Memphis, TN, May 9, 2025 – The 46th Annual Blues Music Awards turned out to be a night to remember, as The Blues Foundation celebrated the best in blues music at the Renasant Convention Center. The event, held on May 8, honored a diverse array of artists, with Chicago's Ronnie Baker Brooks emerging as one of the big winners.
Brooks took home multiple awards, including Contemporary Blues Album, Contemporary Blues Male Artist, and the coveted Song of the Year for his track "Blues In My DNA." This recognition highlights Brooks' significant impact on the contemporary blues scene, showcasing his talent and dedication to the genre.
Joining Brooks in the spotlight was Canadian blues artist Sue Foley, who won accolades for Acoustic Blues Album and Traditional Blues Female Artist. Foley's album, "One Guitar Woman," was well-received, further solidifying her place in the blues community.
Mississippi artists also made a strong showing at the awards. John Primer won Traditional Blues Male Artist and Traditional Blues Album for "Crawlin’ Kingsnake" in collaboration with Bob Corritore. Curtis Salgado was celebrated for his contributions as Soul Blues Male Artist and for his album "Fine By Me." The recognition of these artists emphasizes the deep roots of blues music in Mississippi.
Other notable winners included Eden Brent, who secured the Pinetop Perkins Award as the best piano player, and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, named Best Guitarist. Ingram has been recognized for his skill and passion for the blues, making waves in the industry.
The B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award went to Mr. Sipp, also known as Castro Coleman, who has been a prominent figure in the blues scene. His performance and contributions to the genre have garnered him a loyal following and critical acclaim.
The full list of winners from the 46th Annual Blues Music Awards reflects the rich diversity of talent within the blues genre:
- Acoustic Blues Album: "One Guitar Woman," Sue Foley
- Instrumentalist – Horn: Vanessa Collier
- Blues Rock Artist: Tommy Castro
- Instrumentalist – Harmonica: Billy Branch
- Soul Blues Female: Thornetta Davis
- Instrumentalist – Piano (Pinetop Perkins): Eden Brent
- Instrumentalist – Bass: Bob Stroger
- Instrumentalist – Drum: Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith
- Blues Rock Album: "Life is Hard," Mike Zito
- Contemporary Blues Male: Ronnie Baker Brooks
- Traditional Blues Album: "Crawlin’ Kingsnake," John Primer and Bob Corritore
- Traditional Blues Male: John Primer
- Instrumentalist – Guitar: Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
- Contemporary Blues Album: "Blues In My DNA," Ronnie Baker Brooks
- Soul Blues Album Winner: "Fine By Me," Curtis Salgado
- Traditional Blues Female: Sue Foley
- Contemporary Blues Female: Ruthie Foster
- Soul Blues Male: Curtis Salgado
- Acoustic Blues Artist: Keb’ Mo’
- Band of the Year: Rick Estrin and The Nightcats
- Best Emerging Artist: "Revelation," Piper & The Hard Times
- Instrumentalist – Vocals: Ruthie Foster
- Album of the Year: "Blame It On Eve," Shemekia Copeland
- Song of the Year: "Blues In My DNA," Written by Ronnie Baker Brooks
- B.B. King Entertainer of the Year: Mr. Sipp (Castro Coleman)
The Blues Foundation, founded in 1980, has been instrumental in preserving and promoting blues music. With approximately 4,000 individual members and 180 affiliated blues societies worldwide, the Foundation plays a vital role in ensuring the future of this uniquely American art form.
In addition to the awards, the Foundation supports the blues community through its HART Fund, which provides medical assistance to musicians in need. Programs like Blues in the Schools and Generation Blues Scholarships aim to introduce new generations to the rich history and culture of blues music.
The Blues Hall of Fame Museum, located in Downtown Memphis, serves as a hub for blues enthusiasts to engage with the music and its history. The Foundation's dedication to celebrating blues music and its artists continues to resonate within the community and beyond.
This year’s ceremony not only highlighted the achievements of seasoned artists but also showcased emerging talent, reflecting the vibrant and evolving nature of the blues genre. As the night came to a close, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation for what the future holds for blues music.
As the blues community looks ahead, the 46th Annual Blues Music Awards served as a reminder of the genre's enduring legacy and the passionate artists who keep its spirit alive.
