Remembering the great Lou Donaldson who was born on this day in 1926. Known as “Sweet Poppa Lou” Donaldson was the final surviving member of the original Art Blakey quintet that in 1954 introduced “hard bop” into the growing jazz lineage of classification. He also stands as a pioneer of soul jazz, helping to shape the genre by merging bebop with blues, gospel, and R&B elements. Donaldson was known for his rich, soulful tone and groove-oriented sound, Donaldson made jazz more accessible and dance

Remembering the great Luther Tucker on his birthday today. One of the most underrated figures in Chicago blues, he played guitar on legendary 45s by Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Rogers, and Muddy Waters. Clifford Antone loved him, and believed the world would never truly know what a genius he was. Take a moment today to hear him live at Antone’s in 1985. Video of Luther Tucker, Mel Brown, Derek O’Brien, Pat Whitefield, George “Big Beat” Rains, Joe Sub