Chicago blues singer and drummer Larry Taylor has announced his candidacy for the Blues Foundation Board of Directors in the “Artist” category.
“I am running because I want to see change. I want the old system out and a new progressive system put in for the 21st Century Milennium, which emphasizes the African American heritage and continued leadership in music. Rooted music in America, which came from African Americans, is in great danger today. It doesn’t get enough radio play or media attention. Folks from every culture enjoy rooted American black music when they hear it; we just want to get it out there and remind people where it comes from.”
Taylor, grew up steeped in blues, as stepson of Chicago guitar giant Eddie Taylor Sr. and singer Vera Taylor. With his rhythmic, soulful West Side presentation of 1950s-70s based blues and soul, Taylor is available for shows everywhere, plus TV, print, radio, documentary and internet interviews. He appeared this year on discussion panels sponsored by the DC Blues Society and Chicago fest about the history and current state of the blues.
His platform for the board includes the following, open for discussion by everyone:
1. Blues Foundation board should have at least 50 per cent African American representation. (Right now it’s about 10-15 percent.)
2. HANDY AWARDS (the annual blues professional award similar to Grammys):
Recent trends have Handy Awards going only to black artists who are over 65 or deceased.
a. Return the name back to W.C. Handy Awards to honor the esteemed black composer
b. Add Handy award category that would reconsider previously submitted albums that didn’t receive an award in a given year.
c. Limit 5 Handy awards per artist lifetime.
d. Add category for African American Heritage Honors, a lifetime career award for 1-2 artists each year who do not frequently record but are icons in the blues art form. They may have played on a long ago hit, or are regional outstanding performers.
e. Add “best vocals” award for male and female artists.
3. BLUES CHALLENGE:
The Blues Challenge local and national band contest has resulted in an uneven quality of winners, who are then given slots in festivals and clubs, knocking out longtime professionals.
In addition to the current Blues Challenge sponsored Blues Societies, have two more new Challenges, recruiting additional sponsors for each.
a. African American Community Challenge, with regional rounds in Northeast,Southeast, etc. with various categories: blues, soul, gospel, R&B , jazz, hiphop, rap, pop and black rock. Start with one city and expand.
b. Youth Challenge, sponsored by blues societies with help of national grants and local businesses (all ethnic groups). Announce on Myspace and other youth forums. This avoids pitting youth against professionals, and opens up a wider opportunity for youth. Original music in a blues format is encouraged.
All Challenges should have 50% or more African American judges.
Right now there are no critical definitions of “blues” to guide Blues Challenge judges. I would call a committee, with an African American majority informed in music, to create a definition.
4. EDUCATION
Right now the Blues Foundation is not taking leadership to get blues in the schools nationally.
Raise major funds to send heritage blues musicians (in Delta, Chicago, Piedmont, soul blues, etc) plus teachers of blues (all ethnics) to schools, to match 50-50 state arts grants. This will help children express themselves and raise self esteem, make them aware of their heritage, help keep them out of trouble, and motivate them to succeed. This program will be for everyone, but there should be a special effort to get it back to the black community.
5. BY-LAWS
Current bylaws isolate the Foundation from its members and discourage new ideas and new people. The board needs new ideas, ethnic diversity, and moral corrections.
Change bylaws so that members can define their own constituent category. For example, with my 30 years of professional experience, I should be able to definite myself in the Artist category. Under the current bylaws, the board has power to define what category a member belongs to. This can keep challengers from running against incumbents in a given category and may be discouraging African Americans from joining and being active in the Blues Foundation. Also, the board has the right to elect about half of its own directors, which tends to perpetuate the current system.
One idea: use the simple membership categories already in place: fans, music professionals, corporate, blues organizations, and other nonprofit groups. Members could vote at large and therefore have a voice in all categories.
------------------
Taylor plans to seek the support of major African American organizations as well as artists and fans of all ethnic groups who love blues music.
Jerry Mason of the Boogie Report internet soul music newsletter, who has covered many of these issues in his writing, has announced he is running for "Media" slot on the Blues Foundation Board orf Directors.
To vote for Larry andhave other input into blues music, join the Blues Foundation for $25 per year,
www.blues.org
CONTACT: larrytaylor@larrytaylorbluesnsoul.com 773-266-9993, 773-209-4712