By John Morthland, eMusic ContributorThe biggest debate in blues circles these days is, "where did the blues begin?" Ever since the blues revival of the 50s and 60s, the answer has been "the Mississippi Delta." But in recent years,… more »

By Mike McGonigal, eMusic Contributor"Yes, I'm gonna get me religion, I'm gonna join the Baptist Church/ You know I wanna be a Baptist preacher, just so I won't have to work" — Son House, "Preachin 'the Blues" Blues singers recorded… more »

By Yancey Strickler, eMusic ContributorIn ways that grow more important by the day, the 1972 presidential contest between incumbent Republican Richard Nixon and Democrat George McGovern has dictated the tone, style and execution of every election since. It birthed… more »

By John Morthland, eMusic ContributorWhen you take everything away from Robert Johnson except the music — when you ignore the myth that built for nearly half a century, the stories of going to the crossroads to sell his soul… more »

By John Morthland, eMusic ContributorBoth were born and raised in the Mississippi Delta and have binding ties to Robert Johnson. Both are primarily acoustic bluesmen, though they occasionally play electric guitar and/or with a band. Their repertoires include many… more »

By John Morthland, eMusic ContributorQuick, name all the major blues stars you can think of who aren't guitarists. Applying the term "major star" liberally, there's Marcia Ball, Dr. John and Pinetop Perkins on piano; Kim Wilson, Carey Bell, Charlie… more »