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KEDM Public Radio begins its Fall Membership Campaign with a two hour special celebrating local blues legends. Byway Blues airs Friday, September 18, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Hosted by Louisiana blues historians Lesli and Kirby Rambin, the program showcases northeast Louisiana’s rich musical heritage with area musicians such as National Blues Hall of Fame Inductee Doug Duffey. Duffey speaks about his new 11 piece band, Louisiana Soul Revival.
Louisiana's Blind Joe Reynolds wrote Outside Woman Blues, later made famous by Eric Clapton.
Linda Bowman, the niece of nationally-known pre-World War II blues player “Blind” Joe Reynolds, discusses how she learned of her uncle’s famous past. Reynolds wrote the song “Outside Woman Blues,” later made famous by Eric Clapton.
The program features other musicians including Dr. Dan Sumner, assistant professor of music education at ULM and noted guitarist; and Mable John, known as “Motown’s first singing lady."
Byway Blues also includes local history, such as the story of Monroe’s “other” main street — DeSiard Street — and important historical music venues such as the Savoy Ballroom in the Miller-Roy building and the Elite Lounge.
The program is hosted by the husband and wife team of Kirby and Lesli Rambin. Lesli Rambin is an associate professor of English at ULM.
“This fundraising special is a taste of a much larger research project,” said Lesli Rambin. “In addition to this program, we’re working to establish a Louisiana Blues Trail. We’re so pleased KEDM is part of this education effort that can spill over to revitalize downtowns through preservation.”
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The KEDM Fall Membership Campaign continues through Saturday, September 26 with over fifty members of the community gathering as on-air hosts, encouraging listeners to become members of KEDM. Community organizations and volunteers will collect information from listeners pledging their support to KEDM, and local businesses have donated food for volunteers.
“The community comes together for the Membership Drive,” says Development Director Lila Strode. “Whether you call or give online, your gift will confirm that you and Northeast Louisiana will continue to benefit from KEDM.”
KEDM provides award-winning news content under the direction of News and Public Affairs Director Bob Lenox along with a first look at the day’s news on NPR’s Morning Edition; All Things Considered, a discussion of the day's top issues; and Marketplace, a daily review of the world of business.
