Live in Dallas by Last of The Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen

The Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas and the

Magnolia in Fort Worth catered to well-dressed

audiences who were transfixed by the soulful shouts of

Johnny Taylor, the screaming Telecaster of Albert Collins

and the eerie cry of Albert King’s Flying V. On October

16th, 2004, Dallas once again reclaimed its place as a

blues capitol when the four remaining elders of the blues

reunited on the stage of the historic Majestic Theater for

a grand performance. It was a night that was 90 years in

the making, but will live on for eternity.

Henry James Townsend

He goes by the name of Henry James Townsend but his

friends call him “The Mule”. Though the nickname’s origin is a

mystery, it could refer to his stubborn will to keep playing. At

the time of this recording, the dean of St. Louis blues and

reigning patriarch of the blues, Henry James never had played

Dallas in his 94 years. He is the only American recording artist

to have recorded in every decade since the 1920’s. Henry’s

music is a unique combination of country and city blues,

tempered with just the right amount of influences from

Lonnie Johnson and Roosevelt Sykes. The best part about

Henry is the wisdom he shares with the audience about his

life and his music. It’s insightful, provocative and timeless.

Joe Willie “Pinetop” Perkins

Born July 7, 1913 in Belzoni, Mississippi, Grammy Award

winner Joe Willie “Pinetop” Perkins took up piano mid-career

after he was stabbed in the arm. Early on, Perkins

accompanied such blues legends as Big Joe Williams and

Sonny Boy Williamson. By 1953, he was well known as both a

back-up player and solo act. This was also the year he made his

first solo recording with Sun Records. Now living in Austin,

Perkins used to visit Texas regularly when he played piano for

the legendary Muddy Waters Band. Today, “Pinetop” Perkins is

regarded as one of the world’s greatest blues and boogiewoogie

piano players.

DAVID “HONEYBOY” EDWARDS

David "Honeyboy" Edwards was born June 28, 1915 in Shaw,

Mississippi. To listen to Mr. Edwards and his skilled slide

guitar playing is to journey back in time to the Mississippi

Delta and the street corners of Clarksdale, Mississippi. There,

Honeyboy played a pivotal role in shaping the seminal

moments of blues history. He is sought after by documentary

filmmakers for his detailed accounts of blues folklore,

especially his recollections of the day Robert Johnson died. He

describes Deep Ellum, east of downtown Dallas, as if it were

yesterday. He recounts with incredible accuracy his escapades

near the “Central Track” (now Central Expressway) that

bordered the west side of this area known for its colorful

nightlife in the 30’s and 40’s.

ROBERT LOCKWOOD, JR.

Ninety-year-old Robert Lockwood, Jr. or “Robert Jr.” to his

friends used to “play” one-month gigs in Fort Worth during

the 50’s and 60’s. He learned to play guitar from the legendary

Robert Johnson, who lived with Lockwood’s mother during

his formative years. He learned his first song, “Sweet Home

Chicago”, in about three weeks under Johnson’s tutelage.

Robert is also one of the original King Biscuit Boys who once

opened for King Biscuit Time, now the longest running live

radio show in America. Today, Mr. Lockwood is recognized as

one of the most prolific guitar players in the world. His

unique chord progressions have earned him two honorary

doctorate degrees for music theory.

THE BLUE SHOE PROJECT

The legends of the blues and those influenced by it are aging or

passing and with it their rich history and culture. These

legendary figures made a profound impact on American music

and our society. Students at all levels should know it, be proud

of it and experience it. The blues is America’s gift to the world,

idolized around the globe, and no other culture can lay claim to

its mighty influence. As a learning organization, our mission is

to educate students on the blues and their heritage. Texas

played a pivotal role in that heritage. Texas blues legends such

as Blind Lemon Jefferson, T-Bone Walker, Sippie Wallace,

Victoria Spivey, Lightnin' Hopkins, Albert Collins, Freddie

King, Johnnie Taylor and Stevie Ray Vaughan all left an

indelible mark on Texas and the world. Every opportunity

should be taken to promote this rich history for the benefit of

our youth and our community. www.blueshoeproject.org

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