National Blues Hall of Famer, Doug Duffey was born in Monroe, Louisiana. Named as the “Louisiana Ambassador of the Blues,” Duffey was inducted into the Louisiana Blues Hall of Fame in 2001 and the National Blues Hall of Fame in 2009.
Born in 1950 at St. Francis Medical Center, Duffey began performing Blues and playing the piano at the age of 14. Influenced by his aunt who also played the piano, Duffey started taking lessons from a local piano teacher and began combining his love of singing and playing music.
Duffey’s first single was recorded in Nashville in 1970 and was chosen a “Hot Pick” by Billboard, Cashbox and Record World. Shortly after releasing his first single, Duffey moved to Hollywood where he began writing songs for artists such as George Clinton, Funkadelic, Rare Earth, Bootsy Collins and Keith Richards.
Duffey recalls his most memorable moments working with these artist, and explains how he prepares to write songs. “Sometimes the lyrics would come first. Other times, the music would already be prepared,” Duffey said. “If I’m really lucky that day… everything just comes together.” Known for his unique mixture of Funk, Blues and his northern Louisiana Delta roots, Duffey has recorded and/or produced more than four critically acclaimed albums in his career.
Duffey is also a visual artist whose paintings, collages and photographs have been exhibited throughout the United States and Europe. Today, Duffey is busy working with his 11 piece band, Louisiana Soul Revival.
Duffey’s remarkable musical talent has undoubtedly left a lasting impression in the world of Blues, making him one of Louisiana’s legendary Blues musicians.
Byway Blues is produced with the generous support of Washington Wine and Spirits, the Entergy Charitable Foundation, and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.