March 1 is where the blues looks forward—women building the industry from the ground up, students walking out for justice, and a musical bloodline that runs from boogie‑woogie piano to calypso activism, turntables, and neo‑soul. It’s one date, but a whole century of people using rhythm as a weapon, a refuge, and a roadmap.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] - Introduction

[00:53] - The Cultural Landscape

[01:36.] - The Political Climate

[02:15] - Births

[03:56] - Passings

[04:54] - Conclusion

KEY FIGURES MENTIONED:

Bessie Smith (1894–1937)

Ma Rainey (1886–1939)

Albert Ammons (1907–1949)

Harry Belafonte (1927–2023)

Grandmaster Flash (1958– )

Angie Stone (1961–2025)

Roy Ayers (1940–2025)

DIG DEEPER:

Bessie Smith - Downhearted Blues

Ma Rainey - See See Rider Blues

Albert Ammons - Boogie Woogie Stomp

Harry Belafonte - Day-O (Banana Boat Song)

Grandmaster Flash - The Message

Angie Stone - No More Rain (In This Cloud)

Roy Ayers - Everybody Loves The Sunshine

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Hosted by: Rufus Tate

Presented by: The Blues Hotel Collective - your home for EVERYTHING BLUES.

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