For more than 20 years, BSC has been capturing and exporting the sounds of Memphis and the Delta region. It is our mission to celebrate the culture of our region by sharing our music with the world.
Bluesman Leo “Bud” Welch passed away December 19, 2017 at the age of 85. Born in 1932 in Sabougla, Mississippi, Welch spent his entire life in the Hill Country of North Mississippi. We are rebroadcasting this episode, originally aired in 2016, in tribute to our friend, Bud. As a bonus, this episode also contains a feature of Cadillac John Nolden.
In early 1970, Booker T Jones was on sabbatical in California having grown disillusioned with confines of Stax Records and Memphis, when he heard the Beatles’ latest effort, Abbey Road. So moved was he by the Beatles’ genius and daring, that he sat down and drafted his own Memphis-style tribute to the group. The album, released later that same year, is titled McLemore Avenue, after the street where Stax’s studio and headquarters were located. This week on BSC, we have Memphis’ very own Booker T and The MG’s tribute band, The Maitre D’s, performing McLemore Avenue from start to finish in a performance captured on the cutting room floor of Studio A at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
This week we’ve got the delta blues – gypsy jazz – big band swing of the Squirrel Nut Zippers, featuring frontman Jimbo Mathus, to get us in the holiday spirit as they perform their 1998 album, Christmas Caravan, from start to finish. #ilistentomemphis
This week on Beale Street Caravan we are bringing you an incredible double feature. In the first half of the episode we pay tribute to recently passed Delta Bluesman, CeDell Davis. You'll hear outtakes from his last appearance on our program in 2015 when he came to Memphis with Jimbo Mathus and Zakk and Big Papa Binns and performed at The Hi Tone.
In the second half you’ll hear from master of the Hill Country blues, RL Boyce, in a performance and interview at the New Roxy Theater during Deep Blues Festival this year. #ilistentomemphis
This week we feature a hometown performance by the North Mississippi Allstars -- Luther Dickinson and Cody Dickinson -- at the Levitt Shell in Midtown, Memphis. Their roots run deep here; we talk about how they are woven into fabric of Memphis music culture, including their history with the Beale Street Caravan program! Also on the episode, BSC contributor Robert Gordon returns to continue his series on the History of Hi Records. #ilistentomemphis
John Kilzer is a lot of things: Former NCAA basketball standout at the Univ. of Memphis, college professor, major-label recording artist , and a behind-the-scenes songwriter for the stars. Most recently, he’s added minister to the list. For some rock and rollers, that would indicate quite a departure. But for John Kilzer, it’s all part of a bigger plan. On this week’s program, we catch up at the Levitt Shell in Midtown, Memphis and talk about songwriting, his friendship with Teenie Hodges, and how his ministry uses music to touch lives. #ilistentomemphis
This week on Beale Street Caravan we feature one of Memphis' most cherished treasures, Susan Marshall, as she celebrates the release of her most recent studio effort, 639 Madison.
BSC Contributor Robert Gordon is back to tell us more about the History of Hi Records. #ilistentomemphis
Tank and the Bangas in a killer live performance at the historic Clayborn Temple in downtown Memphis, TN. Interview with Memphis musician Tonya Dyson, and BSC Contributor Robert Gordon returns to talk about the History of Hi Records.
Reverend John Wilkins in a performance at the Country Blues Festival, recorded live at the Levitt Shell in midtown Memphis, TN. BSC contributor Robert Gordon returns to continue his series on the History of Hi Records.
Join us for performances by Amy Black at Lafayette's Music Room backed by Memphis' legendary Hi Rhythm section, followed by the Blueshift Ensemble with Don Lifted at Crosstown Concourse. Interviews with Amy, Don Lifted, and Jonathan Kirkscey of Blueshift Ensemble. #ilistentomemphis
Join us as we celebrate Memphis/New Orleans restauranteur (and BSC community partner) Karen Blockman Carrier's 15th year bringing great music and food to Midtown. We have the best of both worlds as New Orleans and Memphis collide in today's show featuring The Wild Magnolia Mardi Gras Indians and Jack Oblivian. BSC contributor Robert Gordon returns to continue his series on the History of Hi Records. #ilistentomemphis
This week we have Shannon McNally in a performance recorded at the Levitt Shell in Memphis. She has a new record out titled “Black Irish,” produced by Rodney Crowell and available now on Compass Records.
Also on the program, BSC Contributor Robert Gordon will be with us to talk about the History of Hi Records.
Don Bryant is a Memphis music legend. We are mighty proud to kick off our 22nd season with a recording of his hometown performance at the Levitt Shell. Don has recently released his album, Don’t Give Up On Love, on Fat Possum Records, so be sure to check that out along with his tour dates -- he may be coming to a venue near you! #ilistentomemphis
The Mighty Souls Brass Band, a rotating collective of composer-players versed in a multitude of musical traditions, isn’t a soul band, nor is it a funk band, a marching band, or a swing band. The term "brass band" might make you think of New Orleans, and sure, that's in there, but there's way more to it. The Mighty Souls are something you really have to experience - you really have to take in the melodies, the dynamics, the amazing arrangements to truly get it- so we're excited to introduce them to our listeners. The Mighty Souls "know where their roots lie, but also where their branches are
BSC favorites Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks join us this week for a scorching set captured at The Orpheum Theater at the intersection of Beale and Main St. in Memphis. The band just released its fifth album, Live At The Fox - Oakland.
This week we go back in the archives with two foot stomping, butt-shaking performances captured right here in Memphis. First up, a set by the Dirty Streets at one of BSC's favorite little midtown clubs, BAR DKDC. In the second half of the show, a set by Luther Dickinsonfeaturing Sharde "fifemastor" Thomas on one of Luther's favorite stages in Memphis, the front porch of Shangri-La Records.
BSC contributor John Paul Keith is back for another installment of Something on the Side.
This week we feature Stax Records recording artist Southern Avenue in a performance at Loflin Yard as they celebrate the release of their self titled debut album. With their unique melting pot of blues, gospel, and soul influences, they epitomize what great Memphis music is all about.
Also BSC contributor Preston Lauterbach continues his series the Chitlin’ Circuit and The Road to Rock n Roll.
Imagine the greatest mixtape accompanied by the best liner notes ever. Join us for a listening session with writers from Oxford American magazine, featuring music from their 18th annual Southern Music issue, Visions of the Blues. For the first time, the issue is completely devoted to a single genre theme, and what better way to showcase Southern music culture than through the sounds of the Blues.
This week on BSC we are traveling through the archives to revisit the time when the rock n roll circus known as Low Cut Connie came to town and brought a Memphis-inspired house party with them. We sat down with frontman Adam Weiner in the second-half of the program and talked about his unique ties to the city and BSC.
BSC contributor John Paul Keith also be joins us to continue his series, Made In Memphis.
Mike Doughty is fearless. We like that sort of attitude in Memphis. The former frontman for the 90’s experimental juggernaut, Soul Coughing, continues to spin heads and get butts shaking with his 9th solo release, The Heart Watches While the Brain Burns. Mike calls Memphis home these days (we promise to take good care of him) and so we thought we’d give our listeners a taste of what he’s been up to. We caught up with Mike on the last date of his most recent tour at The HiTone Cafe.
Also on the episode, John Paul Keith returns with his series about the sidemen of rock n roll, Something On The Side.
Memphis goes to Nashville for the weekend!
The “Memphis Picnic” at 2016 Americana Fest featuring:
Rev. John Wilkins
Bo-Keys
Motel Mirrors
Mark Edgar Stuart
Memphis Ukulele Band
Castro Coleman, aka Mr. Sipp, was born in McComb, MS and has been playing the guitar since the age of 6. A Malaco recording artist, he was awarded The Blues Foundation 2016 Best New Artist for his album, The Mississippi Blues Child. This week we feature a live performance from the Mighty Mississippi Music Festival captured during Bridging the Blues.
BSC contributor William Lee Ellis continues his series, Religion and the Blues.
This week’s episode celebrates quite an amazing collaboration of musical talent and genius. We are talking about five time Grammy award winner Robert Cray, backed by the legendary Hi Rhythm Section and renowned drummer and producer Steve Jordan. BSC was there to capture an epic performance for the release of their latest album, Robert Cray and Hi Rhythm, plus an interview with Robert and Steve from a rehearsal at Royal Studios right here in Memphis.
This week we have two jaw dropping BSC first timers. First up, rising star Gracie Curran & The High Falutin' Band. We caught up with her recently for a high-energy, house-rockin' performance at Loflin Yard.
Later in the program, we have Matt Lorenz, aka The Suitcase Junket -- artist, tinkerer, swamp yankee, one-man band. Enough said. You just gotta listen.
Also on the episode, John Paul Keith returns with his series about the sidemen of rock n roll, Something On The Side. #ilistentomemphis
Robert Finley got his big break at last year’s King Biscuit Blues Festival when he talked the sound engineer into letting him get on stage in between acts and play a song. He wowed the crowd, captured the attention of Music Makers Relief and went home with a record deal in his pocket. He joins us this week in a performance captured during Bridging The Blues celebrating the release of his debut record, Age Don’t Mean A Thing, on Big Legal Mess Records.
BSC contributor William Lee Ellis returns to continue his series, Religion and the Blues.
We wrap our 21st year on the air with an encore performance from The Lovelight Orchestra. It's real-deal Memphis Blues. The sophisticated blues and jazz sounds you would have heard floating from the windows of The Palace on Beale Street in the 40's and 50's.
LLO features Blues Music Award-winner John Nemeth on vocals, Joe Restivo on guitar, Tim Goodwin on bass, Earl Lowe on drums, Gerald Stephens on keys, and a five piece horn section that includes Marc Franklin, Scott Thompson, Art Edmaiston, Jason Yasinksy, and Kirk Smothers. The band has recently signed to Blue Barrel Records and the group is working on a full-length release with producer Matt Ross-Spang. This performance was captured at Loflin Yard in downtown Memphis.
On this week's episode, BSC presents The City Champs in a performance at Loflin Yard; plus an interview with the band -- guitarist Joe Restivo, organist Al Gamble and drummer George Sluppick.
Adam Hill returns with his series, Made In Memphis.
Highlights from the Blues Foundation's 38th annual Blues Music Awards in Memphis, TN. Plus an interview with Barbara Newman, President and CEO of the Blues Foundation.
This week we have Rodd Bland and the Members Only Band performing a tribute to his father, Bobby Blue Bland, recorded live at B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale Street during the 2017 Blues Music Awards weekend. Special guests include John Nemeth, Sugaray Rayford, Janiva Magness, and Mike Ledbetter.
BSC contributor John Paul Keith returns with his series, Something on the Side
In a perfect world, this is the kind of straight ahead, power-trio, rock & roll that would blare from every car stereo on the planet. But until the rest of civilization catches up with discerning tastes, listeners can always count on Beale Street Caravan to deliver. Perennial favorite, Alvin Youngblood Hart, joins us this week and with him comes his Marshall half-stack, and the thundering accompaniment of his aptly named rhythm section, Muscle Theory. Later in the show, Pat sits down backstage with Alvin and we get an update on several projects he has in the works.
Also, BSC contributor, Eddie Hankins, returns with his series - American Studios: Memphis' Hit Factory.
Highlights from the North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic featuring Kenny Brown, The Rising Star Fife and Drum Corp, Blue Mother Tupelo, Garry Burnside, and Alvin Youngblood Hart; Interview with founder and Executive Director Sara Brown
William Lee Ellis continues his series, Religion and The Blues
On this week's Beale Street Caravan we spend the hour with The Daddy Mack Blues Band as they celebrate the release of their album, Blues Central. Singer and guitarist, Mack Orr, has been a part of the Memphis blues scene for decades - originally playing in legendary group, The Fieldstones - and The Daddy Mack Blues Band delivers its blues real, raw, and funky. So, the party will be coming right at you through your speakers on this week's show.
This week BSC celebrates a true piece of music history with a tribute to the legendary Sun Records. John Paul Keith, Will Tucker, Chuck Mead, and a few more special guests come together on stage to perform some of the greatest songs recorded right here in Memphis. We also share an archived interview with the man who started it all, Sam Phillips.
Over the past few seasons, BSC has brought our listeners a lot of Memphis music from a funky Midtown dive known as BAR DKDC(Don't Know, Don't Care). On this week’s program we take a closer look at what makes a music spot special. We talk with the owner, restaurateur Karen Carrier, and we have killer performances from Reigning Sound and Lucy Woodward ! #ilistentomemphis
If you’ve ever found yourself walking down Beale Street in search of real deal, authentic blues music, chances are your ears led you into a club where you danced the night away with The Eric Hughes Band. Eric joins us this week in a performance captured at the Bonafide Blues Fest in Memphis, Tn.
BSC contributor William Lee Ellis returns to continue his series, Religion and the Blues.
This week on BSC we feature Scott Sharrard performing with Memphis' own Bo-Keys in Studio A at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Hi Records legend Don Bryant joins in for a couple of songs.
Also BSC contributor Preston Lauterbach continues his series the Chitlin’ Circuit and The Road to Rock n Roll.
This week on BSC we feature a performance by Bill Abel from the Mighty Mississippi Music Fest during Bridging the Blues. He's an accomplished potter and visual-artist, but most folks know him as an omni-present force on the Delta festival and jook joint circuit.
Also BSC contributor Preston Lauterbach continues his series the Chitlin’ Circuit and The Road to Rock n Roll.
This week on BSC we bring highlights from the finals of the Blues Foundation’s 2017 International Blues Challenge. For 33 years, Beale Street has opened it's hallowed music halls and bar rooms for one special week to hundreds of aspiring artists from around the globe. For many it's a shot at living the dream, for others it's the experience of coming to Memphis and playing the rooms and street corners that their heroes played. The level of talent is incredibly high, and the vibe and bustle on the street is electric. Listen in as we interview participants and air highlight performances from the finals.
Winner, Band Category - Dawn Tyler Watson, The Montreal Blues Society
Runner-up, Band Category - The Souliz Band featuring Sugar and Spice, Suncoast Blues Society
Winner, Solo/Duo Category - Al Hill, Nashville Blues Society
Runner-up, Solo/Duo Category - Brody Buster’s One Man Band, Kansas City Blues Society
This week on BSC we feature Greyhounds. Andrew Trube and Anthony Farrell have been collaborators in some form or fashion for over 15 years - as session musicians and songwriters, on the road backing other artists, and working together on a catalog of songs that they've released sporadically under the Greyhounds moniker.
Also on the program, we continue our series "The Man Who Invented Rock and Roll." This week, the late Sam Phillips talks about Rufus Thomas.
This week’s episode showcases two bluesmen whose music can be heard at blues festivals around the world, in documentary films, or performing at juke joints right in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Both play harmonica and guitar, and both were recorded during Bridging The Blues performances last fall. Listen as Watermelon Slim takes the stage at the Bonafide Blues Festival and Terry “Harmonica” Bean plays the Mighty Mississippi Music Festival.
BSC contributor Preston Lauterbach continues his series the Chitlin’ Circuit and The Road to Rock n Roll.
This week on BSC we feature a performance by Jericho Road Show from the Mighty Mississippi Music Fest during Bridging the Blues. The group is a collaboration between well-seasoned Americana Roots & Blues musicians Rambling Steve Gardner, Libby Rae Watson, Wes Lee and Bill Steber. All successful artists in their own right, together they create a powerhouse.
BSC contributor Preston Lauterbach continues his series the Chitlin’ Circuit and The Road to Rock n Roll.
This week we're featuring historical concert recordings from Bukka White, Furry Lewis, and Sleepy John Estes. These recordings are taken from the Memphis Blues Caravan tours of the early 1970's during the revival of each of these legendary musician's careers. Also this week we begin a new series from BSC contributor, Adam Hill. We are calling it Made in Memphis, and it's presented by Ardent Studios. Made in Memphis will be taking you behind the scenes to see how some of the most influential records in the world were made.
This week we catch up with the one and only James "Super Chikan" Johnson and his raw, electrified, Mississippi juke joint sound. This performance was captured at The Memphis Blues Society’s Bona Fide Blues Festival during Bridging the Blues.
Also on the program, BSC contributor, Preston Lauterbach, discusses the Chitlin’ Circuit and The Road to Rock n Roll.
Grammy nominated blues artist, Cedric Burnside, is back with us this week. Cedric is the grandson of the late, great R.L. Burnside, and he plays the Hill Country blues like nobody else. If your butt doesn’t shake during this week’s show, there might be something wrong with you. This performance was captured at The Memphis Blues Society’s Bonafide Blues Festival during Bridging the Blues.
Also on the program, BSC contributor, Preston Lauterbach, discusses the Chitlin’ Circuit and The Road to Rock n Roll.
Mississippi is still home to most authentic blues artists in the country. While some hopped trains headed north and became superstars in Memphis and Chicago, many stayed back to create that signature soundtrack for life in the Delta. We have two, living embodiments of that original Delta, country blues sound with us this week: Cadillac John Nolden and Pat Thomas in sets captured at the Mighty Mississippi Blues Fest in Greenville, MS during Bridging The Blues.
BSC contributor William Lee Ellis returns to continue his series, Religion and the Blues.
Blues, Soul, and Rock and Roll continue to evolve and inspire. While BSC tends to favor the veterans and living legends, this week we have two acts, Edward David Anderson and CATL that have dynamic, innovative and fresh approaches, yet deep love and reverence for the traditions of yesterday.
BSC contributor William Lee Ellis returns to continue his series, Religion and the Blues.
Last week we broadcast highlights from the Hill Country Picnic. This week we have the main event. Reigning King of the Hill Country, Kenny Brown, is with us with an incendiary set of gut bucket, hip-shaking blues.
BSC contributor William Lee Ellis returns to continue his series, Religion and the Blues.
The Love Light Orchestra featuring John Nemeth, interview with bandleaders Joe Restivo and Marc Franklin
William Lee Ellis continues his series, Religion and The Blues
Interview with John Paul Keith and Will Tucker, who plays the role of Scotty Moore in the upcoming series Million Dollar Quartet
Beale Street Caravan contributor William Lee Ellis begins his series, Religion and The Blues
One of Memphis' most loved acts, Deering & Down are with us to celebrate the release of their newest studio effort, Know Rhyme Know Reason on BAA Records.
