DETROIT - October 6, 2003. WDET 101.9FM is airing The Blues, a landmark 13-part documentary series from Public Radio International that chronicles the blues, from its West African origins to it most contemporary sounds, styles and venues. The series begins airing on October 5, 2003 from 10PM to 11PM and will be broadcast each Monday evening at that time through December 29, 2003.
Hosted by two-time Grammy Award winner Keb' Mo', The Blues is a comprehensive chronicle of America's most enduring music form. The series tells the full, rich story of this seminal roots music. It uses new and archival interviews, recordings and remotes from where blues history occurred as well as where the music thrives today. An incredible showcase of blues artistry, the series includes interviews with musical giants like B.B. King, Carlos Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Bonnie Raitt, as well as performances by such notables as Cephas and Wiggens, Taj Mahal, Shemekia Copeland, the Mississippi Allstars, Rory Block and others.
"We're proud to be bringing this important documentary series to Detroit listeners," said Judy Adams, WDET Program Director. "Playing American roots music is something we do on a daily basis at WDET. Broadcasting The Blues continues our commitment to quality programming that entertains, enlightens and educates."
The Blues series on WDET 101.9FM consists of the following programs:
- October 6, 2003 The Origins of the Blues Locale: Ghana
- October 13, 2003 Country Blues Locale: Mississippi Delta
- October 20, 2003 Classic Blues Locale: Harlem, NY
- October 27, 2003 Standin' at the Crossroads: Robert Johnson and Depression Era Blues Locale: Mississippi Delta
- November 3, 2003 From Country to City: Memphis and the Making of Modern Blues Locale: Memphis
- November 10, 2003 Sweet Home Chicago: The Blues Go Electric Locale: Chicago
- November 17, 2003 The Folk Revival: Rediscovering Country Blues Locale: Newport, RI
- November 24, 2003 Union Jack Blues Locale: London, England
- December 1, 2003 Blues Rock Locale: San Francisco
- December 8, 2003 The 70's: The Hard Years Locale: Chicago
- December 15, 2003 The Blues Revival Locale: Austin, TX
- December 22, 2003 Celebrating Blues Today Locale: New Orleans
- December 29, 2003 Future Blues: 21st Century & Beyond Locale: Seattle, WA