Robert Cray Leads Blues Hall of Fame Class of 2011

/Home/Blues Music Awards

Robert Cray Leads Blues Hall of Fame Class of 2011
February 18, 2011
Michael Wright
Gibson

The Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee, announced its 2011 inductees for the Blues Hall of Fame. The class of 2011 is led by Robert Cray, who helped to reignite the blues on the national scene in the 1980s and whose soulful guitar work has been a dominant force in blues ever since. Other inductees include singer-guitarist John Hammond, singer-songwriter Denise LaSalle, vocalists Big Maybelle and Alberta Hunter, and singer-songwriter J.B. Lenoir.

In addition, several non-musicians are being recognized as well for their work in the field, including Vee-Jay Records pioneers Vivian Carter and Jimmy Bracken, noted African American educator John W. Work III, blues historian and revivalist Samuel Charters and producer Bruce Bromberg.

Influential works are also being celebrated with inductions, including John Broven’s celebrated book, Walking to New Orleans: The Story of New Orleans Rhythm & Blues. The singles, “Ain’t Nobody’s Business” (Supreme, 1947) by Jimmy Witherspoon, “Five Long Years” (J.O.B., 1952) by Eddie Boyd, “Hard Time Killin’ Floor Blues” (Paramount, 1931) by Skip James and “Love in Vain” (Vocalion, 1937) by Robert Johnson will also be inducted, as will the albums Night Beat by Sam Cooke, False Accusations by Robert Cray, and The Real Folk Blues by Howlin’ Wolf.

The induction ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 4, at the Memphis Marriott Downtown in Memphis, the night before the 32nd Blues Music Awards. The event is sponsored by the Gibson Foundation.