diddley and   Ian and Sylvia.  We played with Levon Helm and Dr John and had a great band with King Biscuit Boy, John Till, Mike Short, Stan Szeleste, Carl Mathers, Rob Johnston and Wayne King to name a few who are all lifelong friends.  An amazing legacy of great entertainment; humour and music.  RIP Ronnie Hawkins.

Bill Culp Productions

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the legendary Ronnie “The Hawk” Hawkins today. 

While I was plying my trade as a young musician living in Toronto in the 1980’s, I always looked up to Ronnie Hawkins. He was the “king” of the local “Rock’n’Roll” scene while I was just starting out. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to catch his live act on numerous occasions and eventually got to meet the man...more than once. 

It turned out “The Hawk” was a boxing fan, just like me. We’d run into each other at boxing matches, whether it was a live event featuring Canadian Olympian Shawn O’Sullivan, or a closed circuit match featuring Oscar De La Hoya, Ronnie Hawkins was always there. “The Hawk” was a true “man of the people” who loved to talk about music, boxing, and was always quick with a one-liner. 

As I reflect today on this “larger-than-life” character, it’s clear “The Hawk” had a huge influence on my own music career. We both loved “Rockabilly” music, playing with a high-energy, talented band of musicians, and putting on a show. Thanks Ronnie!! 

RIP “THE HAWK”

He will never be forgotten.

Ron Cole

I got to meet Ronnie Hawkins at his home in March. Gary Lucas invited Wendell Ferguson, Mike McCurlie and myself to come play a few BAND songs with accordion, guitar and mando. He loved it. Even said I had a bit of Garth Hudson going on in my playing which was a big compliment for me. Woo, the stories. LOL! Great to have met The Legend, The Hawk and sad to see him go.

The Smoke Wagon Blues Band

Very sad to hear of the passing of the legendary Ronnie Hawkins. Even though Ronnie was originally American his finger prints are all over Canadian Rock'n'roll & Blues history. Especially here in the Hammer and Ontario you'd be hard pressed to find a Rock or Blues group that wasn't touched or directly influenced in some way by the Hawk. 

The Smoke Wagon Blues Band is no different: We got our big break opening for the Hawk back in 2003 at The Burlington Sound of Music Festival. Ronnie had been fighting cancer and hadn't played for some years so 50,000 folks packed into Spencer Smith Park for the show. At that time we were still holding residency in the small cubs of Hamilton's Hess Village when the Hawk requested a local blues band open for him.  We felt so out of our element walking out on that big stage, we couldn't see where the crowd ended gulp! Ronnie was so gracious with us, offering lots of liquid courage back in his trailer as encouragement haha. After the show he invited us back to his trailer for lots of party favors, and to give us shit for covering the same song in our set list (Born in Chicago) haha When he realized my mom was trying to  talk to me through the back gates he said get your mom in here whom was dying to meet him. 

We most definitely got the full Ronnie experience that evening. I met Ronnie a few times over the years but I'll always remember that first moment. Its pretty damn cool to get the chance to share the stage with one of your idols and he sure made it special. Long live the Hawk in our musical memories.


Links: King Biscuit BoyMore KBB StoriesDuane Allman, Video above courtesy of Deep Track Zach

Video above courtesy of Classic Music Videos & Pictures 1960s

Links: The BandMore Stories of The BandVideo above courtesy of plimfec

Links: Ronnie HawkinsMore Ronnie Hawkins Stories,


Previous ('Grand River Blues Society' Solo Blues Challange Rep Chosen)

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

GOOD LUCK! Independent Blues Award Nominees !VOTE!


Hamilton Blues giants Smoke Wagon Blues Band are up for quite a few Independent Blues Awards this year and so are a number of other incredible Canadian artists. Please give them a hand by clicking here to vote.

Below is  a complete list of nominees. Canadians are bolded.

Contemporary Blues Band

Blues Rock Band
  • Smoke Wagon Blues Band (Hamilton)
  • David Rotundo Band (Toronto)
  • Albert Castiglia  
  • Dennis Jones 
  • Kurt Allen 
  • Catfish 
  • Too Slim and the Tail Draggers 
  • Trevor Sewell 
  • Peter Parcek Band 
  • Mike Zito 
  • Dave Fields 
  • AJ Crawdaddy 
  • Tinsley Ellis 
Music Video
Modern Roots
  • Smoke Wagon Blues Band (Hamilton)
  • Rev Freakchild 
  • Skylar Rogers 
  • The Proven Ones 
  • The Claudettes 
  • Rev Shawn Amos 
  • Lousiana Leroux 
  • Randal Bramblett 
  • Cary Morin 
  • Harper and the Midwest Kind 
  • Brianna Harness 
  • John Fusco 
  • Grannie Duffy 
Traditional Blues Song
  • Smoke Wagon Blues Band - Matapedia River Blues
  • Frank Bey – All My Dues are Paid
  • Kim Wilson – Strollin
  • Kenny Blues Boss Wayne – Just Go Do It
  • Duffy Bishop – I’m Gonna Do What I Want
  • The Jimmys – Hotel Stebbins
  • Catfish Keith – Jumpin' Jack Rabbit
  • JD Taylor – You Got Me Where You Want Me
  • John Tesky/Ash Grunwald – Low Down Dog
  • The Nighthawks – Shame Shame
  • Johnny Burgin – Old School Player
  • Eric Hughes – I Ain’t Whipped Yet
Modern Roots Song
Modern Roots CD
  • Smoke Wagon Blues Band (Hamilton) - The Ballad of Albert Johnson
  • Harper and the Midwest Kind - Rise Up
  • Larkin Poe - Self Made Man
  • The Proven Ones - You Ain't Done
  • Gina Sicilia - Love e Madly
  • Kurt Allen - Wiskey Women and and Trouble
  • Katarina Pejak - Outside Looking In
  • Lloyd Jones - Tennesse Run
  • Rev Shawn Amos - Blue Sky
  • Lousiana Leroux - One of Those Days
  • John Fusco - John the Revalator
  • Randall Bramblett - Pine Needle Fire
  • Cary Morin - Dockside Saints
  • Grainne Duffy - Voodoo Blues
Independent Blues R&B/Soul CD
Independent Blues Acoustic CD
Independent Blues LIVE CD
Independent Blues Traditional CD

Female Artist

  • Crystal Shawanda (Wiikwemkoong, Ontario)
  • Gina Siclia 
  • Rory Block 
  • Ghalia Volt 
  • Whitney Shay 
  • Katarina Pejak 
  • Shaun Murphy 
  • Kat Riggins 
  • Hurricane Ruth 
  • Kirsten Thien 
  • Vanessa Collier 
  • Eliza Neals 
  • Cathy Lemons 
Independent Blues Contemporary CD
Blues Soul Artist
  • JW Jones (Ottawa)
  • Sass Jordan (Montreal)
  • Whitney Shay 
  • The Lucky Losers 
  • Kirk Fletcher 
  • Gerald McClendon 
  • Mick Hayes 
  • Vanessa Collier 
  • Kevin Burt 
  • Devin B Thompson 
  • Chris Thomas King 
  • Mindi Abair

Male Artist

  • Big Harp George
  • Walter Trout 
  • Kenny Blues Boss Wayne 
  • John Nemeth 
  • Johnny Iguana 
  • Kim Wilson 
  • Bob Margolin 
  • Kirk Fletcher 
  • Bobby Rush 
  • Albert Castiglia 
  • Mike Zito 
  • Bernard Allison 

Traditional Blues Band 
  • Bob Margolin 
  • Big Harp George 
  • Frank Bey 
  • Kenny Blues Boss Wayne 
  • Duffy Bishop 
  • Mary Jo Curry 
  • Kim Wilson 
  • The Nighthawks 
  • John Blues Boyd 
  • Johnny Burgin 
  • Eric Hughes Band 
  • Anthony Geraci
New Artist
  • Bywater Call (Toronto)
  • Dione Taylor (Regina)
  • Mary Jo Curry 
  • Johnny and the Mongrels 
  • Avey Grouws Band 
  • Gravel and Grace 
  • Jose Ramirez 
  • Nora Jean Wallace 
  • Mandalyn 
  • Sayed Sabrina 
  • John Tesky & Ash Grunwald
Content Creators
  • Danny Brooks and Lil Deb (Toronto)
  • Larkin Poe  
  • Mindi Abair 
  • Jackie Venson 
  • Rory Block 
  • Samantha Fish 
  • Ronnie Baker Brooks 
  • Joe Bonamassa  
  • Ally Venable 
  • Avey Grouws Band 
  • Damon Fowler 
  • John Primer 
  • Mike Zito
R&B - Soul Song 
Contemporary Blues Song 
Song for the Common Good
  • Davi Rotundo Band (Toronto) – So Much Trouble
  • Dennis Jones – Like Sheep
  • Avey Grouws Band – Rise Up
  • John Pagano Band – Rise Up
  • Kenny Blues Boss Wayne – Don’t Shoot me Down
  • Brianna Harness – Quarantine 
  • Victor Wainwright – America
  • Gravel and Grace – Bottles – Ava Grace
  • Ronnie Earl – Black Lives Matter
  • Mike Zito – What it use to Be
  • David Keller – Land of the Lonely
  • Chris Thomas King – Black Lives Matter
New Artists CD
Gateway Artist
  • Johnny and the Mongrels 
  • Kirtk Fletcher 
  • Mick Hayes 
  • Kevin Burt 
  • Whitney Shay 
  • Ghalia Volt 
  • Mindi Abair 
  • Larkin Poe  
  • Samantha Fish 
  • Vanessa Collier 
  • Mike Zito 
  • Albert Castiglia 
Engineer/Producer
  • Tom Hambridge
  • Jim Gaines
  • Eric Corne
  • Kid Andersen
  • Kenny Neal
  • Mike Zito
  • Tad Benoit
  • Tony Braunagel
  • Luther Dickinson
Blues Rock Song
  • Kurt Allen – Graveyard Blues
  • Chris Bevington – Deep River
  • Peter Parcek – Mississippi Suitcase
  • Alastair Greene – The New World Blues
  • Tinsley Ellis – Foolin Yourself
  • Albert Castiglia – Big Dog
  • Larkin Poe – Holy Ghost Fire
  • Eric Johanson – Down to the Bottom
  • Dave Fields – Force of Will
  • Hurricane Ruth – Good Life
  • AJ Crawdaddy – Big Hurt
  • Walter Trout – Ordinary Madness
Independent Blues Rock CD
  • Wily Bo Walker - Ain't No Man a Good Man
  • Dave Fields - Force of Will
  • Dennis Jones - Soft Hard and Loud
  • Peter Parcek - Mississippi Suitcase
  • Tinsley Ellis - Ice Cream in Hell
  • Alastair Greene - The New World Blues
  • Hurricane Ruth - Good Life
  • AJ Crawdaddy - Steppin Out
  • Too Slim and the Taildraggers - The Remedy
  • Eric Johanson - Below Sea Level
  • Eliza Neals - Black Crow Moan
  • Mike Zito - Quarantine Blues
  • Walter Trout - Ordinary Madness

Previous (Phil Naro Passes) - - - Next (National Cartoonists Day)

Monday, April 5, 2021

Big Walter Horton's 100th Birthday

Today (April 6, 2021) would have been American Blues legend Big Walter Horton's (aka Mumbles and Shakey) 100th birthday.

Biography highlights (from Wikipedia)

Comments from local musicians

Sam De Rosa aka Sweet Sammy D

I have been stealing his licks since day one. Big Walter was the author of signature licks we all tried to emulate and still are.

Lester Smith

Big Walter had monster tone and power.  His solo in Jimmy Rogers Walking by Myself is one of the most iconic and skillful in blues history.  

Corey Lueck (Smoke Wagon Blues Band

To this day, Shakey is one of those essential harp players that well; make your head shake! And your feet stomp! It blows my mind how comfortable and big his sound always was in both first or second position. Not hard not to understand why Willie Dixon always said he was the best harp player ever.

Michael Reed aka Shrimp Daddy

Big Walter “Shakey” Horton... he hated that moniker... Big Walter was the proof that gear like Mics and Amps are not what create great tone.  When asked how he gets his sound Walter said “I get my tone from my hands.  A true master of the Harmonica Big Walter had the biggest tone and was an amazing player .

Jay Kipps

Big Walter / Shakey, could channel the sound of a full horn section thru his harmonica. First time I heard him I remember I threw my hands in the air and cheered like I scored a goal, he opened my mind to what you can do with this great little instrument. What a gift to us all he was.

Video above courtesy of MyMoppet52

Video above courtesy of Iago Israel

Video above courtesy of Walter Horton - Topic

Links: Big Walter HortonMore 100th Birthdays


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Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Winners of Maple Blues Awards, Final Day, Including Hamilton's Smoke Wagon Blues Band


This year, the Maple Blues Awards are online and divided between four Mondays in February.

The last day - day four (February 22) was streamed from Vancouver.

Below is a video of the final ceremony:


Blast from the Past: Last Years' Winners