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 Legendary Piano Player and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Johnnie Johnson Will Have a New Album 20 Years After His Passing with I’m Just Johnnie, Out August 1 on Missouri Morning Records; Special Guests include Bruce Hornsby, Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Rivers and John Sebastian 20 years after his passing, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Johnnie Johnson, whose piano work graced so many of Chuck Berry’s classic recordings, will have a new album, I’m Just Johnnie, releasing August 1st on Missouri Morning Records, featuring special guests including Bruce Hornsby, Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Rivers and John Sebastian. The two-CD set also includes a second disc of interviews with Johnson and Radio Hall of Fame and SiriusXM DJ Pat St. John discussing Johnnie’s career in one of the last interviews before his passing on April 13, 2005. Bonnie Raitt is also on the second disc talking about Johnnie. Other musicians of note performing on I’m Just Johnnie include former Mama’s Pride band members Max Baker (guitar), Dickie Steltenpohl (bass), Paul Willett (Hammond B3 organ) and Pat Liston (backing vocals); plus Henry Lawrence, former Oakland Raiders All-Pro offensive tackle, who does lead vocals on two songs with Johnnie - “Lo Down” and “Stagger Lee;” and Charles Glenn, best-known as the St. Louis Hockey Blues anthem singer of 19 years, who sings lead vocals on two songs with Johnnie - “I Get Weary” and “Heebie Jeebies.” Finally, Kenny Rice (drums) and Gus Thornton (bass), long-time members of Johnnie’s band, also play on the album. Kenny and Gus were both in Albert King’s band along with Johnnie. Kenny also does the lead vocals on “Let the Good Times Roll.” Among the many classic Chuck Berry rock ’n’ roll records Johnnie Johnson’s piano playing can be heard on include, “Maybellene,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Brown-Eyed Handsome Man,” “School Days,” “Almost Grown,” “Back in the USA,” “Carol,” “Wee We Hours,” and “Too Much Monkey Business.” Johnson and Berry started playing together in late 1952. The two collaborated on many of Berry's songs, and the song “Johnny B. Goode" was reportedly a tribute to Johnson. Berry and Johnson played and toured together on and off, until 1973. “Johnnie Johnson and I had been friends since 1979, when I saw him playing in a small blues club in St. Louis,” remembers producer Gene Ackmann. “We struck up a friendship and over the years he would come out and play with my band often. That was always a big thrill for all of us in the band. He recorded on some of our band CDs and played on my St. Louis sports team’s songs that I wrote for the Cardinals, Blues, and Rams when they were in St. Louis. We played at the Rams Super Bowl Victory Parade in January, 2000, and Johnnie was onstage with us playing our song and Rams mantra ‘Gotta Go to Work.’ More than 250,000 people filled the streets singing along as Rams players joined us onstage. Johnnie loved his St. Louis sports! My band always played for the Cardinals home opener and Johnnie would come down and play with us there too. He came down one last time and played at the opener with us in front of thousands at Busch Stadium on April 8th, 2005, and got a huge ovation from the crowd. Just five days later, he died and that was his last public performance – at a Cardinals game. “The other thing Johnnie was really fond of was fishing. He knew I had a lake at my house in the country, and it was pretty much a Friday routine for us to fish together. Johnnie didn’t drive, so I would pick him up in the city and drive back to my house. We always had the same routine: stopping to get coffee and donuts and then a stop at the bait shop. We would fish all day, and I’d clean the fish and then drive Johnnie back to his house. It was a long day, but I loved every minute of it because I was making Johnnie’s day and that was making mine. He would tell fantastic stories about the old days and it was like getting to spend the day with my grandpa one more time. “One day we were fishing and it was nice and quiet and birds were singing. The sun was shining and Johnnie said, ‘This is almost as good as playing blues in the key of G.’ I loved that! Everyone knows Johnnie could tear it up in G – check out Johnnie and Eric Clapton and Chuck Berry on ‘Wee Wee Hours’ in the key of G from the Hail! Hail! Rock and Roll movie when Eric gives Johnnie that piano solo. “On our drive home that day, Johnnie said to me, ‘You are one of the most creative people I know. I want to do a new CD but don’t know how to go about it or have the money to do it. Would you help me?’ I said, ‘sure I would love to,’ and that was how it came about. I told him I'd help him write some songs for it and we began our project in 2003. The first person to come to St. Louis to record was Johnny Rivers. Bruce Hornsby, Bonnie Raitt and John Sebastian also played on it. This music was all recorded in St. Louis when Johnnie was 80 years old and the last stuff he recorded. Johnnie and I would sit in my music room overlooking the lake and work out our music for the project.” I’m Just Johnnie Album Track Listing and Credits
1. I’M JUST JOHNNIE (J. Johnson-G. Ackmann) Lead Vocal: Johnnie Johnson Piano: Johnnie Johnson Guitar: Tony T Bass: Gus Thornton Drums: Kenny Rice Trumpet: Jim Manley Sax: Ray Vollmar Backing Vocals: Liz Henderson Produced by: Gene Ackmann; Pub.by: Gene Ackmann Music, BMI 2. I GET WEARY (J. Johnson-D. Steltenpohl-G. Ackmann) Lead Vocal: Charles Glenn Piano: Johnnie Johnson B3 Organ: Paul Willett Guitar: Max Baker Bass: Dickie Steltenpohl Drums: Andy O’Connor Produced By: Gene Ackmann & Dickie Steltenpohl; Pub. by: Gene Ackmann Music, BMI 3. EVERY DAY I HAVE THE BLUES (J. Chatman) Lead Vocal: Johnnie Johnson Lead Vocal 2: Bruce Hornsby Piano: Johnnie Johnson Piano 2: Bruce Hornsby Slide Guitar: Bonnie Raitt Guitar: Bob Hammett Organ: Greg Trampe Bass: Gus Thornton Drums: Kenny Rice Backing Vocals: Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby, Pat Liston Produced By: Gene Ackmann; Published by: BMG Music, Inc 4. LO DOWN (J. Rivers) Lead Vocal: Henry Lawrence Piano: Johnnie Johnson Guitar: Johnny Rivers Bass: Gus Thornton Drums: Mark Kersten Bari Sax: Larry Smith Produced By: Gene Ackmann; Pub. by: Rivers Music, BMI (Johnny Rivers appears courtesy of Soul City Records, Inc) 5. LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL (F. Moore-S. Thread) Lead Vocal: Kenny Rice Piano: Johnnie Johnson Slide Guitar: Bonnie Raitt Guitar: Tom Maloney Bass: Gus Thornton Drums: Kenny Rice Trumpet: Elliot Doc Simpson Tenor Sax: Tom O’Brien Trombone: Ray McAnallen Backing Vocals: Bonnie Raitt, Gene Ackmann, Elliot Doc Simpson, Bob Hammett, Laura Hanson, Seth Hutcherson, Cindy Ankelman Produced By: Gene Ackmann; Pub.by: RYTVOC Inc 6. THREE HANDED WOMAN (B. Raleigh-I. Taylor) Lead Vocal: Johnnie Johnson Piano: Johnnie Johnson Guitar: Tony T Bass: Gus Thornton Drums: Richard Hunt Produced By: Gene Ackmann; Pub. by: Marks Music Corp 7. BROKE THE BANK (J. Johnson-D. Hommes-G. Ackmann) Lead Vocal: Johnnie Johnson Harmonica: John Sebastian Guitar: Tom Maloney Bass: Gus Thornton Drums: Kenny Rice Tenor Sax: Ray Vollmar Trumpet: Bill Sextro Backing Vocals: Bob Hammett, Gene Ackmann, Amy Thorn Produced By: Gene Ackmann; Pub.by: Gene Ackmann Music, BMI 8. BLUES IN G (Instrumental) Piano: Johnnie Johnson Guitar: Tom Maloney Bass: Gus Thornton Drums: Kenny Rice Produced By: Gene Ackmann; Pub. by: Gene Ackmann Music, BMI 9. STAGGER LEE (R. Hunter-J. Hurt) Lead Vocal: Henry Lawrence Piano: Johnnie Johnson Guitar: Bob Hammett Bass: Gus Thornton Drums: Kenny Rice Tenor Sax: Ray Vollmar Trumpet: Bill Sextro Backing Vocals: Liz Henderson, Gene Ackmann, Pat Liston, Bob Hammett, Laura Hanson Produced By: Gene Ackmann; Pub. by: Irving Music, Inc 10. JOHNNIE JOHNSON BLUES (J. Rivers) Lead Vocal: Johnnie Johnson Piano: Johnnie Johnson Guitar: Johnny Rivers Bass: Gus Thornton Drums: Kenny Rice Produced By: Gene Ackmann; Pub.by: Rivers Music, BMI (Johnny Rivers appears courtesy of Soul City Records, Inc) 11. HEEBIE JEEBIES (J. Johnson-D. Steltenpohl-G. Ackmann) Lead Vocal: Charles Glenn Piano: Johnnie Johnson Guitar: Max Baker Bass: Dickie Steltenpohl Drums: Andy O’Connor Trumpet: Elliot Doc Simpson Tenor Sax: Tom O’Brien Trombone: Ray McAnallen Produced By: Gene Ackmann & Dickie Steltenpohl; Pub.by: Gene Ackmann Music, BMI 12. LONG GONE (S. Thompson-Simpkins) Piano: Johnnie Johnson Guitar: Tom Maloney Bass: Gus Thornton Drums: Kenny Rice Produced By: Gene Ackmann; Pub.by: Marks Music Corp Elvis Presley’s Rare ‘Sunset Boulevard’ Recordings to Be Released in 89-Track Box Set on August 114/6/2025
RCA Records & Legacy Recordings Announce ‘Sunset Boulevard’ — A Landmark Collection Showcasing Elvis Presley’s Los Angeles Studio Sessions (1970–1975), Out August 1
RCA Records and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, will release Sunset Boulevard on August 1 — a definitive 5-CD collection showcasing Elvis Presley’s recording sessions and rehearsals at RCA’s iconic Los Angeles studios.
Spanning 89 rare tracks — more than half of which have never been released in the U.S. — Sunset Boulevard offers a compelling new lens on Elvis’ 1970s studio work. The set features alternate takes and unreleased versions of standout songs from the era, including “Separate Ways,” often considered his most autobiographical track; “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” which channels the raw vocal energy of his early rock roots; and “Burning Love,” his 40th and final Top Ten hit.
Listen to “Burning Love - Take 2,” here
The first two discs of Sunset Boulevard—also available separately as a special 2-LP Highlights edition—feature newly mixed and previously unheard tracks by four-time GRAMMY winner Matt Ross-Spang. By removing the original overdubs, Ross-Spang reveals raw, intimate versions of the recordings, offering fresh perspective on Elvis’ vocal brilliance and interpretive power. The first disc opens with seventeen standout tracks from Elvis’ sessions at RCA Studio C, showcasing his dynamic interpretations of material by some of the era’s most iconic songwriters. Highlights include Kris Kristofferson’s “For The Good Times” (a 1972 B-side first officially released in 1995), Paul Williams’ “Where Do I Go From Here” (from Elvis, 1973), Billy Swan’s “I Can Help” (from Today, 1975), and Don McLean’s “And I Love You So” (also from Today). The second disc continues with seventeen studio outtakes, all newly mixed in the same stripped-down style, providing a deeper look into Presley’s creative process. Sunset Boulevard is available for pre-order now and will be released August 1 in 5-CD and digital formats. The set includes rare archival photographs, insightful new liner notes by music historian Colin Escott, and a personal introduction from longtime friend Jerry Schilling. A 2-LP Highlights edition featuring Ross-Spang’s new mixes and outtakes will also be released on August 1, including a limited Graceland Exclusive Color Variant. The final three discs of Sunset Boulevard transport listeners into the rehearsal room with Elvis during his landmark Las Vegas residencies. Captured in Los Angeles during July 1970 and August 1974, these recordings feature Elvis with his legendary TCB Band in a raw, unfiltered setting. With only the band and a control-room engineer as his audience, Elvis performs with intensity and joy, revealing the full depth of his passion for music. Among the 1974 highlights are two tracks Elvis never recorded in a studio: “Twelfth of Never,” a 1957 hit by Johnny Mathis, and “Softly As I Leave You,” which features a spoken prologue from Elvis, inspired by Charles Boyer’s 1960s narrated album Where Does Love Go. His powerful connection with the TCB Band is evident throughout—perhaps because, for the first time, he was choosing to work with his road musicians in the studio.
Disc 1 – The Masters
1. Burning Love 2. Always On My Mind 3. Where Do I Go From Here 4. Separate Ways 5. For The Good Times 6. It’s A Matter Of Time 7. Fool 8. T-R-O-U-B-L-E 9. And I Love You So 10. Susan When She Tried 11. Woman Without Love 12. Shake A Hand 13. Pieces Of My Life 14. Fairytale 15. I Can Help 16. Bringin’ It Back 17. Green, Green Grass Of Home Disc 2 – Outtakes Highlights 1. Separate Ways - Take 25 2. For The Good Times - Take 3 3. Where Do I Go From Here - Take 2 4. Burning Love - Take 2 5. Fool - Take 1 6. Always On My Mind - Take 2 7. It’s A Matter Of Time - Takes 1–3 8. It’s A Matter Of Time - Take 4 9. Fairytale - Take 2 10. Green, Green Grass Of Home - Takes 2 and 3 11. And I Love You So - Take 2 12. Susan When She Tried - Takes 1 and 2 13. T-R-O-U-B-L-E - Take 1 14. Tiger Man 15. Shake A Hand - Take 2 16. Bringin’ It Back - Takes 2 and 3 17. Pieces Of My Life - Takes 2 and 3 Disc 3 – July 24, 1970 rehearsal: 1. That’s All Right 2. I Got A Woman 3. I Got A Woman 4. The Wonder Of You 5. I've Lost You 6. The Next Step Is Love 7. Stranger In The Crowd 8. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' 9. Something 10. Don't Cry Daddy 11. Don't Cry Daddy 12. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me 13. Polk Salad Annie 14. Bridge Over Troubled Water 15. I Can't Stop Loving You 16. Just Pretend 17. Sweet Caroline 18. Love Me Tender 19. Words 20. Suspicious Minds 21. I Just Can't Help Believin’ 22. I Just Can't Help Believin’ Disc 4 – July 24, 1970 rehearsal (continued): 1. Tomorrow Never Comes 2. Mary In The Morning 3. Twenty Days And Twenty Nights 4. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' 5. Just Can't Help Believin’ 6. Heart Of Rome 7. Heart Of Rome 8. Memories 9. Johnny B. Goode 10. Make The World Go Away 11. Stranger In My Own Home Town 12. I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water August 16, 1974 rehearsal 13. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 14. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 15. Promised Land 16. Promised Land 17. Down In The Alley 18. Down In The Alley Disc 5 – August 16, 1974 rehearsal (continued): 1. It’s Midnight 2. It’s Midnight 3. Your Love’s Been A Long Time Coming 4. Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues 5. Softly As I Leave You 6. Softly As I Leave You 7. I’m Leavin’ 8. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face 9. Proud Mary 10. If You Talk In Your Sleep 11. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 12. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 13. The Twelfth Of Never 14. Faded Love 15. Just Pretend For more information and to pre-order, visit: https://Elvis.lnk.to/SunsetBoulevard  C.J. Lewandowski Honors Late Mentor Bobby Osborne with Upcoming Tribute Album Keep On Keepin’ On Bluegrass traditionalist and mandolinist C.J. Lewandowski of The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys is set to release a powerful new tribute album, Keep On Keepin’ On, honoring the life, legacy, and enduring influence of his late mentor and bluegrass icon Bobby Osborne. The album, recorded as a collaborative effort between Osborne, Lewandowski, and a host of friends and admirers, includes some of Osborne’s final studio performances before his passing in 2023 at the age of 91. “When Bobby passed, I was at a loss,” says Lewandowski. “We had just started working on this album together. I didn’t want to hear his voice—I even thought about walking away from music altogether.” The turning point came one night on Lewandowski’s porch in the Smoky Mountains. He felt Osborne’s presence and heard a message: “I gave you something—now do what you want with it.” That moment inspired Lewandowski to finish what they had started—not just as an album, but as a final chapter in Osborne’s monumental career. Keep On Keepin’ On features a remarkable ensemble of contributors, including members of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame, Grammy-winning artists, Grand Ole Opry performers, and musicians from Osborne’s own Rocky Top X-Press. The album spans generations, with over a dozen artists under 40 lending their talents, proving Osborne’s influence continues to shape the future of bluegrass music. The album’s fourth single, a moving rendition of “She’s No Angel”, was just released, featuring Lewandowski alongside Del McCoury and Ronnie McCoury. The collaboration was born out of a backstage jam following a tribute performance at the 2023 International Bluegrass Music Association Awards. That moment of shared grief and spontaneous music led to the track’s creation, now one of the standout songs on the album. The full lineup on “She’s No Angel” includes C.J. Lewandowski (vocals), Del McCoury (guitar, vocals), Ronnie McCoury (mandolin), Bobby Osborne Jr. (bass), Wynn Osborne (banjo), and Aynsley Porchak (fiddle). Keep On Keepin’ On will be released later this year and stands as a heartfelt celebration of Bobby Osborne’s unmatched contributions to American roots music—and the deep bond he shared with his protégé. Keep On Keepin’ On Tracklist: “Keep On Keepin’ On” - Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski (feat. Sam Bush) “Lonesome Feeling” - C.J. Lewandowski & Vince Gill (feat. A.J. Lee and The Rocky Top X-Press) “Where The Soul Never Dies” - Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski “Rosie Bokay” - C.J. Lewandowski & Paul Brewster (feat. Wyatt Ellis and John Meador) “Sweetheart You Done Me Wrong” - Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski (feat. Molly Tuttle and The Osborne Boys) “She’s No Angel” - C.J. Lewandowski & Del McCoury (feat. Ronnie McCoury) “Don’t Know Why” - Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski (feat. Wyatt Ellis) “Fern Branch” - C.J. Lewandowski & Wyatt Ellis (feat. Del McCoury and Ronnie McCoury) “Cora Is Gone” - Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski (feat. Rob McCoury and Billy Strings) “Blue Heartache” - C.J. Lewandowski & Jaelee Roberts (feat. The Po' Ramblin' Boys) “Rank Stranger” - Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski (feat. Wyatt Ellis) “Rocky Top” - Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski (feat. Wyatt Ellis and The Osborne Boys) “Too Old to Die Young” - Bobby Osborne & C.J.Lewandowski C.J. Lewandowski is a GRAMMY-nominated mandolin player and the founder of the bluegrass ensemble, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys. Lewandowski’s contributions to bluegrass music were recently highlighted in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s “American Currents: State of the Music” exhibition in 2024, where his artifacts were displayed alongside those of his mentor, Bobby Osborne.  Van 26 tot 30 augustus palmt AB met haar gratis zomerfestivals Boterhammen In Het Park en Feeërieën opnieuw het meest sfeervolle en oudste park van Brussel in. Ook het warmste podium van de zomer, Bar Chaud strijkt opnieuw neer naast de kiosk in het Warandepark. Je kan er elke namiddag terecht voor gratis dansworkshops, jams, battles, optredens en dj-sets. Meer info over onze zomerfestivals kan je hier vinden. Boterhammen In Het Park Uw jaarlijks ‘zomers gerief'Al sinds 1990 geeft Boterhammen In Het Park een podium aan de beste Vlaamse en Nederlandstalige artiesten van het moment. Ook dit jaar geniet je van een streepje muziek bij een heerlijke boterham met zicht op de kiosk in het Brusselse Warandepark. Op de affiche van Boterhammen In Het Park 2025 vinden we onder meer de fluisterpop van De Toegift, het energieke livegeweld van Prins S. en De Geit en de terugkeer van het iconische Madou. Guido Belcanto – al meer dan 40 jaar een baken van het Vlaamse levenslied – nodigt met Kaat Van Stralen, een nieuwe generatie uit. Emma Bale zal voor de gelegenheid een intieme, Nederlandstalige set brengen en Sophie Straat laat haar geëngageerde smartlappen weerklinken in het Warandepark. Verder komt de Baskische Antwerpenaar Simon exclusief nieuw werk voorstellen en met LUNA verwelkomt AB meteen dé doorbraakstem van 2024. Niemand minder dan Maksim – De winnaar van Radio 2’s Zomerhit 2024 – vervolledigt de line-up van deze nieuwe editie. Bar Chaud Gratis activiteiten in het WarandeparkVorig jaar vond Bar Chaud voor de tweede maal haar plekje op het festivalterrein van Boterhammen In Het Park en Feeërieën. Het warmste podium van de zomer was razend populair en daarom brengt AB ook dit jaar weer heel wat gratis activiteiten naar het Warandepark. Dat doet ze in samenwerking met Timiss, de female skateboarding crew van BX’Elles en BRUZZ. Verwacht je naast dansworkshops, skatelessen, jams, concerten en DJ-sets vooral aan een hoop zomerse vibes! Feeërieën onverwachte en grenze(n)loze muzikale ontmoetingenDeze zomer viert AB de 21ste verjaardag van haar gratis zomer- en ontdekkingsfestival Feeërieën. Al twee decennia blijft het festival trouw aan haar mantra om muzikaal onverwacht te uit de hoek komen. Zo ook in 2025 bij een editie vol muzikale ontmoetingen waar de adjectieven grenzeloos en “grenzenloos” bewust artistiek door elkaar lopen. Op de line-up vinden we onder andere De Mannenbroeders, Merope, Nusantara Beat, James Massiah & Lord Tusk, ØXN, Elijah Minnelli, Fulu Miziki, Sorvina en dj M I M I. Meer info & Line up:
summer.abconcerts.be 
MAURO PAWLOWSKI
NO NEUTRAL EXPRESSION Uit vandaag via Unday Records!
Belgisch muziekicoon en genre-kameleon Mauro Pawlowski presenteert zijn nieuwe single No Neutral Expression, de opvolger van Just All Heart, Flesh and Mind, die in april werd uitgebracht. De track verdiept Pawlowski’s verkenning van fonkelende synthpop en waar energie en emotie naadloos in elkaar overvloeien, en biedt een glimp van het aankomende album Unspectacular Times, dat begin 2026 verschijnt bij Unday Records.
Gebouwd op strakke ritmes, surrealistische spanning en hypnotische herhaling, cirkelt No Neutral Expression rond het idee van emotionele overbelasting. Hoe de loutere aanwezigheid van iemand je innerlijke wereld uit balans kan brengen. “Every time I look in your eyes, it’s goodbye to my head,” zingt hij, balancerend op de dunne lijn tussen verlangen en verwarring. De track opent met een opvallende opmerking: “I never saw myself as a most manly creature / another revolutionary or some kind of teacher”. Een zinnetje dat zowel heldendom als autoriteit lijkt weg te wuiven, en een ambivalente verhouding met mannelijkheid en identiteit suggereert. Speels, ironisch of misschien wel oprecht, het zet meteen de toon. Ontwapenend en open, zonder er dieper op in te gaan. Net zoals bij de vorige single wordt de productie verzorgd door Scorpio Twins (Stephane Misseghers van dEUS en Bruno Coussée van Rheinzand), die kosmische grooves combineren met scherpe hooks. Het resultaat is een track die voelt als een nachtelijke dans in een verlaten kapel: sacraal, wiebelend, en op een vreemde manier euforisch. Een coup de foudre in een versleten pyjama of een belachelijk designerpak, No Neutral Expression is een uitnodiging. Let’s dance. From the beat of the upset to the truly outrageous.
 In honor of Clifton Chenier’s centenary, Smithsonian Folkways and Arhoolie Records will release Clifton Chenier: King of Louisiana Blues and Zydeco this November—the first-ever box set devoted to the trailblazing artist who pioneered the genre of zydeco music. The collection celebrates a visionary performer who blended African American blues, R&B, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and Louisiana Cajun and Creole traditions to forge an electrifying and enduring regional Black sound that traveled from the rural back roads of Louisiana to the global stage. Born June 25, 1925, Clifton Chenier earned his title as the “King of Zydeco” through decades of innovative performance and genre-defining recordings before his passing in 1987. His influence continues to resonate deeply throughout American roots music. To mark the announcement, Smithsonian Folkways has shared a previously unreleased 1971 recording of “Mr. Charlie,” written by Chenier’s cousin and blues icon Lightnin’ Hopkins. This historic box set also marks a milestone for Arhoolie Records: it is the label’s first new release since its acquisition by Smithsonian Folkways in 2016. Clifton Chenier: King of Louisiana Blues and Zydeco will be available in two formats: a 4-CD or 6-LP vinyl edition, both featuring 67 tracks—including 19 never-before-released performances—spanning the years 1954 to 1983. Accompanying the music is a 160-page hardcover book packed with rare photographs, graphic ephemera, and detailed liner notes. The box includes:
The box set features beloved classics such as “Bon Ton Roulet,” “Zydeco et Pas Sale,” “Jole Blonde,” and “Black Gal,” as well as never-before-heard material including “Shake Rattle & Roll,” “Calinda,” “That’s My Number / 634-5789,” and early live recordings. Notable highlights include a performance from the 1977 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and his appearance on one of the first episodes of Austin City Limits in 1976, alongside Townes Van Zandt. The collection also showcases collaborations with Chenier’s brother Cleveland, his son CJ, boogie-woogie pianist Katie Webster, and others—highlighting zydeco’s expansion from South Louisiana to Houston, Austin, and the West Coast. Together, the recordings trace a musical migration as vital to American culture as the sounds themselves. A Special Tribute from The Rolling Stones In addition to the box set, a limited-edition 7” vinyl single will be released on June 27 via Smithsonian Folkways, Arhoolie Records, and Valcour Records. The single features a brand-new recording of Chenier’s signature anthem “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” by none other than The Rolling Stones. Produced by acclaimed Louisiana musician CC Adcock, the Stones’ version features Mick Jagger singing entirely in French, Keith Richards on rhythm guitar, and Ronnie Wood on lead. They are joined by Cajun accordionist Steve Riley and longtime Chenier drummer Robert St. Julien, blending rock swagger with zydeco soul. The B-side features Chenier’s original 1965 recording of the track, produced by Arhoolie founder Chris Strachwitz. The new recording will also appear on A Tribute to the King of Zydeco, an upcoming compilation from Valcour Records. Before earning the title “King of Zydeco,” Clifton Chenier was a young man determined to make his mark. In his early years, Chenier worked as a sharecropper and later as a manual laborer in a Texas refinery. According to legend, after refusing to climb into a dangerous pit on the job, he was fired—only to return two days later wearing a white suit, driving a Cadillac, and holding his very first record contract, signaling the start of an extraordinary music career. By the early 1950s, Chenier was gaining national attention for his unique blend of Cajun and R&B-inflected accordion playing. Early recordings like “Clifton’s Blues” and “Louisiana Stomp” (both featured in the upcoming box set) led to a deal with Art Rupe’s Specialty Records. His first hit, “Ay Tete Fee” (1955), helped him share stages with legends such as Etta James, Little Richard, and Ray Charles. After a brief lull, Chenier’s career was revitalized in 1964 when he met Chris Strachwitz, founder of Arhoolie Records, through bluesman Lightnin’ Hopkins. Encouraged by Strachwitz to embrace a more traditional French Cajun sound, Chenier’s collaboration with the label began with the hit “Louisiana Blues.” This partnership would span decades, producing landmark albums including Bogalusa Boogie, Louisiana Blues and Zydeco, and King of the Bayous. Chenier’s bold accordion style and charismatic performances earned him widespread acclaim, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Heritage Fellowship, and induction into the Blues Hall of Fame. In 2011, his 1975 song “Je Suis en Racolteur (I’m a Farmer)” was honored by the Library of Congress with placement in the National Recording Registry. Clifton Chenier: King of Louisiana Blues and Zydeco joins a prestigious lineup of monumental box sets released by Smithsonian Folkways, continuing the label’s mission to preserve and contextualize the world’s diverse musical heritage. Other landmark releases include the Anthology of American Folk Music, the definitive Pete Seeger collection, and 2023’s Playing for the Man at the Door: Field Recordings from the Collection of Mack McCormick, 1958–1971, which explores American folk and blues history through McCormick’s legendary archives. Suzanne Vega Drops Animated Video for “Chambermaid” — New Album Flying With Angels Out Now12/6/2025
 Flying With Angels, Vega’s First Album of All-New Songs in Over a Decade, Is Out Now on Cooking Vinyl Suzanne Vega long hailed as one of the great songwriters of any era has just released the animated lyric video for her new single “Chambermaid,” from her critically acclaimed album Flying With Angels, out now on Cooking Vinyl. The video, created by artist and animator Michael Arthur, is available to watch and share HERE. Speaking about “Chambermaid,” Vega says: “In my adaptation of Bob Dylan’s ‘I Want You,’ I imagine what the character of the Chambermaid would say about her own aspirations and her relationship with the great man himself.” Flying With Angels marks Vega’s first full-length album of all-new material in over a decade. Produced by longtime collaborator and guitarist Gerry Leonard (David Bowie, Rufus Wainwright, Laurie Anderson, Duncan Sheik), the record continues to garner widespread critical acclaim. “Each song on the album takes place in an atmosphere of struggle,” Vega explains. “Struggle to survive, to speak, to dominate, to win, to escape, to help someone else, or just live.” In support of the release, Vega is currently touring throughout North America and Europe. The set includes songs from Flying With Angels alongside selections from her storied catalog. Newly announced dates include performances at New York’s Town Hall (featuring special guests Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche), Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C., and World Café Live in Philadelphia. Vega is joined onstage by Leonard and cellist Stephanie Winters. Full tour dates and ticket information can be found at suzannevega.com/tour. Since the release of her 1985 debut album, Vega has established herself as a singular voice in contemporary music. With hits like “Luka,” “Marlene on the Wall,” and “Tom’s Diner”—the latter famously remixed by DNA—she has influenced generations of artists and sold millions of albums worldwide. Her work remains a touchstone for lyrical craftsmanship and emotional depth. FLYING WITH ANGELS
1. Speakers’ Corner 2. Flying With Angels 3. Witch 4. Chambermaid 5. Love Thief 6. Lucinda 7. Last Train From Mariupol 8. Alley 9. Rats 10. Galway SUZANNE VEGA TOUR DATES September 30—Amsterdam, NL—Royal Theater Carré October 2—Rotterdam, NL—Nieuwe Luxor October 4—Munich, DE—Isarphilharmonie October 6—Hamburg, DE—CCH Saal Z October 8—Berlin, DE—Kammermusiksaal Philharmonie October 10—Brussels, BE—Bozar October 12—Antwerp, BE—Queen Elisabeth Hall October 13—Esch-sur-Alzette, LU—Rockhal Club October 15—Offenbach, DE—Capitol October 16—Koln, DE—Theater am Tansbrunnen October 19—Gateshead, UK—Sage Gateshead (The Glasshouse Int’l Centre for Music) October 20—Manchester, UK—Bridgewater Hall October 21—Glasgow, UK—Royal Concert Hall October 23—Edinburgh, UK—Usher Hall October 25—Liverpool, UK—Royal Liverpool Philharmonic October 27—Cambridge, UK—Corn Exchange October 28—Brighton, UK—Dome October 30—Bristol, UK—Bristol Beacon October 31—Birmingham, UK—Symphony Hall November 1—Stoke, UK—Regent Theatre November 3—London, UK—Royal Albert Hall  'Martyr' is de opvolger van ‘Light’, Ozark Henry’s eerste nieuwe single in meer dan 8 jaar tijd en smaakmaker voor ‘August Parker, het 10e studio album dat zal verschijnen op 10/10 via [PIAS] Recordings. Muzikaal sluit het aan bij de 4AD-catalogus van de jaren 80 en 90 (This Mortal Coil, Cocteau Twins, ...) met de opmerkelijke stem van Emily Vernaillen (muzikante bij Sylvie Kreusch) – die op haar beurt doet denken aan Elizabeth Fraser – als blikvanger. Confessionele poëzie die de tijdgeest op een openhartige en persoonlijke manier vat. 'Martyr' vertelt hoe we soms ongewild martelaar worden in een strijd die we niet voeren, en we ook machteloos zijn in de strijd die we zouden willen voeren. Het nummer werd gemixt door Paul Geluso, bekend van zijn werk voor onder andere Sufjan Stevens. Deze nieuwste single werd, net als de rest van het album, opgenomen in Immersive Sound, een baanbrekend format waarbij je als luisteraar de muziek in 3D ervaart. Niet om sjiek te doen, maar omdat Goddaer de songs ook zo componeert en ze zo dus nog eerlijker en authentieker klinken. De single werd meteen toegevoegd aan de playlist van Radio 1 en ook Spotify toont zich duidelijk fan door de single een mooi plekje te geven in de felbegeerde playlist 'New Music Friday BE' alsook de 'Rustig Aan' playlist met maar liefst 192.000 volgers!! - Kintsugi: de Japanse kunst - Alle artwork bij het nieuwe album, dat leest als een spoedcursus kintsugi, is gemaakt door de jonge filmmaker Lukas Desmet. Kintsugi: De Japanse kunst om scherven te lijmen met een streepje goud symboliseert de schoonheid van de imperfectie. Niets is onherstelbaar. Barsten en littekens zijn juist een teken van veerkracht. Een mooie metafoor voor het leven. Omarm je onvolmaaktheden en laat de drang naar perfectie los. Lukas Desmet maakte deze mooie lyric video bij 'Martyr'.  'Hate To Love' de nieuwe single van Eagle-Eye Cherry is nu uit uit het album 'Become A Light' dat verschijnt op 26 september Eagle-Eye Cherry maakt zijn comeback met eigenzinnige, krachtige songs Eagle-Eye Cherry is terug met nieuwe energie en scherpere teksten. Zijn nieuwe single ‘Hate To Love’ luidt een spannend nieuw hoofdstuk in – een waarin rauwe emotie samensmelt met messcherp songwriting. Geschreven in samenwerking met Mark Stoermer van The Killers en Jamie Hartman (Rag’n’Bone Man, Lewis Capaldi), duikt 'Hate To Love' diep in het emotionele getouwtrek van complexe relaties. Zinnen als "Tell me baby, you seem so disappointed – am I not the thing you wanted?" weerspiegelen de kern van het nummer: de worsteling om diegene te zijn die je haat om lief te hebben, maar niet kunt loslaten. – "Mark Stoermer and I had started working on the verse at the Sunset Marquis in L.A., just jamming and seeing where it would go. Then Jamie Hartman walked in, heard what we were up to, and immediately threw out the concept for the chorus. That was it — suddenly, we had 'Hate To Love'. I can’t wait to share this song with my fans, especially live. – Eagle-Eye Cherry De track is de eerste voorproef van een nieuw studioalbum, dat dit najaar verschijnt. Op het album keert Eagle-Eye deels terug naar zijn postpunkroots uit New York, terwijl hij trouw blijft aan zijn kenmerkende organische sound. Fans kunnen meerdere singles verwachten in aanloop naar het album, gevolgd door een Europese clubtour dit najaar. Fischer-Z viert 50-jarig jubileum met twee exclusieve shows in mei 2026 in Antwerpen en Brussel10/6/2025
 Photo: Greenhouse Talent ZA
02.05.2026 De Roma, Antwerpen Tickets te koop vanaf vrijdag 13 juni, om 10u00 TICKETS & INFO ZO 03.05.2026 Ancienne Belgique, Brussel Tickets te koop vanaf vrijdag 13 juni, om 10u00 TICKETS & INFO In 2026 bestaat de iconische Britse band Fischer-Z exact 50 jaar, en dat wordt gevierd met een bijzondere jubileumtournee door Europa. In België houdt de groep halt voor twee exclusieve concerten: op zaterdag 2 mei 2026 in De Roma (Antwerpen) en op zondag 3 mei 2026 in Ancienne Belgique (Brussel). Tickets zijn te koop vanaf vrijdag 13 juni om 10 uur via greenhousetalent.com. Onder leiding van frontman John Watts groeide Fischer-Z eind jaren ’70 en begin jaren ’80 uit tot een vaste waarde in de new wave- en post-punkscene. Met klassiekers als 'The Worker’, 'So Long’, 'Marliese’, 'Red Skies Over Paradise’ en 'Room Service’ wist de band een blijvende stempel te drukken op meerdere generaties muziekliefhebbers. Tijdens deze jubileumshows brengt Fischer-Z een best of-set, met songs uit hun rijke en omvangrijke discografie - inmiddels goed voor meer dan 20 albums - aangevuld met nieuw werk. |