Louisiana Blues - Jo Ann Kelly (Blues) 1969

Louisiana Blues - Jo Ann Kelly

1969

Produced by Nick Perls

The picture on stage is Jo Ann Kelly with Son House. It doesn't get any better than that.

The Blues and Gospel EP is rare.

The rock era saw a few white female singers, like Janis Joplin, show they could sing the blues. But one who could outshine them all -- Jo Ann Kelly -- seemed to slip through the cracks, mostly because she favored the acoustic, Delta style rather than rocking out with a heavy band behind her. But with a huge voice, and a strong guitar style influenced by Memphis Minnie and Charley Patton, she was the queen. Born January 5, 1944, Kelly and her older brother Dave were both taken by the blues, and born at the right time to take advantage of a young British blues scene in the early '60s. By 1964 she was playing in clubs, including the Star in Croydon, and had made her first limited-edition record with future Groundhogs guitarist Tony McPhee. She expanded to play folk and blues clubs all over Britain, generally solo, but occasionally with other artists, bringing together artists like Bessie Smith and Sister Rosetta Tharpe into her own music. After the first National Blues Federation Convention in 1968 her career seemed ready to take flight. She began playing the more lucrative college circuit, followed by her well-received debut album in 1969. At the second National Blues Convention, she jammed with Canned Heat, who invited her to join them on a permanent basis. She declined, not wanting to be a part of a band -- and made the same decision when Johnny Winter offered to help her. Throughout the '70s, Kelly continued to work and record solo, while also gigging for fun in bands run by friends, outfits like Tramp and Chilli Willi -- essentially pub rock, as the scene was called, and in 1979 she helped found the Blues Band, along with brother Dave, and original Fleetwood Mac bassist Bob Brunning. The band backed her on an ambitious show she staged during the early '80s, Ladies and the Blues, in which she paid tribute to her female heros. In 1988, Kelly began to suffer pain. A brain tumor was diagnosed and removed, and she seemed to have recovered, even touring again in 1990 with her brother before collapsing and dying on October 21. Posthumously, she's become a revered blues figure, one who helped clear the path for artists like Bonnie Raitt and Rory Block. But more than a figurehead, her recorded material -- and unreleased sides have appeared often since her death -- show that Kelly truly was a remarkable blueswoman. ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Jo-Ann Kelly
• Blues
• Delta Blues
• Acoustic Guitar
• 1960's
• Groundhogs
• Tony McPhee
• Dave Kelly
• Son House
• Charley Patton.

[dreamsofhaegum]

She was so good a a true talent. She played at a club I helped run in Shoreham by sea. She died so young.

[minutegongcoughs]

@dreamsofhaegum Must be great memories. It comes as a shock to me when some with blues interest don't know her music.

[colindale7773]

The video still is of Jo Ann Kelly with Fred McDowell, I think, not Son House.

[minutegongcoughs]

It appears to be Son House. The outer garment Son House wore.

[colindale7773]

Mississipi Fred played with Jo Ann at the Mayfair Theatre, London. I was there. To the best of my knowledge she never played with Son House, although Son House did play a solo concert in London, and I was there too, but I can't remember where it was! Those dear old Senior Moments!

[bluesbreaker45]

Oh absolutely correct. It's Miss. Fred, no question in this pic. It looks nothing like Son House! And as faceliftblues has rightly observed: where's the National Duolian? Ever see Son House play an electric? Right!!! Terrifuc Jo Ann bit...a great loss to the British Blues genre....

[UnkemptButClassy]

@minutegongcoughs Don't forget - us with Blues interests are always searching and finding out more. That's why it is great you are putting stuff like this up - I'd never heard of her. I am currently "rediscovering" the blues which I adored in my teens...then found the Pixies, House music, Stone Roses...but now back to the proper stuff and GOD I MISSED IT.

[UnkemptButClassy]

Whoah. Wonderful. Thankyou again.

[edenic]

Does anyone else think she is gorgeous ..I do and what a woman!

[Glaeken1961]

A rare voice, the real thing. Jo Ann reminds me of John Hammond. Two visitors to the Blues who grew up on "other planets" but make the music their own..they both really understand.

[LaurenceHartwell]

Saw her at The Goodwill Folk Club Harrow & Wealdstone - this tiny girl came in sat down with a (J200) as big as her - when she sang everyone at the front moved back - what a huge voice - and no mic!

At the same club saw Bridget St John (with the guys running the club rowing about how much she cost) and Chris Newman - on a friday night played coming straight from school still in his uniform and attempted Steve Howe's The Clap - must have been one of the first gigs he ever did?

[TheEllieChicken]

i wish i was old enough to have seen these legends. im 17 and wouldve killed to see them, the music industry today just doesnt compare :(