Billy Branch has followed a very non-traditional path to the blues. Unlike many blues artists, he isn't from the South. Billy was born in Chicago in 1951 and was raised in Los Angeles. He returned to Chicago in the summer of '69 and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in political science. It was during these years that he was introduced to the blues. His big break came in 1975 during a harmonica battle when he beat Chicago legend, Little Mac Simmons. After that, he began to work as an apprentice harp player in Willie Dixon's Chicago Blues All-Stars. He eventually replaced Carey Bell and worked with Willie Dixon for six years. During this time, Billy formed the Sons Of Blues (S.O.B.s) featuring musicians who where the sons of famous blues artists. The original S.O.B.s consisted of Billy, Lurrie Bell, Freddie Dixon and Garland Whiteside. They toured Europe and played at the Berlin Jazz Festival. Shortly afterward, they recorded for Alligator Record's Grammy-nominated Living Chicago Blues Sessions (strongly recommended). I will always remember the track Berlin Wall.

Billy released many albums. What to buy: Blues Keep Following Me Around (with a.o. Polk Salad Annie) and Where's My Money (with SOB and guest pianoplayer Jimmy Walker) where you can here some great performances in the best Chicago blues tradition. Once somebody said that he's not exactly a pure "blues dude". Forget it. Branch's tremendously commendable "Blues in the Schools" program started in Chicago but has reached learning centers in other cities and states as well. That's my kind of guy folks. See ya next week!

Blues Keep Following Me Around - Verve 1995
Where's My Money - Red Beans 1984/Evidence 1995

Video: Billy Branch & Sons of Blues - Juke

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