Chris Thomas King – Creole Blues Origins and O Brother Where Art Thou – Soul Country Trailer

Soul Country #3

Airdate Jul 30, 2022

Trailer 00:54

Recorded in New Orleans, LA

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Description

Multi-Grammy winner, feature film actor and now author, Chris Thomas King, uncovers the early Creole history of blues in Soul Country #3. Tying together new research and what seems obvious, New Orleans was the earliest home of the blues in the 1890’s. Jelly Roll Blues and Buddy Bolden’s Blues were only highlights. Chris also talks about the sound of recordings, swapping stories backstage with Ralph Stanley and his start with Arhoolie as the last in a long line of lone troubadour bluesman. Or so he thought! Now he’s back to set the record straight with a book The Blues: The Authentic Narrative of My Music and Culture. Get a copy via Amazon here.

Sponsored in part with grants from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.

More about Chris Thomas King

Chris Thomas King is a Grammy® award-winning musician and actor, renowned for his innovative approach to blues music. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he was influenced by his father, Tabby Thomas, a legendary bluesman in his own right and local club owner. Growing up in and around Tabby’s Blues Box, King developed a deep love for music but sought to push the genre's boundaries by blending blues with modern styles like hip-hop. This fusion resonated with younger audiences while honoring blues' roots. King's breakthrough came in 2000 with his role as Tommy Johnson in the Coen Brothers’ film O Brother, Where Art Thou? His performance introduced a new generation to the blues, with the film’s Grammy®-winning soundtrack boosting his profile globally. Despite Hollywood success, King remains devoted to roots music, continually performing and recording new music and treating historic covers. In 2021, he published The Blues: The Authentic Narrative of My Music and Culture, offering a personal and insightful history of blues and its impact on American culture. King's career highlights his talent, creativity, and dedication, ensuring the blues remains relevant for future generations. His influence on contemporary blues is undeniable, having signed with Arhoolie Records in the late 1970's he was one of the most recent discoveries of label runner Chris Strachwitz providing continuity to an incredible lineage of roots artists.

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