Interview w/ Carolyn Gaines

CAROLYN GAINES: THE RENAISSANCE BLUES WOMAN STEPS OUT AS AN IMPORTANT NEW BLUES SINGER

By Scott Yanow,

Throughout much of her life, Carolyn Gaines has been a significant part of the blues world. She has taught a countless number of children about the blues in her Blues Schools programs, written many articles about the blues greats, interviewed late great B.B. King, Guitar Shorty, Eric Johnson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Cyril Neville, Buddy Guy's guitarist  Ric Hall, Sonny Landreth, Robert Cray, her uncle Grady Gaines, and her father Roy Gaines, produced performances, worked on publicity and radio promotion, dealt with labels and festivals, and been a spokesperson for the 'Blues' music on many levels. Now after many experiences, she is emerging as an important new blues singer.

Inspired by such giants as Buddy Guy (in addition to loving his music, Carolyn and Guy share a love for polka dots in their outfits),  Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Koko Taylor, Etta James, Blind Boy Fuller, B.B. King and Bobby Blue Bland among others, Carolyn Gaines has her own distinctive deep, bone-chilling, raw, southern voice and style. Her singing is both very musical and filled with the raw feeling of the blues. She knows about what she sings and puts plenty of feeling into her powerful performances along with her own spirit and attitude.

http://www.carolynbluessingergaines.com/