Floyd Dixon died on July 26, 2006, he was 77. Living Blues magazine proclaimed Floyd Dixon "a musical genius, excelling at vibrant exuberant jump blues, rockin' piano boogies and sophisticated West Coast blues," and praised his "impeccable piano technique, fabulous timing, and a voice like a foghorn."

Dixon was influenced by blues, gospel, jazz and country music growing up. His family moved to Los Angeles in 1942.

Self-dubbed "Mr. Magnificent," Dixon signed with Modern Records in 1949, specializing in jump blues and sexualized songs like "Red Cherries", "Wine Wine Wine", "Too Much Jelly Roll" and "Baby Let's Go Down To The Woods".

Dixon switched labels in 1952 with  "Hey Bartender" and "Hole In The Wall" as his big hits during this time. In the fifties and sixties he was in constant demand.

In the 1970s Dixon left music for a quieter life in Texas, though he did occasional tours in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1984 he was commissioned to write "Olympic Blues" for the 1984 Summer Olympics.

In 1993, Dixon received a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. In the mid 1990s, he secured a contract with Alligator Records, releasing the critically-acclaimed Wake Up And Live. In 1997 he received a W.C. Handy Award for Comeback Album of the Year.

Blues artist Hemphill dies at 71

Jessie Mae Hemphill, whose award-winning Blues career lasted decades and was heavily influenced by her upbringing in rural Mississippi, has died, a spokeswoman for the singer's foundation said. She was 71.

Hemphill embraced music at an early age, and came from a family of musicians in northern Mississippi. Her great-grandfather and grandfather, Sid Hemphill, were fiddle players who passed on their love of music. Her aunt, Rosa Lee, was also a performer who recorded several albums.

Jessie Mae Hemphill began playing guitar at age seven or eight, and later moved on to other instruments.

She lived in Memphis for 20 years, and played the clubs on the city's famous Beale Street before finding an international audience.

"She brought a lot to the Blues culture," Mathus said. "She was a pioneer for women in Blues and women in general. Her music was very inspiring to a lot of people."

Hemphill won the W.C. Handy Award for Best Traditional Female Blues Artist in both 1987 and 1988. In 1991 she won the Handy Award for Best Acoustic Album.

In 1993 Hemphill suffered a stroke that paralyzed her left side, leaving her unable to play guitar. She retired from touring and returned to Senatobia, Miss. where she lived with her dog, Sweet Pea.

She recorded one final album a decade later entitled "Dare You to Do It Again."

FESTIVAL REPORT

Russian River Blues Festival

The Russian River Blues Festival (June 17 and 18 in Guerneville, CA north of San Francisco off of Highway 101) was HOT in more ways than one. Weather wises well let's just say a hat was a must, but your toes could keep cool in the Russian River that was literally 10 steps away from where we were sitting. Imagine listening to blues while floating or soaking in the cool water! And the music was such a great mix. Excellent variety. Sista Monica out did herself. I have seen her before but this was the best yet and with the sun beating right on her faces she belted out her tunes. The sleeper surprise was Al Kooper (pictured at right). Wow, his speaking voice sounded like he was only half awake but his music nailed it. The band was comprised of fellow instructors where he teaches at the Berklee School of Music. His tunes brought back memories and we were reminded of his collaborations with Bob Dylan and so many more.
 
Pinetop Perkins was the reason I was at this particular festival having just missed him in Tahoe a few months back (near where I live in Reno, NV). This legend is one of the last great Mississippi bluesmen still performing and I didnıt want to miss my chance.
 
I LOVED Larry McCray. The sun got too hot for us and I dumped teriyaki chicken all over my boyfriend so we left before Taj Mahal performed on Sunday night and went back to our campsite. We are going to see Taj in October on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise out of San Diego so we were cool with leaving early. That was the only thing that was cool as I said, it was hot, hot, hot.
 
My one suggestion to promoters: put up shade canopies for those standing in line to buy beer. Not only will you sell more, but folks will be more comfortable while waiting. (Shade is a huge issue at so many festivals. Someone has to come up with the perfect solution for providing shade while not blocking the view of the stage.)
 
My hatıs off (or hatıs on in this case) to the promoters for an excellent festival. We are already scoping out a campsite for our RV for next year.-- Kaati, Blues Festival Guide Publisher