5 episodes
The Cause of It All The Reverend Shawn Amos
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- Music
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5.0 • 2 Ratings
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On his new album, The Cause Of It All, The Reverend Shawn Amos “brought the ancestors into the room” to revisit ten classics from blues legends Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf, and Little Walter. In this companion podcast series, The Rev speaks with the offspring of famed musical figures: Alex Dixon (grandson of Willie Dixon), Zakiya Hooker (daughter of John Lee Hooker), Vaneese Thomas (daughter of Rufus Thomas), and John Paul Hammond (son of John Hammond). All are accomplished musicians in their own right. All share stories about growing up with famous parents and forging their own paths. They also discuss the role of the blues in helping define Black culture.
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EPISODE 1 – ALEX DIXON
Alex is the grandson of blues legend, Willie Dixon, who raised him from a child. He shares lessons he learned from his granddad about protecting oneself while keeping one’s heart open. He also tells the story about the time the King of Pop tried to buy the Gershwin of Blues’ songs.
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EPISODE 2 – ZAKIYA HOOKER
Zakiya is the daughter of John Lee Hooker, King of the Boogie. She tells The Rev about her father’s little-seen humorous side, how he shielded her from racism as a child, and the first time she realized her father was an icon.
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EPISODE 3 – VANEESE THOMAS
Vaneese is the daughter of famed musician and producer, Rufus Thomas. She talks about the legacy and pain of Memphis, the role of black women in the music business and why she fought singing for so long. The Rev also shares a story about seeing her father perform when he was only five years-old.
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EPISODE 4 – JOHN HAMMOND
John is the son of legendary record executive, John Hammond, Sr. The Rev speaks with him about his father’s career discovering Billie Holiday, Bob Dylan and Stevie Ray Vaughan. They also talk about John’s front row seat at the civil rights movement, the great ’60s folk revival, and receiving support from Black musicians as a white man playing the blues.
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EPISODE 5 – RODD BLAND
Rodd is the son of Bobby “Blue” Bland. Known as the “Lion of the Blues,” Bland is an inductee into the Grammy, Rock and Roll, and Blues Halls of Fame. Rodd talks about growing up playing drums behind his dad, lessons learned from his godfather, B.B. King, and keeping his father’s legacy alive with his own Blues Music Award-winning tribute project, Rodd Bland and the Members Only Band.