Check out our new Beale Street Caravan theme music!

Beale Street Caravan Theme Music - Lee Bailey's Revenge

This week on Beale Street Caravan, we bring back Dirty Streets as they celebrate the release of their latest project, "Who's Gonna Love You", live from Growlers in Memphis, TN. 
Grammy nominated blues man, Guy Davis, will be with us to deliver an installment of the Blues Hall of Fame, an exploration of the lives of the pioneers and innovators enshrined in the Blues Hall of Fame, here in Memphis, TN, brought to you by the Blues Foundation.

#2715 - Dirty Streets

This week on Beale Street Caravan, we return to the blues with Memphis' native son, Chris Pitts and The Memphis Prime, live from Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, MS.

#2729 - Chris Pitts and The Memphis Prime

Swamp-rock legend Tony Joe White is our esteemed guest on this week's program. Presently touring behind the release of his first U.S. studio album in almost a decade. Tony brings his iconic mashup of fuzzed-out, swamp blues and timeless songwriting to Memphis and knocks the crowd on its backside. Also on today's show we have rising singer-songwriter Mark Edgar Stuart. Mark has been a Memphis favorite for years so we're excited to let the world hear one of our most-loved, local treasures.

Beale Street Caravan - Tony Joe White & Mark Edgar Stuart - June 11, 2014

This week on Beale Street Caravan, we feature the electrifying sounds of international rock n’ roll band, Making Movies. The band was nominated in 2019 for the Latin Grammy Album of the Year for their collaboration with Ruben Blades on the song “No Te Calles”. Comprised of Panamanian brothers Enrique and Diego Chi, along with Juan-Carlos Chaurand from Mexico, and Duncan Burnett from Kansas, the band’s sound is one that represents all of the Americas, together. 

Grammy nominated blues man, Guy Davis, will also be with us to deliver an installment of the Blues Hall of Fame, an exploration of the lives of the pioneers and innovators enshrined in the Blues Hall of Fame.

#2752 - Making Movies Live from the Overton Park Shell

This week on Beale Street Caravan, we feature veteran songwriter, Spree Wilson, live from the Overton Park Shell. Also on the show, we sit down with Spree for an interview, and learn more about the Nashville born artist's Memphis roots, and his connection to music industry luminaries such as Dallas Austin. 

Grammy nominated blues man, Guy Davis, will be with us to deliver an installment of the Blues Hall of Fame, an exploration of the lives of the pioneers and innovators enshrined in the Blues Hall of Fame, here in Memphis, TN, brought to you by the Blues Foundation.

#2803 - Spree Wilson

This week on Beale Street Caravan, we’re back at the Overton Park Shell for the 2023 Tambourine Bash, a night of Memphis music collaboration and showcases benefitting Music Export Memphis (MEM). Listen to performances from the Rising Stars Fife and Drum band,  Grammy winner Cedric Burnside, Dirty Streets, Deonna Pruitt, Alexis Grace, and more! We also sit down with MEM executive director, Elizabeth Cawein, to learn more about how the organzation benefits local artists. 
Grammy nominated blues man, Guy Davis, will also be with us to deliver an installment of the Blues Hall of Fame, an exploration of the lives of the pioneers and innovators enshrined in the Blues Hall of Fame.

#2805 - The 2023 Tambourine Bash Benefitting Music Export Memphis

This week on Beale Street Caravan, we feature Paul Taylor and Three Springs live from the Green Room in Crosstown Arts. The episode marks Memphis multi-instrumentalist Paul Taylor's first show home in Memphis since relocating during the recent pandemic.

#2812 - Paul Taylor and Three Springs Live from the Green Room

The boys are back in town this week on Beale Street Caravan, as Memphis' own legendary psychedelic funk rockers, Big Ass Truck, celebrate their 30th anniversary live from Minglewood Hall. Grammy nominated blues man, Guy Davis, will be with us to deliver an installment of the Blues Hall of Fame, an exploration of the lives of the pioneers and innovators enshrined in the Blues Hall of Fame, here in Memphis, TN, brought to you by the Blues Foundation.

#2815 - Big Ass Truck 30th Anniversary

This week on Beale Street Caravan, we head to B-Side in Midtown for Robert Allen Parker's album release concert. The Memphis guitarist released a double LP titled "The River's Invitation" that embodies the experimental spirit of classic rock while incorporating elements of blues, soul, funk, and Memphis garage rock. With a stellar cast of guest vocalists and a diverse range of influences, Parker's album and release concert offer a refreshing blend of old and new sounds, showcasing his musical vision and collaborative energy.

#2817 - Robert Allen Parker Album Release Concert

This week on Beale Street Caravan, we take a look back at the 2022 Memphis Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Highlighted performances include Booker T. Jones, and a tribute to Mavis Staples by some of the phenomenal women in Memphis music. We also sit down with acclaimed musician and leader of the night's house band, Kurt Clayton, for an interview. Grammy nominated blues man, Guy Davis, will be with us to deliver an installment of the Blues Hall of Fame, an exploration of the lives of the pioneers and innovators enshrined in the Blues Hall of Fame, here in Memphis, TN, brought to you by the Blues Foundation.

#2820 - Highlights from the 2022 Memphis Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

This week on Beale Street Caravan, we groove with soul/jazz/funk sensation, Hope Clayburn. From sharing the stage with icons like The Temptations to leading her own ensemble, Clayburn's music moves hearts worldwide. Tune in to catch Hope Clayburn's Soul Scrimmage live at the Green Room in Crosstown Arts as they celebrate the release of their album, Y’all So Loud. 
Guy Davis, returns to deliver another segment on the musical heroes enshrined in the Blues Hall of Fame.

#2822 - Hope Clayburn's Soul Scrimmage Album Release Concert

This week on Beale Street Caravan we have a star-studded lineup, joined together for an important cause: to defend the integrity of Memphis’ drinking water. Grammy nominated artists Shemekia Copeland and Jim Lauderdale, along with Nashville singer-songwriter Will Kimbrough, iconic singer-songwriter and folk musician, Livingston Taylor, as well as Reba Russell, Joe Restivo and John Nemeth, and others, all got together for one night to sing, play, and raise money to make sure that our water remains a fresh, suitable source of life in our community.

#2826 - Protect Our Aquifer

This week on Beale Street Caravan, we're back in the Green Room inside of Crosstown Arts for a collaboration between beloved singer, songwriter, and producer, Mark Edgar Stuart, and contemporary chamber music group, Blueshift Ensemble. 
Grammy nominated blues man, Guy Davis, will be with us to deliver an installment of the Blues Hall of Fame, an exploration of the lives of the pioneers and innovators enshrined in the Blues Hall of Fame, here in Memphis, TN, brought to you by the Blues Foundation.

#2828 - Mark Edgar Stuart and Blueshift Ensemble

The struggle that blues artists have with the balance between the sacred and the profane stretches back to the days of Son House and Rev. Robert Wilkins. This week on BSC we feature two artists that began their careers in the church but now walk the fine line between both worlds. First we hear from Leo "Bud" Welch, an 84 year old artist from the N. Mississippi Hill Country, then we hear from AJ Ghent, a sacred steel artist celebrating his debut record with us this week. Also on the program, BSC contributor David Less will continue his series, The Memphis Beat.

Beale Street Caravan - A.J. Ghent and Leo "Bud" Welch - April 24, 2015

When you mention "Beale Street" the first thing that comes to mind for most hardcore blues fans is the "Reigning Queen of Beale," Miss Barbara Blue. For blues fanatics the world over, and for the hundreds of thousands of music lovers that that flock to Beale each year, she is the genuine article amidst a sea of pretenders. Her new album, "Memphis Blues: Sweet, Strong, and Tight" just hit the shelves. It was recorded by Boo Mitchell at legendary Royal Studios in Memphis. Also on the program this week, we continue our series "Wex on Wax" about the rise of Atlantic Records into the greatest R&B label in the world.

Beale Street Caravan - Barbara Blue - August 19, 2015

(Previously aired) He's just 16 years old, y'all. It's incredible. Yes, he's toured over in Europe and played for the Obama family at the White House, but tonight his loving mother sits on the front row, as she always does, and makes sure the show doesn't run over. Why? Because Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has to get up and go to school the next day just like any other 16 year old. We're excited to feature Kingfish on BSC and we have a feeling that he's got a long career in music ahead of him. Also joining us is recording artist John Paul Keith as he continues our Made In Memphis segment which takes a look at the behind the scenes stories of hit songs crafted in the Bluff City.

Beale Street Caravan - Kingfish - December 30, 2015

This week Beale Street Caravan features Jerron "Blind Boy" Paxton. Jerron's music pulls from the African-American traditions of 20’s and 30’s when ragtime, jazz, and blues, combined in countless, shifting forms to become the spiritual vernacular of the American south. In fact, It’s hard not to be instantly transported to bustling, outlaw, 1930’s Beale Street when Jerron plays. BSC contributor John Paul Keith is also with us to continue his series, Something On The Side.


Beale Street Caravan - Jerron "Blind Boy" Paxton - May 11, 2016

Robert Finley got his big break at last year’s King Biscuit Blues Festival when he talked the sound engineer into letting him get on stage in between acts and play a song. He wowed the crowd, captured the attention of Music Makers Relief  and went home with a record deal in his pocket. He joins us this week in a performance captured during Bridging The Blues celebrating the release of his debut record, Age Don’t Mean A Thing, on Big Legal Mess Records.

BSC contributor William Lee Ellis returns to continue his series, Religion and the Blues.

Beale Street Caravan - Robert Finley

Blues, Soul, and Rock and Roll continue to evolve and inspire. While BSC tends to favor the veterans and living legends, this week we have two acts, Edward David Anderson and CATL that have dynamic, innovative and fresh approaches, yet deep love and reverence for the traditions of yesterday. 

BSC contributor William Lee Ellis returns to continue his series, Religion and the Blues.

Beale Street Caravan - Edward David Anderson and CATL

Mississippi is still home to most authentic blues artists in the country. While some hopped trains headed north and became superstars in Memphis and Chicago, many stayed back to create that signature soundtrack for life in the Delta. We have two, living embodiments of that original Delta, country blues sound with us this week: Cadillac John Nolden and Pat Thomas in sets captured at the Mighty Mississippi Music Fest in Greenville, MS during Bridging The Blues.

BSC contributor William Lee Ellis returns to continue his series, Religion and the Blues.

Beale Street Caravan - Cadillac John Nolden and Pat Thomas - November 30, 2016

Imagine the greatest mixtape accompanied by the best liner notes ever. Join us for a listening session with editors from Oxford American magazine, featuring music from their 18th annual music issue, Visions of the Blues. For the first time, the issue is completely devoted to a single genre, and what better way to showcase the mystique and allure of Southern culture than with a guided tour of blues music past, present, and future.

Beale Street Caravan - Oxford American, 2016 Music Issue: Visions of the Blues

This week’s episode showcases two bluesmen whose music can be heard at blues festivals around the world, in documentary films, or performing at juke joints right in the heart of the Mississippi Delta.  Both play harmonica and guitar, and both were recorded during Bridging The Blues performances last fall. Listen as Watermelon Slim takes the stage at the Bonafide Blues Festival and Terry “Harmonica” Bean plays the Mighty Mississippi Music Festival. 

BSC contributor Preston Lauterbach continues his series the Chitlin’ Circuit and The Road to Rock n Roll.

Beale Street Caravan - Watermelon Slim and Terry "Harmonica" Bean

This week’s episode celebrates quite an amazing collaboration of musical talent and genius. We are talking about five time Grammy award winner Robert Cray, backed by the legendary Hi Rhythm Section and renowned drummer and producer Steve Jordan. BSC was there to capture an epic performance for the release of their latest album, Robert Cray and Hi Rhythm, plus an interview with Robert and Steve from a rehearsal at Royal Studios right here in Memphis.
(original air date May 3, 2017)

Beale Street Caravan - Robert Cray w/Hi Rhythm

Tank and the Bangas in a live performance at the historic Clayborn Temple in downtown Memphis, TN. Interview with Memphis musician Tonya Dyson, and BSC Contributor Robert Gordon returns to talk about the History of Hi Records.

Beale Street Caravan - Tank and the Bangas

This week on Beale Street Caravan we have a double feature as we pay tribute to recently passed Delta bluesman, CeDell Davis.  

In the second half of the program we’ll hear from master of the Hill Country blues, R.L. Boyce, who just recently received his first Grammy nomination.

Beale Street Caravan - CeDell Davis and R.L. Boyce

This week on the Caravan we have Members Only: A Tribute to Bobby Blue Bland. Produced by Memphis musician Rodd Bland, son of the late blues icon, the tribute is held at B. B. King’s Blues Club on Beale Street during Blues Music Awards weekend. Special guests include Sugaray Rayford, Mike Ledbetter, Ashton Riker, Andy Duncanson, John Nemeth, and Tom Wurth. 

BSC contributor Jim Spake also returns to continue his series, “Crazy About the Saxophone” on the legendary sidemen that played rock’s original lead instrument.

Beale Street Caravan - Members Only: A Tribute to Bobby Blue Bland

This week on Beale Street Caravan we have longtime Ecko Records artist and southern soul dynamo, Sheba Potts-Wright in a performance at the historic Club Paradise. Raised on the touring circuit by her father, Beale Street harp legend Dr. Robert “Feelgood” Potts, Sheba has a sound that blends some of the best elements of the blues.

Beale Street Caravan - Sheba Potts-Wright

This week on Beale Street Caravan we have local rock siren Amy LaVere celebrating her latest release, “Painting Blue.” Grammy nominated blues man, Guy Davis, will be with us to deliver an installment of the Blues Hall of Fame, an exploration of the lives of the pioneers and innovators enshrined in the Blues Hall of Fame, here in Memphis, TN, brought to you by the Blues Foundation.

Beale Street Caravan - Amy LaVere

This week on Beale Street Caravan we have vocalist and songwriter, D’Monet, whose latest project, Chrysalis EP, showcases her brand of soulful music. 
 
Grammy nominated blues man, Guy Davis, will be with us to deliver an installment of the Blues Hall of Fame, an exploration of the lives of the pioneers and innovators enshrined in the Blues Hall of Fame, here in Memphis, TN, brought to you by the Blues Foundation.

Beale Street Caravan - D'Monet

This week on Beale Street Caravan we have R&B all-stars Streeter and the Tribe. The band is led by Memphis-bred drummer, Charles Streeter, who spent the last decade playing onstage behind globally-beloved acts before moving back home to Memphis and forming the supergroup.  
Grammy nominated blues man, Guy Davis, will be with us to deliver an installment of the Blues Hall of Fame, an exploration of the lives of the pioneers and innovators enshrined in the Blues Hall of Fame, here in Memphis, TN, brought to you by the Blues Foundation.

Beale Street Caravan - Streeter and the Tribe

This week on Beale Street Caravan we have soul rockin’ Memphis mainstays, the Reba Russell Band.
Grammy nominated blues man, Guy Davis, will be with us to deliver an installment of the Blues Hall of Fame, an exploration of the lives of the pioneers and innovators enshrined in the Blues Hall of Fame, here in Memphis, TN, brought to you by the Blues Foundation.

Beale Street Caravan - The Reba Russell Band

Each week, Beale Street Caravan brings the Sounds of Memphis to public radio. Live performances from the masters of blues, soul, folk, and rock n roll. 

Distributed by NPR Worldwide to a global audience of more than 2.5 million listeners.

Mission
Sharing Memphis’ musical legacy on an international scale through inspired, high quality programming.


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