Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping the Blues Alive label certainly lives up to its name.
Not only has it brought neglected figures such as Larry McCray and Eric Gales back into the spotlight but it’s helped raise more than one million dollars to support struggling musicians and fund blues education programs.
The label’s previous releases include Dion’s 2020 all-star hook-up Blues With Friends, as well as a pair of 2021 albums from Joanne Shaw Taylor (The Blues Album) and Joanna Connor (4801 South Indiana Avenue).
Bonamassa and his manager, Roy Weisman, founded the label with a mission to preserve arts education, with 10 percent of profits going toward donations of musical instruments and supplies to schools in need.
Their ultimate goal is to ensure blues culture and history are embraced and recognized for years to come.
Bonamassa spoke with Guitar Player about his label’s purpose and ambitions…
When you sign an act, is it with a vision and a plan for a long-term career commitment or more to raise their profile and see how things pan out?
Each artist is different. For some, we have longer-term plans, while for others we’re just trying to give them a boost so that people recognize their incredible talent.
So far we have been able to secure a number one Billboard blues album for all of our acts. We are really proud of that. Plus, it gives the artists bragging rights.
So far we have been able to secure a number one Billboard blues album for all of our acts
Joe Bonamassa
It must feel satisfying when you see the artists get the respect they deserve.
Yes. I have felt so proud of Larry McCray’s new album [Blues Without You].
He’s one of a kind and one of the nicest people on this earth. I want to try and help the world rediscover how truly incredible he is.
There are so many amazing artists out there, and sometimes the industry leaves them in the dust. We try to swoop in and help where we can. Since we’re an independent label, we can’t help everybody, but if we help some, it will all be worth it.
To support KTBA in its mission to promote music and help working musicians, visit keepingthebluesalive.org
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