Bobby "Blue" Bland

Jewel Bass is known for singing backup on countless Malaco recordings since 1969 and with her own band, These Days. She started singing in church, influenced by her uncles who sang in a gospel group. After joining an R&B band that toured the East Coast, she began singing for Malaco Records in Jackson, Mississippi. Over the years, she recorded with Bobby Bland, Johnny Taylor and Benny Latimore. Along the way she recorded on her own to great success with such hits as “Mr. Big Stuff” in 1972 and “Sugar Britches,” which was recorded in 1976. Since the 1990s, she has toured the wor

James Cotton learned the blues from many of the greatest artists in recorded history! As a result his style of playing is our link to the early development of the music form, especially those influences in the years following World War II. James was nine years old when he played with Sonny Boy Williamson and later played with icons such as Howling Wolf, Muddy Waters, Bobby “Blue” Bland, BB King and Big Mama Thorton, among many others. His passion for music and his willingness to share his style with others has made him one of the most beloved bluesmen of our time.

Will McFarlane has proudly traveled the world touring with some of the biggest names in music as a journeyman musician. He toured with Bonnie Raitt in the 1970s, which was a wonderful experience considering his love of the Blues and all of the great iconic players who would join her on stage. Will also has made his mark in the recording studios, serving as a studio musician at Muscle Shoals Sound for over 20 years. He recorded with the likes of Etta James, Little Milton, Johnny Taylor and Bobby “Blue” Bland who described the type of tasty guitar fills he wanted Will to play as “lo

Ike Turner was well known for his role in the life of Tina Turner and as the guitarist and arranger of her early career. However, during our interview with him, Ike took the time to discuss the early part of his own music career beginning with the first rock and roll song “Rocket 88” for which Ike played the great piano boogie-jump style that defined the early days of rock. Ike produced a host of recordings for performers such as Bobby “Blue” Bland and Otis Rush and is credited for discovering harmonica legend James Cotton. His Oral History interview was completed in Carlsbad, CA