Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Blues Moon Radio on WUSC-FM Finale - Tuesday, April 30, 6-8 p.m. ET/USA

 





29 years of live Blues music history comes to a close (at least for now) on WUSC's longest-running show in history, Blues Moon with Clair DeLune, tonight - April 30, 2019.

It has been a pleasure and my honor to have the opportunity to bring you nearly three decades of Blues history thanks to the University of South Carolina Radio Station, WUSC-FM and HD-1 Columbia - streaming since the early 90s.

The ability to teach roots music history courses at UofSC has been a thrill, and the graciousness of my WUSC bosses (all student run radio station) has been a joy to behold. I love each and every one of my student, staff and faculty colleagues and look at this passage of my life as one of the most interesting and fulfilling ventures I could ever have dreamed of - and it all came true.

Without this, I'd never have researched Music of the Carolinas, been published in numerous books and magazine pieces, done countless interviews with amazing musicians or seen and heard live so many artists who are part of the tapestry of this American tableau.

Thanks go to my underwriters through the years who substantially supported the station's efforts to remain "The Awesome Alternative," and I am ever grateful for their assistance.

To donors, who gave their all year after year or perhaps just on occasion - it mattered and deepest thanks.

And to listeners and followers of this blog, and our Facebook page (which will live on in some fashion - perhaps reinvented or renamed? we as yet do not know) - you brighten each day!
It is an odd sensation to put your entire heart and soul into a passion and have very little sense of whether it matters to anyone or not - but enough of you have communicated that what I do matters to you and for that I am uplifted and grateful. It has always been my goal to share my rare recordings and whatever knowledge I have managed to dig up (and remember - that's getting to be harder and harder - LOL) and relate that in a warm, folksy way - I don't think I could do it any other way - that's sort of my style. Like it or not, that's what I could do, and through the years it has meant a lot to so many, and that - my friends - is a goal well-met. Riches are found in mysterious ways and not always in gold or silver. I feel enriched by these 29 years - my gift to you became a gift that kept giving to me. Funny how that works.

Life moves on and things that get put on the back burner with a "manana" promise start barking ... and it is time to reinvent myself and see what is going to be next on the horizon.

But please don't think I won't miss you - and prepping the shows - and playing the music and making my corny jokes. I will. So very much.

In my own inimitable style, I could not stop finding theme songs - all of the first 80 minutes of music have "Goodbye" in the title, leading others, and even me, to exclaim "How the hell do you DO that?" and I have to think that synchronicity (which is nowhere else in my life, believe me) is my superpower. LOL!

Then I found some other songs to fill the gap to a two-hour show and some don't have Goodbye in them, but the titles fit what I want to say as I make my exit from live radio.

Keep in mind, my usual caveat: It's the song titles that contain the message... those scamps sometimes put things in the lyrics that do not apply, so that part is from them, not ME. ha!

29 years - like Willie Dixon's 29 Ways - is a lot. It shows determination and commitment - and yet 30 seemed too staid, so this is when I shall drop back and see what else the earth has in mind for this old gal. I hope to be on it until I'm 100 - riding my horse with my faithful pup at our sides.

From me and Jaxi (aka: Sonny Boy Red Jackson), and the ghosts of RockyDawg Blues Defender and Lawdy Miss Clawdy the Blues Doggess... we bid you adieu and farewell as host of the live version of Blues Moon Radio on WUSC-FM.

Stay in touch over on Blues Moon Radio at Facebook... and please come see me at the Words and Wine Book Event, where I'll be the speaker (and signing copies of South Carolina Blues), at the Lourie Center in Columbia SC Tuesday June 18, 2019 at 6 p.m.

(Will have copies for purchase - 24 includes the tax - cash or checks only, please).

Much love,

Clair DeLune

Tonight's playlist will feature picks from these lists:






Meet your Hosts:

Clair DeLune, author of South Carolina Blues, longtime professor of Roots and Blues Music History and your host since 1990 of Blues Moon Radio; along with her valiant co-host since 2017, Sonny Boy Red Jackson (doing his best RCA Dog impression).


Your host,
Clair DeLune
June/July 1990-
April 30, 2019




Jax to the Max:
2017-present

Clair DeLune & Lawdy Miss Clawdy -
Original show co-host from 1995-2008
KeeKee the Wonder Hoss
Sassy mascot: 2007-present




RockyDawg Blues Defender, who never had
an issue with the limelight and adored
everybody (and vice versa!): show co-host from 2008-2017.
 

 
In the meantime, if you feel as if you need some great Blues music OR MY BOOK (which makes a great present, hint-hint-hint!)...

And please always remember our underwriters:
 
 
 
Our supporters:

As always we thank our long-time underwriters, who help bring great music to the Midlands all year around, because we could not imagine our show without their input and support:  Papa Jazz Record Shoppe, Word of Mouth Productions AND South Carolina Blues. You can link to these orgs by clicking on the visuals...

This blog is brought to you  in part by:
www.papajazz.com    
and
 http://www.wordofmouthproductions.org/ourstory.html
 and

 

South Carolina Blues
500 years of roots and blues music history in S.C.
by
Clair DeLune
on Arcadia Publishing

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Penultimate Blues Moon Radio Show on WUSC-FM April, 23, 2019


Can hardly believe the time has come to start the final wrap up of 29 years of radio on my beloved WUSC-FM 90.5 and HD1 Columbia.

We had some personal tsuris to get through last week, so we are back with a bang to blow out the penultimate and final shows this week and next.

We've tried to pay homage to everyone who has made a positive difference in the show through the years, but one semester to phase out and get that in did not leave enough time. I swear. Tempis fugit, y'all.

Hey. I'm getting weepy because I will miss this so much so let me buck up like my soldier Dad taught me to do and go mission-centric.

Keep in mind I'll be at the Irmo Library this Saturday, April 27th 2-5 p.m. to sign copies of South Carolina Blues - I'll be selling copies at my table if you don't have yours yet - $24 smackers cash takes one with a genuine signature from the author! You know your bookshelf has been crying for a copy! They make great gifts for history or music lovers. Come see me!

Here's tonight's playlist - sent with love from me and Sonny Boy Red Jackson; and his predecessor co-hosts: RockyDawg, Blues Defender and Lawdy Miss Clawdy, the Blues Doggess - we all wish you well and keep this page open - my sense is there might be another adventure in me and who knows, it just might involve the Blues!

Warmest thanks to all my supporters, super-fans, listeners, casual tuner-inners and random automobile travelers who found us left of the dial and right in your ear, as Uncle Gram once quipped. This has been a joy and a privilege to do for nearly three decades and I'm looking forward to what will be "further on up the road."

 

Join us for some good Blues... Tuesday is Bluesday 6 p.m. on 90.5FM Columbia or WUSC.FM to stream.

As always, we'll pepper in a few sidelights and surprises...

Tune in - tell your pals,Clair DeLune
and Sonny Boy Red ("I Had a Bath!") Jackson




Meet your Hosts: 
Clair DeLune (at left): author of South Carolina Blues, longtime professor of Roots and Blues Music History and your host since 1990 of Blues Moon Radio; along with her valiant co-host since 2017, Sonny Boy Red Jackson (below, doing his best RCA Dog impression).




Sonny Boy selected two songs tonight that represent his Mimi and Papa (grandparents) ... and insisted that I tell y'all he picked out the tribute to them.  


   
 
In the meantime, if you feel as if you need some great Blues music OR MY BOOK, which makes a great present, hint-hint-hint! and my next signings are April 27 at the Irmo Branch Library 2-5 p.m. - cash please if you wish to purchase ...$24 includes the tax; June 18 at 6 p.m. at the Lourie Center with musical guest Mark Rapp.

And please don't forget our underwriters:
 
 
 
Our supporters:



As always we thank our long-time underwriters, who help bring great music to the Midlands all year around, because we could not imagine our show without their input and support:  Papa Jazz Record Shoppe, Word of Mouth Productions AND South Carolina Blues. You can link to these orgs by clicking on the visuals...
This blog is brought to you  in part by:
www.papajazz.com    
and
 http://www.wordofmouthproductions.org/ourstory.html
 and



 



South Carolina Blues
500 years of roots and blues music history in S.C.
by
Clair DeLune
on Arcadia Publishing
 

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Blues Moon Radio starting to wrap up - some fond goodbyes begin on 4/9/2019


We've got single digits left to go in shows for Blues Moon Radio - one of the longest running radio shows in the country.

Tonight we'll play some tributes, and some commemorations, and some goodbyes to special folks and critters.

Special sorrow for the sudden, onstage passing of Scotty Hawkins of Mac Arnold's Plate Full'o'Blues:
Plate Full'o'Blues at the Bluz Shak Benefit - Lexington SC 2017

From Max Hightower
 written Apr 4, 2019
March 22 our Good friend and Drummer Mr Scotty Hawkins passed away on stage. Please help us spread the word as we come together Sunday April 14th to remember Scotty and raise money for his Family.

 Scotty Hawkins Benefit
 Mac Arnold & Plate Full O Blues
 Piedmont Boys
 Marvin King Band
 Corey Stevenson
 Ruddy Blue Shoes
 Elliot Satterfield
 Larry McNar
 Adam Carter
 Shane Pruitt
 Eric Weiler
 And More

To be held at the Spinning Jenny
 107 Cannon St, Greer, SC 29651
 Doors open at 4pm
 Music Starts at 5pm
 Poker Run, Auction, Food - no cover but donations for the family are welcomed.


We're also focusing on Titanic, Tax day coming and some special commemorations.


Join us for some good Blues... Tuesday is Bluesday 6 p.m. on 90.5FM Columbia or WUSC.FM to stream.

As always, we'll pepper in a few sidelights and surprises...

Tune in - tell your pals,Clair DeLune
and Sonny Boy Red ("I Had a Bath!") Jackson




Meet your Hosts: 
Clair DeLune (at left): author of South Carolina Blues, longtime professor of Roots and Blues Music History and your host since 1990 of Blues Moon Radio; along with her valiant co-host since 2017, Sonny Boy Red Jackson (below, doing his best RCA Dog impression).




You will note with delight, I feel certain, that Jaxi has his own song featured tonight - Jax Boogie. I bribed him with that to get him to take his bath. See how shiny he is?


  
 
In the meantime, if you feel as if you need some great Blues music OR MY BOOK (which makes a great present, hint-hint-hint! and my next signings are April 27 at the Irmo Branch Library 2-5 p.m. - cash please if you wish to purchase ...$24 includes the tax; June 18 at 6 p.m. at the Lourie Center with musical guest Mark Rapp).

And please don't forget our underwriters:
 
 
 
Our supporters:


As always we thank our long-time underwriters, who help bring great music to the Midlands all year around, because we could not imagine our show without their input and support:  Papa Jazz Record Shoppe, Word of Mouth Productions AND South Carolina Blues. You can link to these orgs by clicking on the visuals...

This blog is brought to you  in part by:
www.papajazz.com    
and
 http://www.wordofmouthproductions.org/ourstory.html
 and


 


South Carolina Blues
500 years of roots and blues music history in S.C.
by
Clair DeLune
on Arcadia Publishing
 

Last week's playlist - On This Day - April 2, 2019


Boy, it must be time to hang up my turntables. I forgot to post the playlists and theme from last week. Hey, after 29 years, anyone can make a mistake, right? Hmmm. Cue the Golden Girls music - only I'd be on a show called the Blue Squirrels because I like Blues and squirrels, and I'm going a little squirrely.

Here's the scoop from last week:

 
The songs we played for the events of the day are marked below:


So - that's about it - we had fun, hope you tuned in.

See you tonight for a great show - 6 p.m. ET at wusc.sc.edu

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Blues Moon Radio show tonight - Blues from Z to A! March 26, 2019



Well.

We've counted up and down the alphabet before, but never first names. And we STILL get stumped on "X." I'm sure there are some out there, but not in my digi-collection - and I was too lazy (this close to retirement) to get up and add to it. Sorry!

Instead I can talk about my ex. What? No? Not interesting...? That might be why he's my ex, amirite? Pah-dum-pum - you walked right into that one, pal. Wait for the brick wall, oversized sport coat and lit cigarette - then the comedy genius of that one will hit you hard.

So, here's the intel on the swell lineup for tonight...

Blues from Z-to-A on Blues Moon Radio 3/26/19
 
As always, we'll pepper in a few sidelights and surprises...

Tune in - tell your pals,
Clair DeLune
and Sonny Boy Red ("I Loves Me some Zilla Mayes!") Jackson




Meet your Hosts: 
Clair DeLune (at left): author of South Carolina Blues, longtime professor of Roots and Blues Music History and your host since 1990 of Blues Moon Radio; along with her valiant co-host since 2017, Sonny Boy Red Jackson (below, doing his best RCA Dog impression).

 
 
In the meantime, if you feel as if you need some great Blues music OR MY BOOK (which makes a great present, hint-hint-hint!)... don't forget our underwriters:
 
 
 
Our supporters:

As always we thank our long-time underwriters, who help bring great music to the Midlands all year around, because we could not imagine our show without their input and support:  Papa Jazz Record Shoppe, Word of Mouth Productions AND South Carolina Blues. You can link to these orgs by clicking on the visuals...

This blog is brought to you  in part by:
www.papajazz.com    
and
 http://www.wordofmouthproductions.org/ourstory.html
 and

 

South Carolina Blues
500 years of roots and blues music history in S.C.
by
Clair DeLune
on Arcadia Publishing
 

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Blues Moon Radio presents "Stumblin' Drunk" show 3/19/19


Fortunately for you all, tonight you have a designated DJ to run the turntables, because we're exploring one of the perennial problem areas in the blues - too much drinking.

Blues and drinking can go hand in hand, and when that happens, how the heck does anyone strum a guitar? And yet, they manage.

So, tune in as we wander the path of non-sobriety ... or stagger the path, mayhaps.

We hope you can join us - "cocktail hour(s)" begin at six...

Here's the menu:


We'll also have a guest drop by to talk about some Jazz programming at the Koger Center - so "Let's go Kogering" with Mark Rapp (sometime just before 7).

Join us... we promise: no hangover ...

Tune in - tell your pals,
Clair DeLune
and Sonny Boy Red ("I never took a drink of liquor in my life!") Jackson




Meet your Hosts: 
Clair DeLune (at left): author of South Carolina Blues, longtime professor of Roots and Blues Music History and your host since 1990 of Blues Moon Radio; along with her valiant co-host since 2017, Sonny Boy Red Jackson (below, doing his best RCA Dog impression).

 
 
In the meantime, if you feel as if you need some great Blues music OR MY BOOK (which makes a great present, hint-hint-hint!)... don't forget our underwriters:
 
 
 
Our supporters:

As always we thank our long-time underwriters, who help bring great music to the Midlands all year around, because we could not imagine our show without their input and support:  Papa Jazz Record Shoppe, Word of Mouth Productions AND South Carolina Blues. You can link to these orgs by clicking on the visuals...

This blog is brought to you  in part by:
www.papajazz.com    
and
 http://www.wordofmouthproductions.org/ourstory.html
 and

 
South Carolina Blues
500 years of roots and blues music history in S.C.
by
Clair DeLune
on Arcadia Publishing


Thursday, March 14, 2019

Silly us.

We totally thought we'd updated the page but seems either we didn't or didn't save the post...

We apologize - here's what happened between 2/26 and 3/14/19...

BTW - happy Pi day - do some math; eat some pie - be happy!

On March 5th, our theme was "Mostly Obscure Picks by Clair"... a theme that was built on the fact that I'd found all these cool songs and artists through the years, but they had yet to debut on the show - perhaps not fitting into the theme of the week - so we made kind of a Blues Stew ... so rich and satisfying, this was a show that was super fun to do (they all are, but this was even more so for some reason).
There was no show on 3/12 because of Spring Break.

We'll see you Tuesday, 3/19/19, for more cool music.

Mark your calendars - we'll be doing stuff with the book on 4/27 (Irmo Library 2-5 p.m.) and again on June 18th (Lourie Center). Come see us and get a book signed - remember - they make great gifties!

Looks like about half a dozen shows left... we're going to have fun making them! Hope you will tune in ... Here's the old 3/5 playlist, FYI.

Blues Moon Radio playlist 3/5/19 - "Mostly Obscure Cuts"