BLUES HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2025 ANNOUNCED

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The Blues Foundation has announced the 2025 inductees into the Blues Hall of Fame, honoring individuals and various works that have significantly contributed to the blues genre. This year's class encompasses a diverse array of performers, recordings, literature, and industry figures, reflecting the rich tapestry of blues history.

Performers

The 2025 Blues Hall of Fame Class features five distinguished performers:

Bob Stroger: At 94, Bob Stroger becomes the oldest performer ever inducted. A veteran bassist, Stroger is acclaimed for his role as a rhythmic cornerstone with countless Chicago blues bands since the 1950s, working closely with luminaries like Otis Rush and Sunnyland Slim. His steady touring, teaching, and recording career testify to his enduring passion for the music and generosity in nurturing the next generation of blues artists.

William Bell: William Bell is celebrated for his influential work at Stax Records in Memphis. He gained prominence with his 1961 hit "You Don't Miss Your Water" and co-wrote classics like "Born Under a Bad Sign," famously recorded by Albert King. Bell's seamless blend of gospel, R&B, and blues has solidified his status as a torchbearer for Memphis music, with a career spanning several decades.

Blind Willie Johnson: A Texas-born guitarist and vocalist, Blind Willie Johnson is renowned for his powerful voice and masterful slide guitar technique. Although his repertoire was exclusively spiritual, songs like "Dark Was the Night—Cold Was the Ground" and "The Soul of a Man" have left an indelible mark on the blues genre. His recordings from 1927 to 1930 have inspired countless musicians across various genres.

Henry Townsend: Henry Townsend was a versatile blues musician, proficient in both guitar and piano. His career spanned over eight decades, during which he recorded extensively and influenced many artists. Townsend's dedication to the blues and his adaptability across instruments have cemented his legacy as a pivotal figure in the genre's history.

Jessie Mae Hemphill: Jessie Mae Hemphill was a pioneering female blues artist from Mississippi. Known for her distinctive guitar playing and soulful vocals, she brought a unique perspective to the blues. Hemphill's work has been instrumental in highlighting the contributions of women to the genre and preserving the musical traditions of the Mississippi hill country.

Classic of Blues Recording – Album

Lightnin' Hopkins' "Gold Star Sessions": Recorded between 1947 and 1950, these sessions capture Lightnin' Hopkins at a creative peak, featuring improvised songs and signature boogie rhythms. Originally released on Gold Star 78s, the sessions were later compiled by Arhoolie and remain a testament to Hopkins' status as a poet of the Texas blues.

Classic of Blues Recording – Singles

This year's inductees in the singles category include:

Irma Thomas – "Don't Mess With My Man": Irma Thomas' 1959 hit showcased her rising star power in New Orleans.

Sylvester Weaver – "Guitar Rag": Released in 1923, this track introduced the slide guitar to mainstream audiences, later popularized by Bob Wills as "Steel Guitar Rag."

Bessie Smith – "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out": Smith's 1929 rendering remains an iconic reflection of hard times.

Blind Lemon Jefferson – "See That My Grave Is Kept Clean": This 1927 recording became a hallmark of the Texas blues style.

B.B. King – "Why I Sing the Blues": Released in 1969, this track integrated the struggles of African Americans into a contemporary blues statement, helping King cross over into mainstream recognition.

Classic of Blues Literature

"Woman With Guitar: Memphis Minnie's Blues": This work delves into the life and legacy of Memphis Minnie, offering an in-depth look at her contributions to the blues and her role as a pioneering female guitarist and vocalist.

Individuals – Business, Production, Media, Academic

Bob Geddins: The Blues Foundation pays tribute to Bob Geddins for his tremendous production work and business acumen that shaped the Bay Area blues scene.

The 2025 Blues Hall of Fame induction ceremony, set to take place May 7, 2025 at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in Memphis , Tennessee, will not only honor these individuals and works but also celebrate the rich history and ongoing impact of the blues. For more information about the event and the inductees, visit The Blues Foundation's official website using the button below. Keep The Blues Alive!