• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Nashville's local news and NPR station

Search
Listen Listen
Give Now
  • Search
  • News
    • Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom
    • Arts, Culture & Music
    • Criminal Justice
    • Curious Nashville
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Housing
    • Metro Government
    • Race & Equity
    • State Politics
  • Schedule
    • WPLN-FM
    • WPLN International
  • Support
    • Give Now
    • Ways to Support
    • The Producers’ Circle
    • Donor Hub
    • Donate A Car
    • Give Stock
    • Business Support
    • Planned Giving
  • Shows + Podcasts
    • NashVillager
    • This Is Nashville
    • The Promise
    • Curious Nashville
    • See All
  • NashVillager
    • Podcast
    • Newsletter
  • Events
  • Giveaways
  • Donor Hub
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
This Is Nashville logo
TuesdayJanuary 31, 2023

Singing the blues in Nashville

Steve HaruchWPLN
Ping Rose and the Anti-Heroes perform at Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar
Listen
Share:

Memphis holds the title of “Home of the Blues,” but Nashville also has a rich history in this genre. B.B. King’s first single was released on a Nashville record label, and blues clubs once lined Jefferson Street.

That history serves as a foundation, and if you know where to look, there is a thriving blues scene in Music City today — even if it’s not as centralized or as well-known as it is in other cities like Memphis. So what does that look like these days? Who’s keeping the blues alive in Nashville? We’ll find out in this episode.

But first, we talk to WPLN political reporter Blaise Gainey about some controversial bills introduced in the state legislature this week.

Guests:

  • Ron Wynn, writer and recipient of a 2023 Keeping the Blues Alive Award
  • Mike Turney, musician and owner of Papa Turney’s BBQ
  • Shantelle Black, vocalist of Shantelle and The Juke Joint Band
  • “Andy T” Talamantez, guitarist and member of the Andy T Band

Nashville Public Radio in your inbox

Sign up to get the NashVillager each weekday morning.

Primary Sidebar

Become a sponsor?
Become a sponsor?
Become a sponsor?

Footer

About

  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Staff
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Impact Report
  • Financial, FCC and CPB Reports
  • WPLN News Transparency Report
  • FCC Public File
  • Board of Directors
  • Privacy Policy

Listen

  • Ways To Listen
  • Shows & Podcasts
  • iPhone App
  • Android App
  • Alexa Smart Speakers

Sister Stations

  • WPLN International
  • 91.ONE, WNXP
  • Nashville Classical Radio

Stay Connected

  • Contact News Department
  • Receive Our Newsletters
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
WPLN News, Nashville Public Radio
630 Mainstream Drive
Nashville, TN 37228

Phone: (615) 760-2903
©2025 Nashville Public Radio

on-air light On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM

Pop-Up Player : All Channels
Launch Streaming Player