This Week In The Blues: July 26 - August 1, 2026

HEY BLUES FANS

Here's the latest episode of "This Week In The Blues" for the week of July 26 - August 1, 2026.

Some of the highlights include one of Detroit’s most admired blues singers, Alberta Adams, the day Willie Dixon recorded "29 Ways" for Checker Records, and blues guitar legend Buddy Guy.

Keep in mind that there's so much more that happened this week in the blues. If you want to know more about these artists or other things that happened this week in the blues, be sure to visit our website or follow our Facebook page:
https://bigtrainblues.com
https://www.facebook.com/BigTrainBlues

"This Week In The Blues" podcast is now featured every Sunday at 3:50pm on "The Weekend Blues" hosted by 'Hard luck' Jim Johnson on KGOU. Stream it live on https://www.kgou.org

Photo credits (if known) and past episodes are posted on our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@BigTrainBlues

Here are links to a few of the artists or songs we've referenced in this week's episode:

Jimmy Duck Holmes – "Catfish Blues" [Official Video] - https://youtu.be/PXEWNwvdFzY?si=4DLK2mGer9qTGbAv

Robert Cray: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert - https://youtu.be/fEjzBKo-sxI?si=EI6hj2_GQaU-qscu

PLEASE CONSIDER joining the Blues Society of Oklahoma and helping them continue their mission - https://bluessocietyoklahoma.com/membership/

ALSO - Join me every weekday from 12:15pm-12:45pm CT to watch a live stream on Facebook of the longest running blues radio show program. https://www.facebook.com/DeltaCulturalCenter 

We’ll have a new episode next week – we’ll see you then!

ARE YOU A FAN OF BLUES HISTORY? US TOO!

 If you want to know more about these artists or other things that happened this week in the blues, be sure to visit our website or follow our Facebook page:

     https://bigtrainblues.com

     https://www.facebook.com/BigTrainBlues

Transcript

Alberta Adams rose from humble beginnings to become one of Detroit’s most admired blues singers. Born in Indianapolis in on July 26, 1917, she first worked as a tap dancer at Detroit’s B&C Club, where an unexpected opportunity launched her singing career. After filling in for an absent performer, she secured a five-year engagement as the club’s vocalist. Her powerful voice caught the attention of Chess Records, leading to a recording contract in 1952. Adams later toured with legendary artists including Louis Jordan, T-Bone Walker, Duke Ellington, Eddie Vinson, and Lionel Hampton.

On July 27, 1956, Willie Dixon recorded "29 Ways" for Checker Records, creating one of his most enduring songs. Blending humor, swagger, and a relaxed swing, the track highlighted Dixon's talents as a vocalist, bassist, songwriter, and producer. Backed by pianist Lafayette Leake, the recording showcased a lighter, jazz-influenced side of Chicago blues. Widely covered over the decades, "29 Ways" remains a testament to Dixon's songwriting brilliance and lasting influence on blues music.

Jimmy "Duck" Holmes was born on July 28, 1947. He’s known as the last of the Bentonia bluesmen, as he is the last blues musician to play the Bentonia blues guitar style. Like Skip James and Jack Owens and other blues musicians from Bentonia Mississippi, Holmes learned to play the blues from Henry Stuckey, the originator of the Bentonia blues style. Holmes is also the owner of the Blue Front Cafe on the Mississippi Blues Trail, the oldest surviving juke joint in Mississippi. His 2019 recording, Cypress Grove, was nominated for a Grammy.

On July 29, 1966, the British group Cream made its first live appearance at Manchester's Twisted Wheel Club, just days after forming. Featuring Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker, the trio blended blues, jazz, and rock into a groundbreaking sound. Their set included songs by Willie Dixon, Robert Johnson, and Skip James, many of which later appeared on Fresh Cream. Though often overshadowed by their official festival debut, the Twisted Wheel performance marked the true beginning of one of rock's most influential supergroups.

Born July 30, 1936, blues guitar legend Buddy Guy became one of the most influential musicians in modern blues. Blending traditional Chicago blues with the energy of rock and roll, he launched his recording career in 1959 and scored an early hit with “First Time I Met the Blues” in 1960. His remarkable achievements include the National Medal of the Arts, Kennedy Center Honors, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005, cementing his legacy as a guitar icon.

Louisiana blues musician Robert Brown, who performed under the name Smoky Babe, was born in Mississippi on July 31, 1927. His raw, rhythmic guitar style and powerful vocals captured the spirit of a disappearing regional blues tradition. Folklorist Harry Oster recorded him in 1960 and 1961, preserving memorable performances including "Going Downtown Boogie" and "Ain't Got No Rabbit Dog." Although little is known about much of his life and his recording career was short, his music remains highly regarded by blues enthusiasts, researchers, and collectors today.

Blues guitarist Robert Cray was born August 1 in 1953! He emerged as one of the most influential blues artists of the modern era, blending blues, soul, R&B, and rock into a distinctive sound. After forming The Robert Cray Band in 1974, he achieved mainstream success with the 1986 album Strong Persuader. Known for exceptional songwriting, soulful vocals, and tasteful guitar playing, Cray has earned five Grammy Awards, released more than 20 albums, and performed with legendary artists. Still active today, he continues to inspire new generations of blues fans worldwide.

Alright blues fans, if you want to know more about these stories or other things that happened this week in the blues, then head over to BigTrainBlues.com and explore the archives. Better yet, follow us on social media and see every blues history post. We’ll be back next week with more blues stories, legends, and history. Until then, we will See you at the next stop!