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Dave Bartholomew 1918-2019
22nd July 2019
Dave Bartholomew, who did so much to create the New Orleans R&B sound and in turn rock ’n’ roll—especially his recordings with Fats Domino—died in Metairie, just outside New Orleans on June 23 at the age of 100. He was born up the Mississippi River in Edgard, Louisiana, some 30 miles from the Crescent City, on December, 24, 1918.
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Bill Flores
8th March 2018
Chocolate Watchband bassist Bill Flores passed away in his sleep in northern California on March 8th. Alec Palao pays homage to a true gent.
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Big Jay McNeely
20th September 2018
Big Jay McNeely April 29, 1927 - September 16, 2018
“What it was all about at the time is kind of summed up in that picture".
"That picture where I’m lying on stage, playing on my back in front of all those white kids. That’s the greatest rock’n’roll picture there is … everybody included. That’s what rock’n’roll was all about back then.”
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Willie Hightower Live!
8th August 2018
With the impending release of Willie Hightower’s brand new Ace album uppermost in the minds of soul fans everywhere, those who live or can travel easily to the Cambridge area – that’s Massachusetts, not the home of punting and universities – should take note of this upcoming ‘can’t miss’ show at that town’s Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub.
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Porretta 2018
8th August 2018
More than 30 years ago, an Italian music fan with few contacts in the world of black American music decided he wanted to bring his beloved southern soul music to the area of Northern Italy where he lived by promoting a show headlined by one of his favourites, Solomon Burke. From that modest beginning in 1987 has emerged the world’s most prestigious soul music event. For the 31st time, the Porretta Soul Festival has again recently brought artists and music lovers from all over the world to the small, sleepy spa town in Northern Italy where it is held annually.