Pop Twist announces 'Lead Belly: The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll' on DVD

This promises to be an entertaining and informative documentary. Pop Twist is set to release an in-depth documentary on the life and music of legendary folk and blues singer-guitarist Lead Belly this spring..Robert Kinsler

'Lead Belly: The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll' coming to DVD on April 11, 2025 [DVD]

George Harrison famously claimed, "No Lead Belly, no Beatles." Revered by countless musicians - the 1st record Janis Joplin ever bought was Lead Belly. The definitive bio, with historic performances and extraordinary archive access. The folk/blues icon, from childhood through prison to worldwide fame. Stories and performances from Joplin, Harry Belafonte, B.B. King, Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Odetta and many more. Huddie Leadbetter: Lead Belly. King of the 12 String Guitar. Born in poverty, he became a master folk innovator who inspired rock and roll. Woody Guthrie called him the greatest folk singer. Hundreds of artists have covered his songs - The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Nirvana and Led Zeppelin spring to mind. Interviews and performances by Janis Joplin, Harry Belafonte, Paul McCartney, B.B. King, Alan Lomax, Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Joan Baez, Odetta. Hollywood film clips, archive performances and intimate inside accounts dispel myths and let his true personality shine through. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/HKuggy-G3Lw?si=1ry6LpKydFu5dTw_

Year-End Delights: 'Wonder Woman 1984' soundtrack, 'Morrison Hotel' reissue, 'Bobby Bare Sings Shel Silverstein,' Omnivore Recordings' doo-wop sets

Before 2020 disappears in the past, be sure to check out these essential late-year titles available now. 

Artist: Hans Zimmer

Titles: Wonder Woman 1984 — Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (WaterTower Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Hans Zimmer, John Williams

Tell me more: Anyone who loves the memorable music in the new film "Wonder Woman 1984" will obviously love the 18-track motion picture soundtrack featuring famed Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer's stellar score. The music is dramatic, arresting and — often — deeply affecting. The track "Games" begins with the drive of a rock track before magically venturing into a stirring Neo-classical detour. "1984" has the joyful and triumphant feel that recalls some of composer John William's music heard in "Superman" (released in 1978) in its first section; the decidedly dark and edgy second half brings chills and tension that work even apart from hearing it in the context of the Patty Jenkins-directed film (which this writer enjoyed upon its Christmas Day release). Other highlights on this soundtrack include the poignant "Wish We Had More Time," ambitious "Cheetah," soaring "Fireworks," propulsive electronica-meets-orchestral sortie "Open Road" and tender "Without Armor." The gorgeous "Already Gone" and "Truth" as well as the set-ending bonus track "Lost and Found" are among the other standouts on this brilliant soundtrack. Information: WaterTowerMusic.com.

Artist: The Doors

Titles: Morrison Hotel: 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (Elektra / Rhino)

You might like if you enjoy: The Doors, classic rock 

Tell me more: Back in February 1970, The Doors released what was to be their second-to-last studio album featuring singer Jim Morrison. Now the band's fifth album — Morrison Hotel — is available via a terrific 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition that includes the original album newly remastered by The Doors' longtime engineer and mixer Bruce Botnick, plus a bonus disc of unreleased studio outtakes along with the original album on 180-gram virgin vinyl. There are 19 previously-unreleased studio outtakes providing more than an hour of material that will be new to followers of the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame quartet (Morrison, guitarist Robby Krieger, keyboardist Ray Manzarek and drummer John Densmore). Among the must-hear tracks on the reissue are early versions of "Peace Frog" and "Blue Sunday" along with the bona fide rarity "I Will Never Be Untrue." Get this limited edition title while you can. Information: TheDoors.com.

Artist: Bobby Bare

Title: Bobby Bare Sings Shel Silverstein, Plus (Bear Family Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Bobby Bare, Kris Kristofferson, Shel Silverstein  

Tell me more: Packed with eight audio CD discs and a wealth of related riches, Bobby Bare Sings Shel Silverstein, Plus features 137 tracks, including 25 previously-unreleased recordings and more than 100 Silverstein-penned songs recorded by Country Music Hall of Famer Bobby Bare from 1972 to 1983. Fans of traditional country music and top-tier songwriting will love every minute of this expansive release including the moving "Lullabys, Legends and Lies," timeless "Hard Time Hungrys," sobering "The Unemployment Line," lovely "February Snow" and affecting "Childhood Hero" and "Yard Full of Rusty Cars." In addition to all the great songs, an accompanying 128-page hardcover book features a new interview with Bare (now 85) by Hank Davis, an overview of the late Silverstein's life and work by Dave Samuelson along with lyrics to the 137 songs in the collection. Information: bobbybare.com.

Artists: Adam Wade, the Crests, the Duprees, the Rivieras

Titles: Five collections featuring recordings originally released by Coed Records in the '50s and '60s (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Doo-wop music released via the Coed Records label

Tell me more: Five outstanding collections revisiting vocal and doo-wop artists featured on the influential New York-based Coed Records label in the late '50s and '60s have been released via Omnivore Recordings. Adam Wade is celebrated via his 1960 debut album And Then Came Adam and its 1961 follow-up Adam and Evening compiled on a single disc — Wade's wonderful voice and style draws favorable comparisons with a young Johnny Mathis. Highlights include the lush "Tenderly," uptempo "Just In Time," his first hit "Ruby" and the sweeping "Gloria's Theme" (from the Elizabeth Taylor-starring film soundtrack "Butterfield 8"). Remastered by Grammy-winning engineer Michael Graves, the disc sounds amazing.

The Best of the Crests featuring Johnny Mastro: 16 Fabulous Hits showcases the talents of an integrated '50s vocal group best known for their huge doo-wop hit "16 Candles." That track is one of many smooth selections on the collection. Other standouts include the sweet "Six Nights a Week," heartfelt ballad "Gee (But I'd Give The World)," romance-minded "I Thank the Moon" and uptempo "Trouble In Paradise."  

The other releases include The Duprees: The Coed Singles, The Duprees: The Coed Albums: You Belong To Me/Have You Heard and The Rivieras: The Coed Singles. These releases feature stellar highlights from top-tier doo-wop artists (doo-wop is a genre of rhythm and blues centered around vocal harmonies and a minimum of instrumentation that was extremely popular in the '50s and '60s). The Duprees' hit single "You Belong to Me," "My Own True Love" (a song also known as Tara's Theme from "Gone With The Wind") and "Take Me As I Am" are among the gems that showcase their winning sound; The Rivieras: The Coed Singles gathers together all of that quartet's singles (including the warm ballad "Count Every Star" and evocative remake of "Moonlight Serenade") along with two bonus tracks ("My Silent Love," "Serenade In Blue").  

All five titles — which each include detailed liner notes — are available on audio CD and via digital. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

Jimmie Vaughan's 'The Pleasure's All Mine: The Complete Blues, Ballads and Favorites Collection' out Oct. 30 from Last Music Co.

Jimmie Vaughan performing
at the Coach House in
September 2019.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Big news for fans of bluesman Jimmie Vaughan and for vinyl. The Texas artist's The Pleasure's All Mine: The Complete Blues, Ballads and Favorites Collection is coming next month! I was fortunate to catch Vaughan at the legendary Coach House in San Juan Capistrano in 2010 as part of his Jimmie Vaughan Plays Blues, Ballads and Favorites tour in and you can see that review that originally ran in The Orange County Register newspaper here. Also, if you didn't catch my review of Vaughan's 2019 release "Please Come Here," you can catch that here.

Here is the media release that landed in my inbox this morning:

Jimmie Vaughan's State of the Blues

AUSTIN, Texas — A decade ago Jimmie Vaughan released his definitive album Blues, Ballads and Favorites. It was a stunning collection of 15 of his favorite songs, from Billy Emerson’s “The Pleasure’s All Mine” to Willie Nelson’s “Funny How Time Slips Away,” and featured guest vocals from band members Lou Ann Barton and Bill Willis. Vaughan followed the album up in 2011 with More Blues, Ballads and Favorites, digging deep into the music that had helped shape his life in the blues.

 

Photo: Matthew Sturtevant

On October 30, 2020, the Last Music Co. will release a special 3-vinyl LP set of these two albums titled The Pleasure’s All Mine, spotlighting the music of one of the true pioneers in showcasing the roots of American music. It will also be available on a 2-disc CD collection.

“When I talk about country and blues, they’re the same thing,” Vaughan says. “Muddy Waters and Hank Williams, Webb Pierce and Jimmy Reed. When I was a kid, I didn’t understand the difference. Everybody was always asking me, ‘Why do you want to play blues? Why don’t you play country?’ But I would listen to the country guys and they would be doing a Jimmy Reed song. They’re playing the same lick. And Ray Charles, Little Milton, Guitar Junior, Lonnie Brooks, B.B. King — they all did country songs. Is Bob Wills country blues or jazz? And the answer is, it’s American music. I’m tired of trying to pigeonhole everything. I want to bring it together; it comes from the same place.”

 

When Jimmie Vaughan was a young teenager in Oak Cliff, Texas, his father told him to take guitar lessons if he wanted to really learn the instrument. But when Vaughan’s teacher told the guitar student it wasn’t going to work because the student “was too far gone” to learn from the lesson books, Jimmie knew he was on his own. Which was perfect for him, because the blues would be his teacher for life. For those who find themselves living inside this true American music, it becomes a way of life, something that provides a musical force to follow forever.

 

Vaughan became possessed by his instrument, and the blues songs played on the Black radio station in Dallas. It has been that way ever since: more than a half-century of playing the blues the guitarist hears in his head and feels in his heart. When something this strong takes over, there is no way out. Rather, it becomes a pursuit that goes deeper and deep inside.

 

When Jimmie Vaughan first heard songs like Phil Upchurch’s “You Can’t Sit Down,” The Nightcaps’ “Wine, Wine, Wine,” and B.B. King’s many hit songs in the early 1960s, he knew he had found his music. And ever since then, it’s been a constant quest to play blues, whether it was in early 1970s Austin bands like Storm and then the Fabulous Thunderbirds, or later with brother Stevie Ray Vaughan on their Family Style album, and on his own releases throughout the 1990s and in 2001.

 

Then the solo albums stopped, until in 2010 Jimmie Vaughan had an idea to start recording the Great American Blues Songbook and found a home with Proper Music in the U.K. to release the music. He assembled the kind of band most musicians can only dream about, and began recording his dream set list at the Top Hat and Wire Studios in Austin. Never one to back down from a great idea, in 2011 Vaughan and band went back into the same Top Hat Studio and recorded a second collection of some of his favorite songs, zeroing in on the music’s ability to light a fuse wherever it was heard.

 

To help celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the first album’s release, and setting the stage for Vaughan’s 70th birthday in March 2021, the Last Music Co.’s Malcolm Mills wanted to mark the special occasion with these undeniable collections. Also included for release on the same date is the vinyl reissue of 2016’s Jimmie Vaughan Trio featuring Mike Flanigin, and the Live at C-Boy’s release, which featured songs recorded at the venerable Austin nightspot that Vaughan and crew call home when they are in town.

 

In true Texas fashion, Jimmie Vaughan has helped give new life to the music that has been his lifeline all these decades, becoming a hero to those who know the life-giving strengths of America’s real gift to musical history. Even better, Vaughan still feels like he’s just getting started, devoted to making sure he is able to give back to the music that has given him so much. The blues is in his blood, and has been there since the start. And will stay there forever.

Joe Bonamassa announces 'A New Day Now' celebrating 20th anniversary of debut album

Big news for fans of modern-day bluesman Joe Bonamassa, who is set to reissue a very special version of his debut disc 'A New Day Now' in celebration of its 20th anniversary. Here is the official media release - Robert Kinsler

Two-time Grammy-nominated blues-rock icon Joe Bonamassa celebrates the 20th anniversary of critically acclaimed debut album 'A New Day Yesterday'

REMIXED, REMASTERED AND RE-SUNG SPECIAL NEW EDITION TITLED A NEW DAY NOW TO BE RELEASED ON AUGUST 7TH VIA J&R ADVENTURES

FIRST SINGLE “CRADLE ROCK” AND ALBUM PRE-ORDER

AVAILABLE TODAY

STREAM / DOWNLOAD “CRADLE ROCK” NOW:

https://joeb.me/3icXWlI

PRE-ORDER A NEW DAY NOW:

https://joeb.me/2Z8L5Iz

Joe Bonamassa performing at The
Coach House in San Juan Capistrano,
California, on Nov. 10, 2009.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Twenty years ago, Joe Bonamassa took the music world by storm when he released his debut solo album A New Day Yesterday, though he’d already been on the scene for years as a child prodigy and even opened for B.B. King at the age of 12. The album launched a career that, two decades later, has seen Bonamassa rise to the top of his field with most recently being named Guitar World’s #1 blues guitarist in the world. Now, the blues-rock titan announces a revamped version to be released on August 7, 2020 via J&R Adventures. It has been completely re-sung by Bonamassa and remixed and remastered by long-time producer Kevin Shirley. The first single “Cradle Rock” is out today as part of the celebration. Fans can pre-order the album now at https://joeb.me/2Z8L5Iz .

 

In custom Bonamassa fashion, Joe has shared a personal message to fans, straight from his “Nerdville” home. “The reason we went back and remixed it, and re-sang it, and pulled from the original masters was because I never felt like I deserved a guy like Tom Dowd to produce my first album,” he confesses. “I was an infant as far as being an artist. Tom saw a little pebble in a stream, that could travel down and eventually become this nugget of gold, if you want to call it that, and he had a vision for me that I didn’t see. I appreciate that and I wanted to pay tribute to him as a man who mentored me through that time. I hope you guys enjoy it.”

 

Joe Bonamassa in concert prior to COVID-19 crisis. Photo credit: Robert Sutton

He continues, “Tom Dowd was a master of everything he endeavored on. There was no second rate, there was no compromise on quality of absolutions and results. I wasn’t developed enough as a musician myself to rise to his level. I certainly gave it my all and rose to the occasion grading on the curve of the musician I am today, the musician Tom always knew was inside my soul. I decided to enlist the help of another producer and mentor that has significantly impacted my life both on a personal basis and professionally, Mr. Kevin Shirley to help re-mix, re-sing and finally pay tribute to Tom as I tried to so hard to when he was alive. I have been extremely fortunate in my life to have been surrounded by two of the best most brilliant record producers anyone could have dreamed to be associated with. We included some crude demos and recordings I did at 75 Campbell Ave when I was just a teenager, and alternate versions of songs you are familiar with partly because some of the master tapes have been lost. Yes, I did say tapes. It is never lost on me how lucky I have been and continue to be by your support over these past 20 years. Enjoy the trip down memory lane… I know I did.”

 

A longtime producer and collaborator, Kevin Shirley adds, “as time has gone by, Joe’s vocal style, particularly, has changed enormously. He’s grown from an adolescent shouter to a very mature and soulful singer. From early on in our working relationship, Joe has mentioned that he would really like to have another shot at those vocals, and asked that if he did redo them, would I remix his first solo album.”

 

When A New Day Yesterday was initially released, Chuck Taylor of Billboard was an early supporter, praising Bonamassa as "a bold talent, who rises above narrow radio formatics.” The album includes six original tracks written by Bonamassa, along with six cover songs from historically renowned blues and rock artists. In addition, Shirley notes, “added to this album are three bonus songs which Stevie Van Zandt produced for Joe. They’re a terrific look at where Joe was coming from, what he was looking for and how he has developed over the years.” The bonus tracks are unreleased demos from a 1997 studio session before Joe had any record deals. They have never been heard before and come from a time when Zandt was Bonamassa’s biggest cheerleader in the industry.

 

Now, even as Bonamassa continues to release new music from his recordings at Abbey Road Studios, including last month’s intricate ballad titled “When One Door Opens,” he takes a moment to shine light on the album that started it all. A New Day Now is a chance for the icon to revisit his past and revitalize the indelible anthology with his years of experience and artistry.

 

The Abbey Road studio recordings and A New Day Now follow Bonamassa’s recent instrumental side project called The Sleep Eazys, who released their critically-acclaimed debut album, Easy To Buy, Hard To Sell, this spring. The album, which the Associated Press touted as making “instrumental dreams,” was produced by Bonamassa and features some of his frequent collaborators, along with his all-star touring band. The Sleep Eazys project is Joe’s second time in the studio as a producer, after Reese Wynans’ long-awaited debut solo album Sweet Release.

 

Never a dull moment, Joe is still cranking out weekly programming for Sirius XM’s Bluesville channel for his radio show “Different Shades Of Blue.” In the early weeks of quarantine, Bonamassa took to social media to give a special behind-the-scenes look at his “Nerdville” home in California. More recently, he kicked off a new at-home series “Live From Nerdville” on his Facebook and YouTube page, featuring episodes with Neal Schon of Journey, John Oates of Hall & Oates, Walter Trout, and esteemed singer-songwriter Dion. On June 5, Bonamassa released music icon Dion’s new album Blues With Friends on he and his Manager Roy Weisman’s new record label Keeping The Blues Alive Records and Dion’s first single “Blues Comin’ On” also features Bonamassa on slide guitar.

 

In prior months, Bonamassa was touring relentlessly, up until coronavirus took its hold on the music industry, stopping him just short of a few final dates on his spring tour in the U.S.  To battle the tough times brought on by COVID-19, Bonamassa’s non-profit Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation (KTBA) is providing financial support to qualifying touring musicians who are suffering financial hardship and whose careers have been put on hold. The program, called Fueling Musicians, is an emergency relief program designed to support musicians by providing immediate cash payments for essential living expenses of $1,000, as well as pre-paid gas cards of $500 and $50 Guitar Center gift cards to help them stay afloat and get back on the road again when it is safe. With $270,000 raised to date, Bonamassa surpassed his personal goal of $250,000. “The more money raised means more musicians will receive funding to help them get through these challenging times and ultimately back onto the road when the time is right,” Bonamassa says. On May 31, he launched an online stream-a-thon benefit for the program, featuring over FIVE hours of music performances from over 50 musicians including some legendary friends and talented rising stars. The full concert event can be streamed in full here. Individuals or organizations interested in helping Joe support this program should go the Keeping the Blues Alive website, ktba.org or ktba.org/fueling-musicians.

 

To keep up with everything Bonamassa, visit jbonamassa.com, and be sure to stay connected on social media. 

 

TRACK LISTING:

1. Cradle Rock 

2. Walk In My Shadow 

3. A New Day Yesterday 

4. I Know Where I Belong 

5. Miss You, Hate You 

6. Nuthin' I Wouldn't Do (For A Woman Like You) 

7. Colour And Shape 

8. Headaches To Heartbreaks 

9. Trouble Waiting 

10. If Heartaches Were Nickels 

11. Current Situation 

12. Don't Burn Down That Bridge 

BONUS TRACKS

13. Hey Mona 

14. I Want You 

15. Line Of Denial 

CONNECT:

Website: jbonamassa.com

YouTube: /JoeBonamassaTV

Facebook: @JoeBonamassa

Twitter: @JBONAMASSA

Instagram: @joebonamassa

Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation: keepingthebluesalive.org

Read Robert Kinsler's review of Joe Bonamassa's memorable 2009 concert at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, California here.

Legendary artists shine on far-flung titles

Whether you are looking for a great concert film title, essential reissue or something completely new, this roundup features titles aimed at discerning music lovers...

Artist: INXS
Title: Live Baby Live (Eagle Vision)
You might like if you enjoy: INXS
Tell me more: The release of Live Baby Live has provided a magical way to rediscover INXS. Filmed at Wembley Stadium in London, Live Baby Live chronicles the Australian outfit's full-length headlining concert in front of more than 73,000 fans on July 13, 1991. The band was on fire throughout the satisfying set, and the title (available via 4K and HD digital download, 4K Ultra High Definition Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD) looks and sounds fantastic. Indeed, the original 35mm film was completely restored for the debut commercial run shown in theaters around the world in late 2019; additionally the audio was remixed and remastered by Giles Martin and Sam Okell at Abbey Road Studios — the concert is presented in full for the first time and is spectacular. Watching the captivating performance by charismatic singer Michael Hutchence and his five bandmates thrill the crowd for more than 90 minutes, the parade of hits and satisfying deep cuts never falters.  Exciting takes on "New Sensation," "Original Sin" (the band's first #1 hit in their native Australia), "Mystify," "Need You Tonight," "Devil Inside" and many more are obvious favorites; the band's powerful dance rocker "Suicide Blonde," soulful "Disappear," acoustic ballad "By My Side" and ornate "Lately" are among the other delights showcased across the film. The physical packages feature new 4K-sourced photography from the show, new notes from the band and an essay by broadcaster and super INXS fan Jamie East, who was in the crowd that day. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Eric Clapton & B.B. King
Title: Riding With The King (Reprise Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Eric Clapton, B.B. King
Tell me more: When blues titans Eric Clapton & B.B. King teamed up to record tracks for the June 2000 LP Riding With The King, the results were glorious and earned the duo the 2000 Grammy Award© for Best Traditional Blues Album. Now an expanded and remastered 20th Anniversary edition of the album shines a well-deserved look back at the magical project. The uplifting John Hiatt-penned title track, wistful Chicago blues ballad "Ten Long Years" (showcasing King's expressive baritone vocals), blues rocker "I Wanna Be" and swinging "Days of Old" resonant with all the power that greeted the release's arrival two decades ago. Other standouts include a Delta-flavored cover of the William Broonzy & Charles Seger classic "Key to the Highway," the funky "Marry You" and poignant blues gospel cut "Help the Poor." Two additional tracks recorded during the original 1999 sessions are available for the first time; the acoustic "Rollin' and Tumblin' " finds Clapton and King trading verses on the blues standard while the LP is capped with an unheard cover of Willie Dixon's powerful "Let Me Love You Baby" featuring King in one of his most mighty vocal performances on the disc. There is a warmth and authenticity as the two long-time friends and icons share lead vocals, guitar licks, a love of the blues and musical bond across the 14 tracks. Among the famed musicians who are featured with Clapton and King are Nathan East, Doyle Bramhall II, Jim Keltner and Andy Fairweather Low. The 14-track collection is available in all formats including a 180-gram black double vinyl package. A limited edition 180-gram blue vinyl double LP set is available exclusively via Clapton's official online store and at indie retailers. The vinyl was mastered by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering in Los Angeles. Information: EricClapton.com.

Artist: Rogers & Butler
Title: Poets & Sinners (Zip Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, Shoes, the Kinks, the Hollies
Tell me more: Having issued the impressive four-song EP Diana Dors in early 2019, Rogers & Butler are back with their wonderful new full-length debut Poets & Sinners. Edward Rogers (vocals) and Steve Butler (vocals, guitar) lead a musical troupe of seven other musicians who collectively display a muscular style of melodic rock strongly rooted in classic song craft and bolstered by loads of inventive touches and winning harmonies. The tuneful "A Satisfied Mind," chamber pop gems "Writing to the Moon" and "Luv Lock Bridge," nuanced title track, Kinks-flavored "Skimming Milk from the Cream" and the propulsive power pop rocker "Jump Like Alice" are among the killer originals on the inviting album. Information: amazon.com.

The artwork for the single "Hill So Steep" off Tara
Dente's forthcoming LP 'Truth in the Mud.'

Artist: Tara Dente
Title: Truth in the Mud (Travianna Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Emmylou Harris, First Aid Kit, Whitney Rose
Tell me more: Set for release on July 17, plan to nab Tara Dente's outstanding third album release Truth in the Mud when you can. The disc's Americana soundscape is beautifully-rendered via the artist's magnificent soprano vocals and assured song craft. Dente wrote all seven songs on the album, and a diverse range of real-life feelings and emotional drives abound across the disc. The songs are melodic, artfully arranged and herald not only the New Jersey songstress' top-tier talents but those of her terrific band The Blind Pilots. The wealth of compelling material includes the bewitching single "Hill So Steep," moody title cut, beautiful "Enough," tender confessional "Let a Good One Go" and Gypsy music-mining ace "Ain't No Time." Information: TaraDente.com.


Robert Kinsler

Volkswagen supports live stream fundraiser held by Joe Bonamassa and Fender Premium Audio

Blues guitar master/singer-songwriter Joe Bonamassa will be featured at a live stream fundraising event tomorrow, May 14. Here is a media release that just landed in my inbox...Robert Kinsler

Volkswagen supports Live Stream Fundraiser held by guitar great Joe Bonamassa and Fender Premium Audio

• Joe Bonamassa live stream performance scheduled for Thursday, May 14 at 8 p.m. EST (5 p.m. Pacific Time) on Facebook Live 
• Proceeds to benefit touring musicians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through non-profit organization, Keeping the Blues Alive

Joe Bonamassa performing at the
City National Grove of Anaheim in June 2011.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Herndon, VA — Volkswagen of America today announced it will support a live stream fundraising performance hosted by globally-recognized blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa to financially assist touring musicians affected by COVID-19.

“We are so excited to be working with Joe on this meaningful and entertaining live stream,” said Saad Chehab, Senior Vice President, Volkswagen Brand Marketing. “When given the chance to support individuals in the music industry during this time, it felt like a true Drive Bigger moment that we wanted to be a part of.”

 

Joe Bonamassa, a prodigy who opened for B.B. King at the age of 12, will also showcase some of his personal vintage Fender guitars and discuss details about each. The performance proceeds will financially support musicians who are unable to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic through Bonamassa’s Fueling Musicians Program, an emergency relief plan organized by his 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Keeping the Blues Alive. The program provides financial assistance for essential living expenses along with pre-paid fuel cards to qualified musicians in need.

 

“My sincerest thanks and gratitude to both Volkswagen and Fender Premium Audio for their generous support of our Fueling Musicians Program,” said Bonamassa. “Musicians have a tough road ahead and this will help them regroup until they can head out on the road again when everyone gets the green light.”

 

To watch the event, visit the VW Facebook page here on Thursday, May 14 at 8 p.m. EST.

 

To donate to the Fueling Musicians Program or to complete an application for assistance, visit www.KTBA.org.

 

Fender Premium Audio offers top-end audio systems on select trims of Volkswagen vehicles such as the Passat, Golf GTI, Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and Tiguan. Available in SEL Premium trim levels on both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, the latest Fender Premium Audio System includes a 480-watt, 12-channel amplifier with 12 speakers in total. 

About Fender Musical Instruments Corporation

Since 1946, Fender has revolutionized music and culture as one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC)–whose portfolio of brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Gretsch® guitars, Jackson®, EVH® and Charvel®–follows a player-centric approach to crafting the highest-quality instruments and digital experiences across genres. Since 2015, Fender’s digital arm has introduced a new ecosystem of products and interactive experiences to accompany players at every stage of their musical journey. This includes innovative apps and learning platforms designed to complement Fender guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals, accessories and pro-audio gear, and inspire players through an immersive musical experience. FMIC is dedicated to unlocking the power of musical expression for all players, from beginners to history-making legends.

 

About Joe Bonamassa

Joe Bonamassa performing at the Doheny Blues Festival in
May 2008. Photo courtesy of Bob Steshetz

As a professional musician for over 30 years, Joe Bonamassa continues to blaze a remarkably versatile artistic trail, and amass an authentic, innovative and soulful body of work. Bonamassa's career began onstage opening for B.B. King in 1989, when he was only 12 years old. Today, he is hailed worldwide as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation and is an ever-evolving singer-songwriter with over 30 albums to date including studio and live recordings, collaborative albums with blues sensation Beth Hart, and the adventurous side projects Black Country Communion and Rock Candy Funk Party, all under his own label, J&R Adventures. He founded and oversees the non-profit Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation to promote the heritage of blues music to the next generation, fund music scholarships, and conserve the art of music in schools and beyond. Bonamassa has received two GRAMMY® nominations, and recently achieved his 22nd #1 Billboard Blues Albums (more than any other artist) with the release of LIVE AT SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE in 2019. On average, Bonamassa tours around 200 days a year and has most recently released a new single “A Conversation With Alice” from his new studio album coming out late this year, which was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. www.JBonamassa.com    

 

About Volkswagen

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America and a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, with headquarters in Herndon, Virginia. Volkswagen’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Arteon, Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Golf, Golf GTI, Jetta, Jetta GLI, Passat, and Tiguan vehicles through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

“VW”, “Volkswagen” all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG.

“Fender” is a registered trademark of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.

This information and any vehicle specifications are preliminary and subject to change.

Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.