The History of Blues in America with Joey Leone

A program led by music historian and acclaimed guitarist Joey Leone, along with two other musicians covering the history, influence and impact of American blues music through songs, stories and historical facts. As a uniquely American genre of music, Joey highlights the influence of blues on virtually all contemporary music over the past 7 decades as well as a recurring theme of how this style of music brought people together in good times and bad.

Joey also ties in his upbringing in Brooklyn NY, and how important the Public Library System was for his discovery, passion, and eduction about music and music history. Joey has toured as a sideman guitar player for many high profile artists including Etta James, The Coasters, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, Chaka Khan, and many more. The program content is all-ages appropriate.

This program was made possible by a generous gift from The Bartush Family Foundation and presented at Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory on October 23, 2019.