Buddy Guy will be the latest recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Blues Foundation at the 31st Blues Music Awards in Memphis on May 6.
This year's BMA ceremony will go down as one of the biggest nights for blues fans in recent memory as Guy will not only receive this award but will also join the lineup of performers.
Bonnie Raitt will present the award to Guy one night after joining Charlie Musselwhite, Amos Milburn, Gus Cannon and Cannon's Jug Stompers, Lonnie Brooks, and W.C. Handy as the Blues Hall of Fame's Class of 2010.
Blues fans don't need justification for Guy's selection as a Lifetime Achievement recipient but there is one interesting bit of BMA history that explains the Blues Foundation's decision to honor him. The BMAs were previously known as the W.C. Handy Awards and since their inception Guy has won 28 of them — a record — and been nominated 41 times. Like millions the world over, the Blues Foundation is a fan of Buddy Guy. Past recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award include Bobby "Blue" Bland, Ruth Brown, Ray Charles, Ahmet Ertegun, John Lee Hooker, Etta James, B.B. King, Sam Phillips, Koko Taylor and Jerry Wexler.
In addition to Guy's performance, nominees at this year's awards will be performing. Among those confirmed to take the stage that night are Tommy Castro Band, Rick Estrin, Louisiana Red, Duke Robillard, Super Chikan, and Joe Louis Walker.
I'll be making my first trip to Memphis to see a BMA show in person. I love when good things happen to good people. Oh, and I'm happy for Buddy Guy, too. This is beyond well deserved. Blogcritics has been providing pre-award coverage and will of course have a wrap up on all the night's events.
Article comments
1 - Raymond Lowe
I've recently started learning guitar. This guy (no pun intended) is a true inspiration to any guitarist. His showmanship and that crazy thing with the drumsticks are unbelievable.
I'm envious at both Guy for his guitar playiing and you because you'll be at the BMA.
Enjoy the show.
2 - Charlie Doherty
I've seen Buddy Guy live twice now in the last six years and let me tell you, he is one of the most electric and most fun performers to see live, even at his advanced age. Josh will certainly attest to that.