Bob Stroger

One of the elder statesmen of Chicago blues, bass player extraordinaire and vocalist Bob Stroger talks about his new album "That's My Name" and shares memories from his long and storied career in the blues, playing with Otis Rush, Sunnyland Slim, Jimmy Rogers and many more.

Episode 34 - Bob Stroger

Katherine Davis

Chicago blues vocalist extraordinaire Katherine Davis shares stories from her early days growing up in Chicago's Cabrini Green housing project surrounded by music; through her career in theater, teaching and performances around the world. Katherine was recently awarded an Esteemed Artist Award by the city of Chicago.

Chicago blues vocalist extraordinaire Katherine Davis shares stories from her early days growing up in Chicago's Cabrini Green housing project surrounded by music; through her career in theater, teaching and performances around the world. Katherine was recently awarded an Esteemed Artist Award by the city of Chicago.

Episode 33 - Katherine Davis

John Kattke

A triple threat talent on today’s Chicago blues scene, vocalist, keyboardist and guitarist John Kattke has toured the world with Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Koko Taylor. John has been a longtime bandmate of Dave Specter’s and also leads his own band, where he combines influences from New Orleans, Texas, Chicago and all points in between.

A triple threat talent on today’s Chicago blues scene, vocalist, keyboardist and guitarist John Kattke has toured the world with Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Koko Taylor. John has been a longtime bandmate of Dave Specter’s and also leads his own band, where he combines influences from New Orleans, Texas, Chicago and all points in between.

Episode 32 - Brother John Kattke

Devin Thompson

Chicago Soul singer extraordinaire Devin Thompson shares stories of his musical journey; from his early days growing up in a very musical family in Joliet, to his evolving career in Chicago and the making of his latest album, Tales of the Soul on Severn Records.

Chicago Soul singer extraordinaire Devin Thompson shares stories of his musical journey; from his early days growing up in a very musical family in Joliet, to his evolving career in Chicago and the making of his latest album, Tales of the Soul on Severn Records.

Episode 31 - Devin Thompson

Rick Estrin

One of the premier harp players, singers and songwriters on today’s blues scene, Rick shares great stories and memories from his early days growing up in San Francisco and his move to Chicago in the 1960s. Music from his latest album, Contemporary on Alligator Records is featured on the podcast.

One of the premier harp players, singers and songwriters on today’s blues scene, Rick shares great stories and memories from his early days growing up in San Francisco and his move to Chicago in the 1960s. Music from his latest album, Contemporary on Alligator Records is featured on the podcast.

Episode 30 - Rick Estrin

Dick Shurman

Grammy winning producer, writer and blues historian Dick Shurman talks about his fascinating blues journey from Chicago in the late 60s, through decades on the blues scene producing dozens of albums from artists including Albert Collins, Fenton Robinson, Johnny Winter, Jody Williams, Lurrie Bell and many more.

Grammy winning producer, writer and blues historian Dick Shurman talks about his fascinating blues journey from Chicago in the late 60s, through decades on the blues scene producing dozens of albums from artists including Albert Collins, Fenton Robinson, Johnny Winter, Jody Williams, Lurrie Bell and many more.

Episode 29 - Dick Shurman

Elvin Bishop

Enjoy some great stories and fascinating blues history from Rock and Roll and Blues Hall of Fame member Elvin Bishop. Elvin reflects on his early days in Chicago in the 1960s and his friendships with bluesmen like Paul Butterfield, Otis Rush, Smokey Smothers and many more. He also talks about his latest album, 100 Years of Blues with Charlie Musselwhite.

Enjoy some great stories and fascinating blues history from Rock and Roll and Blues Hall of Fame member Elvin Bishop. Elvin reflects on his early days in Chicago in the 1960s and his friendships with bluesmen like Paul Butterfield, Otis Rush, Smokey Smothers and many more. He also talks about his latest album, 100 Years of Blues with Charlie Musselwhite.

Episode 28 - Elvin Bishop

Nick Moss

Chicago bluesman, Alligator recording artist and multiple BMA Award winner Nick Moss shares stories from his celebrated career, taking us from the South and West Sides of Chicago to his songwriting, studio work, guitar playing and lessons learned from some legendary bluesmen.

Chicago bluesman, Alligator recording artist and multiple BMA Award winner Nick Moss shares stories from his celebrated career, taking us from the South and West Sides of Chicago to his songwriting, studio work, guitar playing and lessons learned from some legendary bluesmen.

Episode 27 - Nick Moss

Kirk Fletcher

One of the finest guitarists on today’s blues scene, Kirk Fletcher joins Dave on the podcast and shares stories from his early days playing in his father’s church to stints with The Fabulous Thunderbirds and The Mannish Boys, through his solo career and powerful new album My Blues Pathway.

One of the finest guitarists on today’s blues scene, Kirk Fletcher joins Dave on the podcast and shares stories from his early days playing in his father’s church to stints with The Fabulous Thunderbirds and The Mannish Boys, through his solo career and powerful new album My Blues Pathway.

Episode 26 - Kirk Fletcher

Jimmy Vivino

Guitarist, producer, arranger, bandleader and keyboardist Jimmy Vivino lights up the podcast with great stories from his amazing career on the road, in the studio, and on TV with legendary artists including: Levon Helm, Al Kooper, Johnnie Johnson, Hubert Sumlin, Max Weinberg and more!

Guitarist, producer, arranger, bandleader and keyboardist Jimmy Vivino lights up the podcast with great stories from his amazing career on the road, in the studio, and on TV with legendary artists including: Levon Helm, Al Kooper, Johnnie Johnson, Hubert Sumlin, Max Weinberg and more!

Episode 25 - Jimmy Vivino

A triple threat talent on today’s Chicago blues scene, vocalist, keyboardist and guitarist John Kattke has toured the world with Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Koko Taylor and currently leads his own band where he combines influences from New Orleans, Texas, Chicago and all points in between.

Ronnie Baker

One of the brightest stars on today’s Chicago blues scene, Ronnie Baker Brooks joins Dave for both an audio and Zoom video interview sharing stories from his fascinating career. Ronnie talks about his early days growing up and learning from his dad Lonnie Brooks, shares great stories from Chicago and his life on the road, working in the studio with Steve Jordan, Eddy Clearwater, Bobby Bland and much more.

One of the brightest stars on today’s Chicago blues scene, Ronnie Baker Brooks joins Dave for both an audio and Zoom video interview sharing stories from his fascinating career. Ronnie talks about his early days growing up and learning from his dad Lonnie Brooks, shares great stories from Chicago and his life on the road, working in the studio with Steve Jordan, Eddy Clearwater, Bobby Bland and much more.

Episode 24 - Ronnie Baker Brooks

Jorma Kaukonen

Jorma Kaukonen joins Dave on the podcast from Fur Peace Ranch sharing great stories from his amazing career. The Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame guitarist takes us on his journey from the early days of Jefferson Airplane through his solo career, sharing stories and anecdotes about friends and players from John Hammond to Jimi Hendrix, Mike Bloomfield to Jerry Garcia.

Jorma Kaukonen joins Dave on the podcast from Fur Peace Ranch sharing great stories from his amazing career. The Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame guitarist takes us on his journey from the early days of Jefferson Airplane through his solo career, sharing stories and anecdotes about friends and players from John Hammond to Jimi Hendrix, Mike Bloomfield to Jerry Garcia.

Episode 23 - Jorma Kaukonen

Rick Holmstrom

Enjoy an in-depth conversation with Rick Holmstrom, whose career includes spending the last 13 years as guitarist and bandleader for Mavis Staples, long stints with Rod Piazza, Johnny Dyer and William Clarke, as well as a solo career as an acclaimed recording artist.

Enjoy an in-depth conversation with Rick Holmstrom, whose career includes spending the last 13 years as guitarist and bandleader for Mavis Staples, long stints with Rod Piazza, Johnny Dyer and William Clarke, as well as a solo career as an acclaimed recording artist.

Episode 22 - Rick Holmstrom

Billy Flynn

One of the most sought after guitarists on today’s blues scene, Billy Flynn takes us on his blues journey from his early days growing up in Wisconsin through his long and distinguished career performing and recording with an epic list of blues greats.

One of the most sought after guitarists on today’s blues scene, Billy Flynn takes us on his blues journey from his early days growing up in Wisconsin through his long and distinguished career performing and recording with an epic list of blues greats.

Episode 21 - Billy Flynn

Steve Freund

Steve Freund takes us on his deep blues journey from his early days growing up in New York, moving to Chicago in the 1970s where he played, toured and recorded with an amazing array of artists including Sunnyland Slim, Big Walter Horton, Luther Allison, winning a Grammy with Koko Taylor, to his current home in California where he’s been a fixture on the West Coast blues scene. Hope you enjoy this shelter in place, Blues From the Inside In, phone interview.

Steve Freund takes us on his deep blues journey from his early days growing up in New York, moving to Chicago in the 1970s where he played, toured and recorded with an amazing array of artists including Sunnyland Slim, Big Walter Horton, Luther Allison, winning a Grammy with Koko Taylor, to his current home in California where he’s been a fixture on the West Coast blues scene. Hope you enjoy this shelter in place, Blues From the Inside In, phone interview.

Episode 20 - Steve Freund

Joanna Connor

Enjoy our first “Blues From The Inside In” shelter in place phone interview with Chicago-based and world renowned guitar star Joanna Connor. From her early days on the Chicago blues scene playing at the Checkerboard Lounge and Kingston Mines to her recent collaboration with Joe Bonamassa, Joanna shares great stories from her cool career.

Enjoy our first “Blues From The Inside In” shelter in place phone interview with Chicago-based and world renowned guitar star Joanna Connor. From her early days on the Chicago blues scene playing at the Checkerboard Lounge and Kingston Mines to her recent collaboration with Joe Bonamassa, Joanna shares great stories from her cool career.

Episode 19 - Joanna Connor

Jimmy Burns

Mississippi born, Chicago blues/soul man extraordinaire Jimmy Burns reminisces about growing up in the south, his early blues experiences in both Mississippi and Chicago, hanging out at Curtis Mayfield’s house in Cabrini Green and shares great stories from his fascinating career.

Mississippi born, Chicago blues/soul man extraordinaire Jimmy Burns reminisces about growing up in the south, his early blues experiences in both Mississippi and Chicago, hanging out at Curtis Mayfield’s house in Cabrini Green and shares great stories from his fascinating career.

Episode 18 - Jimmy Burns

Shemekia Copeland

Enjoy a great conversation with Shemekia Copeland, one of the most dynamic, original and powerful blues singers in today’s music scene. Shemekia shares stories about her recent album America’s Child, lessons learned from her father Johnny Copeland, her relationships/collaborations with Koko Taylor, Dr. John, Will Kimbrough, John Hahn, and hosting her own radio show on Sirius XM.

Enjoy a great conversation with Shemekia Copeland, one of the most dynamic, original and powerful blues singers in today’s music scene. Shemekia shares stories about her recent album America’s Child, lessons learned from her father Johnny Copeland, her relationships/collaborations with Koko Taylor, Dr. John, Will Kimbrough, John Hahn, and hosting her own radio show on Sirius XM.

Episode 17 - Shemekia Copeland

John Mayall

John Mayall, the legendary Godfather of British Blues, reflects on his epic career with stories about his early influences, performing with T-Bone Walker, having Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor in his band, his love for jazz and his feelings about the blues today.

John Mayall, the legendary Godfather of British Blues, reflects on his epic career with stories about his early influences, performing with T-Bone Walker, having Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor in his band, his love for jazz and his feelings about the blues today.

Episode 16 - John Mayall

John Scofield

Jazz guitar giant John Scofield shares memorable stories about his early days playing the blues, hearing Mike Bloomfield, Paul Butterfield, auditioning for and working with Miles Davis, his collaborations with artists from Jon Cleary to Phil Lesh and his current band, Combo 66.

Jazz guitar giant John Scofield shares memorable stories about his early days playing the blues, hearing Mike Bloomfield, Paul Butterfield, auditioning for and working with Miles Davis, his collaborations with artists from Jon Cleary to Phil Lesh and his current band, Combo 66.

Episode 15 - John Scofield

What a treasure!  Dave Specter does an excellent job interviewing both legends and up-and-coming blues musicians.  Great conversations, good questions, incredible history and well-produced.  Nothing too fancy, no excessively long intros or fluff, just quality.

Fantastic

It just gets better and better if you love music-you will love this podcast.

Must blast podcast

Blues From the Inside Out

Albert Lee

Episode 5 - Albert Lee

Joe Bonamassa

Blues/rock guitar slinger Joe Bonamassa talks with Dave backstage at the Chicago Theater, sharing stories about some of his favorite Chicago blues, lessons learned from B.B. King, his choice guitars and amps, and his charitable work with the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation.

Blues/rock guitar slinger Joe Bonamassa talks with Dave backstage at the Chicago Theater, sharing stories about some of his favorite Chicago blues, lessons learned from B.B. King, his choice guitars and amps, and his charitable work with the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation.

Episode 9 - Joe Bonamassa

Charlie Musselwhite

Recorded backstage at the 2019 Chicago Blues Festival, Grammy winning bluesman Charlie Musselwhite shares memorable stories of his early days on the Chicago blues scene in the 1960s, his friendship with Little Walter, Muddy Waters, Magic Sam, Big Joe Williams, recording his first album, his burgeoning acting career, radio show and more.

Recorded backstage at the 2019 Chicago Blues Festival, Grammy winning bluesman Charlie Musselwhite shares memorable stories of his early days on the Chicago blues scene in the 1960s, his friendship with Little Walter, Muddy Waters, Magic Sam, Big Joe Williams, recording his first album, his burgeoning acting career, radio show and more.

Episode 11 - Charlie Musselwhite

Jimmy Johnson

Legendary, 90 years young Chicago bluesman extraordinaire Jimmy Johnson joins Dave in a cool and intimate conversation covering Jimmy’s early days from Mississippi to Memphis, and shares great stories about his incredible music career in Chicago.

Legendary, 90 years young Chicago bluesman extraordinaire Jimmy Johnson joins Dave in a cool and intimate conversation covering Jimmy’s early days from Mississippi to Memphis, and shares great stories about his incredible music career in Chicago.

Episode 10 - Jimmy Johnson

Sam Lay

Corky Siegel

Episode 3 - Sam Lay & Corky Siegel (Part 2)

Recorded backstage at the 2019 Chicago Blues Festival, Grammy winner and legendary bluesman Bobby Rush shares stories from his incredible career.

Recorded backstage at the 2019 Chicago Blues Festival, Grammy winner and legendary bluesman Bobby Rush shares stories from his incredible career.

Episode 12 - Bobby Rush

Episode 3 - Sam Lay & Corky Siegel (Part 1)

Billy Branch

Episode 4 - Billy Branch

Donald Kinsey

Donald Kinsey takes us on his incredible musical journey from his early days playing with his father in Gary, Indiana, working in Albert King’s band as a teenager, meeting Bob Marley and joining the Wailers and playing with his brothers in The Kinsey Report.

Donald Kinsey takes us on his incredible musical journey from his early days playing with his father in Gary, Indiana, working in Albert King’s band as a teenager, meeting Bob Marley and joining the Wailers and playing with his brothers in The Kinsey Report.

Episode 8 - Donald Kinsey

Billy Boy Arnold, a recent inductee into both the Blues Hall of Fame and Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame shares stories about growing up on the south side of Chicago, learning harmonica in Sonny Boy Williamson’s living room, auditioning for Chess Records with Bo Diddley and his remarkable career spanning the last seven decades.

Billy Boy Arnold, a recent inductee into both the Blues Hall of Fame and Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame shares stories about growing up on the south side of Chicago, learning harmonica in Sonny Boy Williamson’s living room, auditioning for Chess Records with Bo Diddley and his remarkable career spanning the last seven decades.

Episode 6 - Billy Boy Arnold

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