Articles by Tony Russell | Louder

A music historian and critic, Tony Russell has written about blues, country, jazz and other American musics for MOJO, The Guardian and many specialist magazines. He has also acted as a consultant on several TV documentaries, and been nominated for a Grammy three times for his authorship (with Ted Olson) of the books accompanying the Bear Family boxed sets. He is the author of Blacks, Whites and Blues (1970), The Blues: From Robert Johnson to Robert Cray (1997) and Country Music Originals: The Legends and the Lost (2007).

Articles by: Tony Russell

Jimmie Rodgers studio portrait

How Jimmie Rodgers changed the face of popular music – and built a song franchise in the process

By Tony Russell published 3 January 25

Nearly 100 years ago, Jimmie Rodgers wired a connection between the blues and country music with a guitar, some jokes and a yodel

Who did the best version of Baby Please Don't Go?

By TONY RUSSELL published 31 July 18

From Mississippi to Northern Ireland to Australia, this classic has inspired musicians from around the world. But can the original be beaten?

T-Bone Walker: The Great Blues Vocals & Guitar album artwork

T-Bone Walker: Great Blues Vocals & Guitar/I Get So Weary + Singing The Blues

By TONY RUSSELL published 1 July 16

Monumental early recordings by the architect of modern blues guitar.

Neal Black & Larry Garner: Guilty Saints album artwork

Neal Black & Larry Garner: Guilty Saints (Dixiefrog)

By TONY RUSSELL published 1 July 16

Another Euro-American collaboration for Louisiana veteran Larry Garner.

Howlin' Wolf smiling with his mouth open.

Cuttin' Heads: Pony Blues

By TONY RUSSELL published 27 June 16

Charley Patton’s equine tale has inspired generations of blues singers, but can we separate the lame nags from the thoroughbreds?

Memphis Minnie: Keep On Goin’ 1930–1953 album artwork

Memphis Minnie: Keep On Goin’ 1930–1953

By TONY RUSSELL published 9 May 16

A revealing wide-angle snapshot of one of the great blueswomen.

Jimmy Rogers: Chicago Bound album artwork

Jimmy Rogers: Chicago Bound

By TONY RUSSELL published 9 May 16

The complete 50s singles of an architect of Chicago blues.

Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames: Slip Into A Dream

Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames: Slip Into A Dream

By TONY RUSSELL published 9 May 16

Chicago guitarist and one-time sidekick of Lil’ Ed Williams.

Cover artwork for The Jug Bands Volume One

Blues Collector: Memphis Jug Band/Cannon’s Jug Stompers

By TONY RUSSELL published 9 May 16

The Jug Bands Volume One (Natchez NEP 701)

Memphis Minnie looking at the camera, wearing earrings and a necklace.

Cuttin' Heads: Please Set A Date

By TONY RUSSELL published 9 May 16

Memphis Minnie vs Elmore James vs Erja Lyytinen

Magic Sam Blues Band: Black Magic album artwork

Magic Sam Blues Band: Black Magic

By TONY RUSSELL published 9 May 16

An expanded reissue of Sam’s second album, from 1969.

KAI STRAUSS

Album Review: KAI STRAUSS

By TONY RUSSELL published 31 March 16

I Go By Feel (CONTINENTAL BLUE HEAVEN)

Whose version of Little Red Rooster is better: Howlin' Wolf's or the Stones'?

By TONY RUSSELL published 25 March 16

It’s the song that has ruffled feathers from the moment it first appeared, but did The Rolling Stones or Howlin' Wolf create version of has the most to crow about?

Album Review: Sunnyland Slim

By TONY RUSSELL published 25 March 16

Slim’s Shout + Chicago Blues Session (SOUL JAM)

Various Artists Wait For Me

By TONY RUSSELL published 22 February 16

Romance and recrimination, etched in the grooves of rare 78s.

Cuttin' Heads: Sonny Boy Williamson V The Yardbirds

By TONY RUSSELL published 17 February 16

Sonny Boy Williamson's tale of playground love was transformed to fit swinging London by The Yardbirds. But which version is top of the class?

Cuttin' Heads: Muddy Waters vs Heritage Blues Orchestra

By TONY RUSSELL published 15 January 16

A down-by-the-river country standard about casting a rod competes with Chicago electric blues and swing-dance. Which version is catch of the day?

Lightnin' Hopkins – Mojo Hand + Blues In My Bottle

By TONY RUSSELL published 15 January 16

Two contrasting albums from the early 60s by the Texas bluesman

Chris James & Patrick Rynn – Trouble Don't Last

By TONY RUSSELL published 1 December 15

Downhome blues dragged thrillingly up to speed.

Various Artists – The Rough Guide To The Blues Songsters

By TONY RUSSELL published 1 December 15

The curtains drawn back on the music that came before the blues.

Snooks Eaglin: New Orleans Street Singer/That’s All Right

By TONY RUSSELL published 21 October 15

Timeless recordings of a singer and guitarist who astonished 60s blues fans.

Omar Coleman: Born & Raised

By TONY RUSSELL published 20 October 15

A harmonica player and singer in the great Chicago tradition.

Cuttin' Heads - Blind Lemon versus Lou Reed

By TONY RUSSELL published 19 October 15

A blues about death first recorded in 1927, and then taken for a walk on the wild side in 2003. But which version is the buried treasure?

Muddy Waters 100

By TONY RUSSELL published 7 September 15

Admirers celebrate what would have been Muddy Waters’ hundredth birthday.

JB Lenoir: I Wanna Play A Little While...

By TONY RUSSELL published 7 September 15

A 10-year survey of a unique and remarkable singer.