DELTA DOWNLOAD
A dose of the Mississippi Delta
Stories exploring the allure of Delta blues and its roots
OCTOBER 26, 2020
Robert Kimbrough Sr. on loss and gain
The Kimbrough name is part of a blues dynasty, begun by the legendary Junior Kimbrough. His youngest son, Robert Kimbrough Sr. is driven to carry on his late father's hypnotic, polyrhythmic Cotton Patch Soul Blues—considered almost a genre unto itself. Here Robert reflects on losses and gains in his life and career.
OCTOBER 13, 2020
Stomping nuts with Bill Steber
He's been capturing Mississippi blues culture with his camera lens for nearly three decades. Bill Steber's images are evocative, provocative and memorable. They're also recognized worldwide. Here the acclaimed photographer, musician and artist takes on issues of race, culture, access and avocation.
NEW! DECEMBER 1, 2020
If a time machine could propel you back a century, to ONE pre-war recording session with ONE legendary bluesman—WHO would you choose? World-renowned record collector John Tefteller shares his wish.
NOVEMBER 6, 2020
Tracking the Tupelo Kid
"T-Model says, 'I ain't done' and pulls out this switchblade. Lightnin Malcolm told him to put that up, and Cedric Burnside knocked the blade out of his hand with drumsticks," recalls Sam Brand as he laughs about the craziness of that day.
JANUARY 3, 2021
Remembering David Kimbrough Jr. 3rd
Today, 56 years after his birth and 18 months after his passing, David Kimbrough Jr. 3rd, remains a musical force. "He was a blues Shaman in a sweat lodge, guiding the spirits. He had the ability to transport a roomful of people like few others," said friend Bill Steber after David's death in July 2019.
SEPTEMBER 25, 2020
Pieces of Paramount
Angie Mack Reilly lives on the Mississippi Blues Trail—in Grafton, Wisconsin...home to legendary Paramount Records. She's the closest thing Grafton has to a local blues historian, says American music journalist Amanda Petrusich. Angie has worked tirelessly since 2002 to preserve and commemorate Grafton's music legacy.
AUGUST 16, 2020
"I was Robert Johnson's baby sis"
The great Delta bluesman Robert Johnson died on August 16, 1938. "Brother Robert: Growing Up With Robert Johnson" was released in 2020 by his "baby sis" with details of his life never before reported. Here we interview Elijah Wald, the Grammy award winner who wrote the foreword for this lauded book.
DELTA DOWNLOAD INTERVIEW
"I saw Son House live in 1967"
A promotional poster of an old Delta bluesman with a National steel guitar in his lap grabbed his attention.
Seeing Son House live on campus at Penn State in 1967 changed his life.