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40th Annual Blues Awards rock Memphis

Bobby Rush and William Bell were just some of music's biggest names in the house for the 40th Annual Blues Music Awards in Downtown Memphis.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – Bobby Rush and William Bell were just some of music’s biggest names in the house for the 40th Annual Blues Music Awards in Downtown Memphis.

The Blues Foundation kicked off the evening with a blue carpet, welcoming hundreds to the Cook Convention Center to witness the top honors in 25 categories.

It was like a class reunion for the Blues world. The deans, Bobby Rush and William Bell, held court on the blues carpet. Heads of class like Kenny Wayne Shepherd and blues horn player Mindi Abair were among the stars for a night that rocked.

The Blues is where all American music started, and it all began in the Mississippi Delta. America’s original art form made its way up the Mississippi River and found homes in Memphis and Chicago.

People in attendance for the 40th Annual Blues Awards have played a role in making sure the Blues thrive. The room looked just as a celebration of music should with no shortage of sequins and shine. They are generally recognized as the highest honor given to Blues musicians and are awarded by vote of Blues Foundation members.

“We were talking about the selection process and how big it is and it’s just a high honor and we’re excited to be playing tonight too,” said Rev. Peyton of Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band. “Just really honored to be here. A moving experience.”

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