Traditionally, the Blues Hall of Fame has been scarce of saxophonists. In the 34 years of balloting, only one sax player, Louie Jordan, has been elected into this most vaunted club.
Here in 2014's class, though, three big sax men will be blown into the ranks: Big Jay McNeely, Eddie Shaw and Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson.
Others luminaries will also be inducted in Memphis come May, including a posthumous nod to Holly Springs, Miss. patriarch R.L. Burnside and the late, open-tuning lover Robert Pete Williams.
Behind-the-scenes individuals recognized by the Blues Foundation this go 'round include Rosebud Agency manager and booking agent Mike Kappus, Houston label owner Don Robey and Chicago record producer and writer Dick Shurman.
Peter Guralnick's book Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke will be welcomed, too, as this year's literature entry.
Full inductee biographies and award descriptions are available on the Blues Foundation's Hall of Fame website.
The ceremony, itself, will be held on Wednesday, May 8 at the Downtown Sheraton in Memphis, Tenn.
The following night, the Blues Foundation presents their Blues Music Awards for the 35th time. Performers, industry reps and fans across the globe will celebrate the best and brightest at the Memphis Cook Convention Center.
Tickets--yes, you should totally go--can be purchased here.
To wit, here's Big Jay McNeely with Detroit Gary Wiggins.
