Thomas Ruf has guided Ruf Records for twelve years through waters that have not always been the smoothest. In only their third year they faced disaster when their U.S. distributor went bankrupt. There have been other years when cash was tight so new releases were light on the ground and they had to make due with reissues.

But it looks like they have left those days behind them now. Walter Trout's 2006 release Full Circle has already been on the Billboard charts for fifteen weeks and shows no signs of leaving any time soon. Their total sales to date for the 120 albums released in 12 years is 1.2 million and growing, they've been nominated for two Grammy Awards, and ten WC. Handy Awards.

As recognition for the work they do in producing and spreading the word of the Blues, Ruf Records was just informed by the Blues Foundation that they are this year's recipient of the Keeping The Blues Alive award for Record Companies. For a record label not even based in the continental United States to be considered for the award is an honour alone, but to actually receive it is a great accomplishment.

Twelve years ago Luther Alison challenged his European Agent to put his money where his mouth was, which resulted in the formation of Ruf Records. Thomas Ruf has not only backed his words with money, but even more importantly actions.

Receiving an award for keeping the Blues alive, sounds like you're helping a patient on life support. In the hands of the people at Ruf records the Blues aren't just being nursed along with survival in mind. They are the healthiest in mind, body and spirit then they have been in a long time. That can only be good news for music fans everywhere.