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Big Joe Shelton Columbus, Mississippi: 16gt6ytmizs6v; Share

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"BLACK PRAIRIE BLUES" at #8 on the "Roots Music Report" 5/30/08 Blues Chart

Added a reply Jun 5

'BLACK PRAIRIE BLUES" reviewed in "BLUES BLAST" EZINE

Started this discussion Jun 5

"BLACK PRAIRIE BLUES" at #8 on the "Roots Music Report" 5/30/08 Blues Chart
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Started this discussion. Last reply by Big Joe Shelton Jun 5.

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Big Joe Shelton left a comment for kevin barry "bluesglass" Jun 5

Big Joe Shelton replied to the discussion "BLACK PRAIRIE BLUES" at #8 on the "Roots Music Report" 5/30/08 Blues Chart Jun 5

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About Me:: I was born in the Black Prairie region of northeast Mississippi. As a child growing up in a small Mississippi town I was exposed to an African-American culture, which still strongly reflected that of the early part of the twentieth century. I attended tent minstrel shows, bar-b-que picnics and heard street musicians performing authentic traditional blues. The Black Belt region is also the birthplace of blues legends Howlin’ Wolf, Bukka White and Big Joe Williams. As a young man I was fortunate in befriending Williams and this association greatly influenced my musical sensibilities.
As a child I sang in church and grammar school choirs. In my teens I began playing the harmonica and guitar. Songwriting soon followed and I found I had a wealth of experiences from which to draw.
In the mid seventies I moved to Chicago and experienced the urban blues scene first hand. From Maxwell Street to the south side I sopped up the blues gravy served by the likes of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Buddy Guy and many others.
I am a member of the Mississippi Arts Commission “Artist Roster” (http://www.arts.state.ms.us/artist-roster/index.php) and “Folk Arts / Folk Life Directory” (http://www.arts.state.ms.us/special-projects/folklife.php) and I was honored by being included on the “Columbus / Catfish Alley” Mississippi Blues Trail Marker (http://www.msbluestrail.org/commission.html)
I have performed at numerous festivals and clubs throughout the southeastern United States including: King Biscuit Blues Festival, Howlin’ Wolf Memorial Blues Festival, Freedom Creek Blues Festival and the Beal Street Mess Around. I have also toured England, France, Belgium, Bulgaria and the Netherlands.
I have played with blues legends Big Joe Williams, Furry Lewis, Son Thomas, Junior Kimbrough, Fenton Robinson, Living Blues 2003 “Artist Of The Year” Willie King, BMA Award nominees Blind Mississippi Morris, R. L. Burnside and Johnny Rawls as well as Daniel “Slick” Ballinger, the 2007 BMA” Best New Artist” honoree.
Among my contributions toward perpetuation of the blues is my involvement with the Jazz Foundation of America and the Howlin’ Wolf Blues Societies “blues in the school” educational programs and performing at area personal care homes for the elderly.

Website Address: http://www.bigjoeshelton.com

Favorite Artists and Bands: Howlin' Wolf, Big Joe Williams, Sonny Boy Williamson (I & ll), Peg Leg Sam, Mississippi John Hurt, Little Walter, Lightin' Hopkins

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At 12:07pm on May 10th, 2008, Rick Fowler said…: Big Joe,

You sound incredible! Great voice, songs, and playing. Love that Devil song arrangement of instruments. All of the tunes are great.man!