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These Blues Make Me Happy

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Gospel Blues Will Lift Your Spirit

I've loved the blues as long as I can remember. My earliest exposure was the Blues Brothers movie from the 80's. I love the pain or joy in the voices of those who sing the blues. I love how men and women can make their guitars sing, groan, and scream. This style of music, combined with the good news of the gospel, is a one, two punch to the spirit. It makes me want to shout, cry, run, clap, and dance all at once. Check out these tunes and you may just start dancing in the isles with me.

“"Go ahead and play the blues if it'll make you happy." Dan Castellaneta”

Glenn Kaiser

And Resurrection Band

Glenn Kaiser was one of the first gospel blues artists I liked because his voice was as distinctive as a Harley Davidson. I first heard his signature sound when he was lead singer with Resurrection Band. His early blues songs with the band included Paint A Picture, The Wolfsong, Rooster Crow, and Foot Prints and so many more I'd have to make a lens just for them (and I might).

I saw Glenn and his band in concert once, and his passion and heart just blew me away, which makes his music that much more authentic. Glenn's at the top of my list . If you are looking to start your gospel blues journey, Glenn is a great talent and great person to start with.

Glenn Kaiser on Amazon

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Learn To Play The Blues Like Glenn

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Ashley Cleveland

Ashley cleveland came into my musical journey in the early 90's. I love female blues singers with raspy voices in the same vein as Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, and Melissa Ethridge and Ashley fits that bill perfectly. She combines rock and blues, contemporary and negro spiritual, seamlessly. Her albums are the ones you fix to repeat on your ipod.

Some of my favorites songs from her are The Blessing, You Gotta Move, and I'm Not Made That Way.

She also does a killer version of Stevie Wonder's Higher Ground and the Stones Gimme Shelter.

Ashley Cleveland on Amazon

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Watch These Artists Jam Here

Glenn Kaiser Since I Laid My Burdens Down
by cameopro77 | video info

279 ratings | 88,833 views
curated content from YouTube

Which Artist Had You Slipping On Your Black Shades?

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Darrell Mansfield

Of the artists featured here, Darrell may go back the farthest and may be the most talented. He is gifted with his guitar, but Darrell plays a mean harmonica. In fact, In 1980, Mansfield was inducted into the Hohner Harmonica Hall of Fame. Darrell's style reflects the classic rock style of the 70's, but I consider this a good thing.

Darrell has experienced trouble in his life, including addiction, divorce, and heartache. It is from these very human experiences, that his blues take on a powerful credibility.

Some of my favorite tunes from Darrell include a cover of Born To Be Wild by The Troggs, People Get Ready, Waiting, and Nobody's Fault But Mine.

Darrell Mansfield on Amazon

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Jonny Lang

Jonny was a blues boy wonder in the early 90's. At age 13 he joined his first band. Like many young artists and actors, Jonny had problems with drugs and alcohol. It was the combination of his conversion to Christianity and his grammy winning album Turn Around that lands him on this list.
I cannot adequately describe how talented Jonny is. He has played with the best of the best of blues such such as BB King.

Jonny has only put out one gospel centric album but he has a very bright future. Some of my favorite songs from Turn Around include: One Person At A Time, Only A Man, and Don't Stop For Anything. This album reminds me of a young Lenny Kravitz in many ways. If this album of any indicator of what we can expect in the future from Jonny, I'm all ears.

Jonny Lang on Amazon

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Best Quotes About The Bues

Do You Like One In Particular? Vote It Up

If you have a great blues quote, add it here.

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Johnny Winter

I think the blues will always be around. People ne more...1 point

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Mahalia Jackson

Anybody singing the blues is in a deep pit yelling more...0 points

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Otis Rush

A guy will promise you the world and give you noth more...0 points

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Janis Joplin

Audiences like their blues singers to be miserable more...0 points

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Mahalia Jackson

Blues are the songs of despair, but gospel songs a more...0 points

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Jimi Hendrix

Blues is easy to play, but hard to feel.0 points

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Alberta Hunter

Blues means what milk does to a baby. Blues is wha more...0 points

Mike Farris

I am fairly new to Mike Farris but I like his sound and passion. He was founded the band Screaming Cheetah Wheelies in the early 90's and put out three albums,. He was also the front man for Stevie Ray Vaghn's Double Trouble band. Amidst a struggle with drugs and alcohol, Mike turned his life over to Christ. His first album, Salvations Lights was my introduction to him. Songs like Sit Down Servant, Selah Selah, and the classic Can't No Grave Gonna Hold my Body Down, are the jewels on this album

His recent album, The Night The Cumberland Came Alive, was a charity response to the massive flooding in Tennessee. According to Wikipedia it was recored in 6 ours at the historic Downtown Presbyterian Church in Nashville.

Mike Farris on Amazon

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Do You Have A Gospel Blues Fav? Let Me Know Who You Love To Jam To

  • poddys Jan 16, 2012 @ 3:12 pm | delete
    I'm not a huge fan of gospel blues, but in the right place and in the right mood it hits the spot. Nicely done and thanks for introducing us to some great new musicians. Blessed.
  • lollyj Nov 9, 2011 @ 8:17 am | delete
    I like the Blues and the Blues Brothers is my all time fave film.
    Lots of fascinating info here. Good job!!
  • Not-Pop Feb 14, 2011 @ 4:53 pm | delete
    What a great lens! I would love to see more videos if you can find them but as a blues fan I was excited to find a writer who was passionate, knowledgeable, and willing to share. Blessed by the Blues Angel!
  • Wbisbill Feb 5, 2011 @ 3:57 pm | delete
    Not very knowledgeable in Blues but love to listen, Thumbs up!
  • Titia Feb 2, 2011 @ 4:06 am | delete
    I don't have a fav. I'm not religious, so the words don't mean much to me, but I love the music. Lensrolled it with my music lens.
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What Do You Like Best About The Blues?

Our ears await the wail of our favorite instrument in a song. It could be just playing in the background or has a solo some where in the song; but when it appears, our ears are all a flutter. What's yours?

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Blues Lover And Pudding Connoisseur

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My Other Music Related Lenses

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Lay Down Some Blues Licks In The Form Of A Comment Here

Thanks For Stopping By

  • Petalpushersdesigns Jan 16, 2012 @ 5:07 pm | delete
    Awesome Lens!! Thanks for sharing!! :)
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TheCureForYouthMinistry

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Patty Griffin

Downtown Church

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Amazon Price: $8.96 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

Patty Griffin does not usually sing the blues; but she sure cranks it out here. She gathers a collection of blues and gospel singers to throw down, downtown style. Some of the other artists who join her on this album include Mike Farris, Emmylou Harris, and Julie Miller. Between the blowin' blues tracks like Move Up and If I Had My Way, Patty lays down some great country and folk tunes. Get on some good shoes and don't forget to stretch because you'll be jumping out of your chair quite a bit.

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