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RIP CAT RECORDS WELCOMES THE NEW YEAR WITH THE BLASTERS AND LOTS MORE
Los Angeles, Calif.--The Rip Cat Records slogan “Our Cats Rip!” is spot-on, especially now that the world-class roots-rock band The Blasters has joined the label. At a time when the rosters of most blues labels are filled with…
Continue Reading »RIP Doyle Bramhall - February 17, 1949 to November 12, 2011
This sad news just in: Texas blues legend Doyle Bramhall died from heart failure in his sleep Saturday night, at home in Alpine, Texas at the age of 62. He reportedly had been suffering from pneumonia in recent…
Continue Reading »RIP Earl Gilliam January 13, 1930 - October 19, 2011 - Bob Corritore correspondent
This sad news in from Donovan Allen of Houston, Texas: Texas piano and organ ace, Earl Gilliam, died on October 19 at his home in Tomball, Texas just Northwest of Houston from advanced lung disease. He was 81.…
Continue Reading »RIP George "Mojo" Buford - November 29, 1929 - October 11, 2011- Bob Corritore correspondent
George "Mojo" Buford was well known for his beautiful, raw-edged harmonica style, and his rich, emotional vocals. He died in a hospital in Minneapolis this morning after suffering with various health issues since early this summer. He was…
Continue Reading »RIP Howard Tate - August 13, 1939 to December 2, 2011- Bob Corritore correspondent
The influential soul singer Howard Tate was best known for soul hits like "Ain't Nobody Home" and "Get It While You Can", with the later covered and re-popularized by Janis Joplin. Tate died in his New Jersey apartment…
Continue Reading »RIP Hubert Sumlin - November 16, 1931 to December 4, 2011 - Bob Corritore correspondent
Best known for his extraordinary guitar work on the 1950s and 1960s recordings of Howlin' Wolf, Hubert Sumlin is considered among the greatest guitarists of all time. Hubert passed away of a heart attack on Sunday, Dec 4…
Continue Reading »RIP Iverson Minter AKA Louisiana Red March 23rd, 1932- to February 25, 2012. - Bob Corritore
It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of one of the greatest and most beloved traditional blues artists. Louisiana Red died this afternoon at a hospital in Germany (Note Europe is 9 hours ahead)…
Continue Reading »RIP John-Alex Mason - November 30, 1975 to October 19, 2011.
This sad news comes to us via Honey Sepeda. A rising young blues talent from Colorado Springs, John-Alex Mason died as a result of complications from cancer surgery. He was only 35. John-Alex Mason was one of those…
Continue Reading »RIP Willie "Big Eyes" Smith - January 19, 1936 to Sept 16th, 2011.- Bob Corritore correspondent
It is with great sadness that we report the unexpected passing of one the true greats of the blues. Willie "Big Eyes" Smith. Willie passed away this morning of a stroke. He was 75 and was musically active…
Continue Reading »Rippin' The Blues! - Michael Burks
Guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Michael “Iron Man” Burks stands tall as a major contemporary blues figure. With a nickname earned by his hours-long, intensely physical performances, fearsome guitar attack, tough, smoky vocals and the thousands of miles logged behind the wheel…
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