Bessie Smith Strut performers announced, Grey added

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Bessie Smith Strut performers announced, Grey added
April 1, 2011
Chattanooga, TN

Two famous names in blues music will headline this year’s Bessie Smith Strut, Riverbend’s annual street party on M.L. King Boulevard.

Headlining the Strut, on Monday, June 13, will be John Lee Hooker Jr., son of legendary bluesman John Lee Hooker. Also set to perform that night will be Jimmy Thackery. Filling out the lineup will be SkyHi Funk Band from Nashville and Grady Champion, a rising blues vocalist who has drawn comparisons to Sonny Boy Williamson.

Meanwhile, the blues-rock act JJ Grey & Mofro has been added to the festival’s riverfront lineup, according to a news release. The act will perform on June 17 on the Bud Light Stage.

After years of fighting demons related to being the son of a legend, Hooker Jr. released “Blues With a Vengeance.” The album drew critical praise and earned him a Grammy nomination in the Traditional Blues Album category and a W.C. Handy nomination for Best New Artist Debut.

Thackery has made a name for himself through years of performing his electric brand of blues guitar.

During his 15-year career, Grey has performed with B.B. King, The Allman Brothers Band, The Black Crowes, Los Lobos, Jeff Beck, Ben Harper, Lenny Kravitz and Booker T. Jones.

His music has been used in films and television on such shows as “House,” “Flashpoint,” “Crash,” “Friday Night Lights” and “Deadliest Catch.”

Previously announced acts for the festival, set for June 10-18, include Huey Lewis & The News, The Beach Boys, The Machine performing Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, Casting Crowns, Miranda Lambert and Brian McKnight.