Sadly the BLUES world lost a legendary drummer and voice. Levon Helm lost his battle with throat Cancer on April 19th. He had been Performing as of late this March. His health took a quick turn for the worst. Cancer is tragically claiming so many music legends

Condolences to the Helm family.

Here is a classic performance of 'The Weight' with the Staple singers from 1976. (the last waltz)

Visit his WEB site for more info: http://www.levonhelm.com

Manufactures, retailers and musicians converge at the 110th National Association of Music Merchant Show (NAMM) in Anaheim California. It is the largest musical instruments and products trade show in the United States.

NAMM is the crossroads for bringing the latest tools for producing music to the buying world, where business deals, demonstrations, educational session,and live performances make up the four day event.

Walking the isles of the massive convention center, there is no escaping the wall of sound and masses of people. According to NAMM officials the 2012 attendance set a record with a reported 95,709 registered attendees, a six percent increase from last year.

BLUES made its presence everywhere you turned, from guitar greats testing products to open jams of artists through out the halls.

John Mayer was on hand talking up Martin Guitar’s new '0045SC Stagecoach' acoustic guitar- moments later demonstrating the guitars beautiful tone.

Video courtesy of Harmony Central.

(Click Photo)

You Blues is proud to present Featured Artist T-Bone Walker.

Aaron Thibadeaux "T-Bone" Walker born May 28, 1910, was an American blues guitarist, singer, songwriter. Who was one of the most loved and influential pioneers in BLUES. Innovator of the jump blues and electric blues sound. He is believed by some biographers to be the first musician to perform playing the electric guitar. His solos influenced blues players like B.B. King and such rockers as Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

In the 1920s, the teenage Walker learned from the street string bands of Dallas. Walker left school at age 10, and by 15,he was a professional on the blues circuit. Charlie Christian was his mentor. Initially, he was Jefferson's protege and would guide him around town for to gigs. In 1929, Walker made his recording debut with a single for Columbia Records, "Wichita Falls Blues"/"Trinity River Blues," billed as Oak Cliff T-Bone.

At the age of 26 he was working the clubs in Los Angeles' Central Avenue; sometimes as the featured singer and guitarist with Les Hite's orchestra. 1942, saw him with his second record release. Rolling Stone once claimed that he "shocked everyone" with his newly developed distinctive song upon the release of his first single "Mean Old World", on Capitol Records.

Much of his work was recorded from 1946–1948 on Black & White Records, including his most famous song, 1947's "Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday Is Just as Bad)". Other notable songs he recorded during this period were "Bobby Sox Blues" (a #3 R&B hit in 1946), and "West Side Baby" (#8 on the R&B singles charts in 1948).

By the early 1960s, Walker's career had slowed down but had continued to perform into the 70’s. He did record albums from 1968-1974. Following a stroke in March 1975, he died at the age of 64.

(excerpts from Wikipedia)

Keith Richards talking about how the Blues kicked off in Britain, along with the Rolling Stones themselves. From the BBC4 show, "Can Blue Men Play The Whites", as part of Blues Britannia. Also features Bill Wyman and Paul Jones.

Live from Los Angeles,

Keep BLUES alive by supporting todays artists.

Visit: Johnmayer.com "Where The Light Is" John Mayer @ the Nokia Theatre live in Los Angeles DVD

The late Tom Dowd was a Blues fan, musician,legendary engineer, producer, physicist, mathematician, and everyday genius. Along with Eric Clapton he discusses how the album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs came together with Clapton, Duane Allman, and Derick and the Dominos.

Filmed at Criteria Studios in Miami, FL, Dowd is shown at work behind the soundboards and reflecting on his memorable career. Dowd, whose creative spirit and passion for innovative technology helped shape the course of modern music, takes the controls behind the mixer relearning the title song Layla 30 years after its creation. From "Tom Dowd The Language of Music."

Mr. Dowd's credits include recording sessions with Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, Otis Redding, John Coltrane, The Allman Brothers Band, Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Cream, Rod Stewart, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Booker T. & the MG's and countless other musical luminaries.

Born 20 October 1925 in New York, New York, died 27 October 2002 in Aventura, Florida.

One of Tom Dowds legacies is a music treasure chest filled with timeless classics.

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Here Eric talks about Johnsons guitar style and approach from the 'Robert Johnson sessions'