Sometimes the Secret History of Chicago Music reads like a novel, with an interesting origin story, lots of detail spanning the artist’s entire career, and a satisfying conclusion. But sometimes I hit a wall, and SHoCM feels more like a mystery story. Even when I don’t ask, those columns are essentially a plea to anyone […]
Tag: Andre Williams
Posted inMusic
Pravda Records goes the distance
Beginning with Napster and continuing through Spotify, the nemeses of independent record labels have been legion over the past few decades. The deaths of brick-and-mortar retail chains, including Tower and Borders, have made releasing new music even more of an uphill climb. Yet Pravda Records has weathered it all and continues to thrive. The Chicago […]
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Soul singer Ruby Andrews makes a career change
In its nearly 40-year history, the Chicago Blues Festival has frequently saluted the city’s vibrant soul-music legacy with all-star sets underscoring the connection between soul and blues. This year is no exception. On Saturday, June 11, at Pritzker Pavilion, what’s billed as a Chicago Soul Tribute pays homage to three local legends: saxophonist-producer Gene “Daddy […]
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Saxophonist Gene Barge helped shape the sound of Chicago R&B
Gene Barge has done his most influential work as a sideman or producer, but he’s just as important as any of R&B’s marquee stars.
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Bailey Dee lights a fire in Chicago’s rockabilly scene
The Chicago rockabilly scene has been fairly dormant for the past several years, though touring acts such as Big Sandy and Deke Dickerson still attract huge local audiences. Along with Tammi Savoy, singer Bailey Dee is among the vanguard of those making the scene exciting again. Dee’s musical background is fairly diverse, and though she […]
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Forgotten dance-craze hit maker Jerry O has inspired a new biography
The Chicago DJ, promoter, and soul man broke big with “Boo-Ga-Loo” in 1965, but within eight years his career was over.
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Bloodshot turns 25 on the gig poster of the week
This week’s featured gig poster was created by local artist Justin Hertner.
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The Maypole Folk Festival builds a big tent
The Maypole Folk Festival builds a big tent, the Goldstars lead a crowded tribute to R&B icon Andre Williams, and more.
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Bacon fat, corn liquor, and tail feathers: remembering R&B legend Andre Williams
R&B legend Andre Williams influenced generations of rockers and rappers—and his decades-long comeback ended only with his death at 82.
Posted inBlogs
On not taking Jon Langford for granted
A belated appreciation of the “new” album from Jon Langford & Skull Orchard, who play Friday at the Hideout.
Posted inBlogs
The Goblins Return to Play Caveman-a-Go-Go Tonight
The Goblins play Caveman-a-Go-Go tonight at Bottom Lounge, performing a set of their own material for the first time in nearly ten years.
Posted inBlogs
This Week in the Reader’s Music Section
Local rappers, punk filmmakers, synth-loving indie rockers, and more
Posted inMusic
The List: May 27-June 2, 2010
Critics’ Choices and other notable shows: Erykah Badu, Thee Silver Mt. Zion Orchestra, Andre Williams, the Brian Jonestown Massacre, the Pharez Whitted Sextet, and more