Southern Crossroads: Georgia Blues with Rhetta Akamatsu

In the heart of the American South, where the blues were born, there is a vibrant and enduring musical legacy that continues to inspire artists and audiences alike. Georgia, in particular, has played a pivotal role in the development of blues music, from the early days of the Delta blues to the Piedmont blues of the 1920s and 1930s. Today, the Georgia Blues Trail winds its way through the state, connecting historic sites and venues that have played a part in the blues story.

Southern Crossroads: Georgia Blues

by Rhetta Akamatsu

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1868 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	200 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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One of the most dedicated and passionate proponents of Georgia blues is Rhetta Akamatsu, a Japanese-American blues artist who has made it her life's work to preserve and share the music of the South. Akamatsu's journey into the blues began in the 1970s, when she was introduced to the music of Mississippi John Hurt and other early blues masters. She was immediately captivated by the raw emotion and authenticity of the blues, and she began to learn the guitar and sing the songs of her idols.

Over the years, Akamatsu has performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in blues music, including B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Koko Taylor. She has also been a tireless advocate for blues education, teaching workshops and master classes around the world. In 2007, she founded the Georgia Blues Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting blues music and culture in the state.

Akamatsu's passion for the blues is evident in everything she does. Her live performances are electrifying, with her powerful vocals and slide guitar skills captivating audiences of all ages. Her recordings are equally impressive, showcasing her deep understanding of the blues tradition and her ability to create new and original music that is rooted in the past.

One of the most important aspects of Akamatsu's work is her dedication to preserving the legacy of Georgia blues. She has spent countless hours researching the music and the musicians who created it, and she has worked to ensure that their stories are not forgotten. She is also a strong supporter of the Georgia Blues Trail, and she has helped to raise awareness of the state's rich blues heritage.

Rhetta Akamatsu is a true ambassador for Georgia blues. Her passion for the music, her dedication to preserving its legacy, and her tireless work to promote blues education are all testament to her unwavering commitment to the genre. She is an inspiration to blues lovers around the world, and her work will continue to have a positive impact on the music for generations to come.

The Georgia Blues Trail

The Georgia Blues Trail is a 14-stop road trip that connects historic sites and venues that have played a part in the blues story. The trail winds its way through the state, from the Delta region to the Piedmont region, and from the cities to the countryside. Along the way, visitors can learn about the history of blues music, meet some of the people who have kept the music alive, and experience the blues firsthand at live performances.

The trail includes a variety of stops, including museums, clubs, churches, and juke joints. Some of the highlights of the trail include the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi; the B.B. King Museum in Indianola, Mississippi; and the Piedmont Blues Preservation Society in Greensboro, Georgia. Visitors can also visit the gravesites of some of the most legendary blues musicians, including Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and Blind Willie McTell.

The Georgia Blues Trail is a great way to learn about the history and culture of blues music. It is also a great way to experience the music firsthand and to meet some of the people who are dedicated to keeping the blues alive.

Blues Festivals in Georgia

Georgia is home to a number of blues festivals that draw blues lovers from all over the world. These festivals feature a variety of blues music, from traditional Delta blues to modern electric blues. Some of the most popular blues festivals in Georgia include the Atlanta Blues Festival, the Chattahoochee Blues and Heritage Festival, and the Savannah Blues Festival.

The Atlanta Blues Festival is one of the largest blues festivals in the country. The festival is held in Piedmont Park in Atlanta, and it features a wide variety of blues music, from traditional Delta blues to modern electric blues. The festival also includes a craft fair, a food court, and a children's area.

The Chattahoochee Blues and Heritage Festival is a two-day festival that is held in Columbus, Georgia. The festival features a variety of blues music, as well as other genres of music, such as gospel, soul, and R&B. The festival also includes a craft fair, a food court, and a children's area.

The Savannah Blues Festival is a three-day festival that is held in Savannah, Georgia. The festival features a variety of blues music, as well as other genres of music, such as jazz, soul, and funk. The festival also includes a craft fair, a food court, and a children's area.

These are just a few of the many blues festivals that are held in Georgia each year. To find out more about these festivals, visit the Georgia Blues Society website.

Rhetta Akamatsu's Discography

* "Southern Crossroads" (2008) * "Live at the Elwood Blues Club" (2010) * "Mississippi Blues Trail" (2012) * "Piedmont Blues Revival" (2014) * "Delta Blues Odyssey" (2016) * "Georgia Blues Journey" (2018) * "Blues for the Ages" (2020) * " Crossroads Blues" (2022)

Southern Crossroads: Georgia Blues

by Rhetta Akamatsu

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1868 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	200 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE