The Story of the Blues in Philadelphia
The Blues is a genre of music (although many would argue it is a way of life) that originates deep in the south; its ancestral homeland spans from the muddy Mississippi Delta to Memphis, Tennessee. The music was a creative outlet for slaves and freedmen; through this medium they were able to channel all of their agony, pain, and sorrow; hence the name “the blues”. During the influx of southern blacks from many southern states, famous singers of the blues found a home in places like Chicago, Detroit, Harlem, and even Philadelphia. Gotham Records was a Philly-based Rhythm and Blues label, started by Sam Goode (Goody) and Irvin Ballen that in the 1940s and 1950s produced Down Home Blues acts like the John Lee Hooker, Sonny Terry, Dan Pickett, Jack Dupree, Ralph Willis, Stick Horse Hammond, Wright Holmes, and many more. Gotham is definitely the reference point for the blues of the mid-twentieth century in Philadelphia.
That is not to say the music died out in the 50s and 60s. There is still a blues presence in the Philadelphia area; with such native acts as The Porkroll Project, Sister Blue, and Georgie Bonds making sure that they, with their guitar and harmonica rifts, and powerful vocals, mix up a gumbo pot full of down home blues. You can find these and other local artists year-round at the PSALM Salon located on Overbrook Avenue in Philadelphia. The PSALM is billed as an “the coolest intimate venue for great music listening,” and BLUES/JAZZ Sundays are hosted by Jonny Meister, who was awarded a “Keeping the Blues Alive” award from the Blues Foundation in 2000 for his work on the his local radio show, “The Blues Show.” The PSALM also hosts every first Wednesday of the month a Blues Jam that is free to the public but get there early because space is limited.
Philadelphia also hosts a variety of blues festivals during the year. They include The Philadelphia Folk festival, generally held in August, The Blues, Brews, and BBQ festival held at Electric Factory and the Philly Blues Festival. These events are great fun for the entire family. Check local listings for dates and locations as they are subject to change each year.