| Billy Branch Blues in the Schools Residency Begins Monday, October 13 |
| Written by Jimmie Jones | |
 Billy Branch Billy was born at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital just north of Chicago on October 31, 1951, and grew up in Los Angles where he learned how to play the harmonica, but no blues. Billy didn’t become interested in blues until he returned to Chicago to attend the University of Illinois where he earned a degree in political science. It was when he attended a festival at Grant Park, produced by Willie Dixon and featuring such blues legends at Muddy Waters, Junior Wells, Big Mama Thornton and many others, that changed Billy’s life forever. After several years of wood shedding, sitting in with bands at clubs and performing gigs, Billy replaced Carey Bell in Willie Dixon’s band and stayed with Dixon for 6 years. Billy’s Son of Blues band came about when John McNeal was commissioned to assemble 13 young musicians to perform at the 1977 Berlin Jazz Festival. Among them were guitarist Lurrie Bell, son of Carey Bell, bassist Freddie Dixon, son of Willie Dixon, drummer Garland Whiteside, son of Clifton James, as well as Billy Branch. When they returned to Chicago, Billy started getting gigs for Sons of Blues when he was not working with Willie Dixon. Over the years, in addition to leading the Sons of Blues band, Billy has been a regular studio player, appearing on over 50 albums. He has recorded and performed with an incredible list of blues legends, including Muddy Waters, Big Walter Horton, Son Seals, Lonnie Brooks, Albert King, Koko Taylor, and Mighty Joe Young. Billy Branch is one of the originators of Blues in the Schools in Chicago. He has taught in the Chicago School System for over 25 years as part of the Urban Gateways Project. Throughout his career, Billy has enjoyed his share of awards. He received the "Living Blues Critics” award in 1993 and 1997 (harmonica), shared a W.C. Handy award for the album Harp Attack! on Alligator Records in 1991, and was presented a Handy for “Keeping the Blues Alive” education award in 1990 and 1994. If blues fans want to hear some real blues, I strongly recommend you attend at least one of Billy’s FREE open to the public performances. Open to the Public Performances: MONDAY, October 13 6:00 p.m.
4:30-5:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
This free, educational blues program is only made possible through generous supporters: The Riverboat Development Authority, The Lodge, Illinois Arts Council, Sears Manufacturing, LinguiSystems Inc., ALCOA, Kraft Foods, KALA-FM, WQPT, Mary Iva Gittens Knouse, and the River Music Experience |
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