Join Kelvin Huggins as he explores October 20th through the lens of blues history.

• October 21 has long stood as a day of contrasts in American music—a true “bittersweet symphony of the blues.” On this day, the Piedmont blues lost a key voice with the untimely death of Barbecue Bob, while the world welcomed future legends: Southern soul architect Steve Cropper, blues revivalist Elvin Bishop, Chicago blues torchbearer Dion Payton, and jazz innovator Dizzy Gillespie, whose roots were steeped in the blues. Adding an ironic twist, rock and roll pioneer Chuck Berry scored his only #1 hit with the playful “My Ding-A-Ling.” In this episode, we explore how October 21 captures the sorrow, joy, and enduring legacy of the blues across genres.

Hosted by: Kelvin Huggins

Presented by: The Blues Hotel Collective

Listen Tomorrow for: Another Blues Moment in Time

Keep the blues alive.

© 2025 The Blues Hotel Collective.