The history of music is written not only by those who are known to the general public …
It is written by everyone who, although not famous, continues their creations even after years!
Timothy Duffy is on a mission to document the folk music of America – especially the blues.
It captures everyday people who continue to follow tradition.
Duffy is the co-founder of the “Music Maker Relief Foundation“.
A non-profit organization that helps elderly musicians.
Being a photographer as well, he recently presented at the New Orleans Museum of Art, portraits of these musicians who are not in the spotlight.
These portraits, “captured” by an early photographic process, called tintype, are also seen in his new book.
The “Blue Muse: Southern Photographs”, includes a musical album with the protagonists of his portraits.
Music Maker Relief Foundation
The foundation, in its 25 years of history, has helped more than 400 artists.
The bluesman Taj Mahal is one of the most well-known musicians who worked with the non-profit organization to help less-known musicians.
Music Maker helps in many ways.
By booking concerts, helping with album productions, he pays the artists’ bills but also buys their musical instruments.
Among those who the foundation has helped are Ralph Willis and James “Boot” Hanks.
Ralph Willis
Ralph Willis (1910 – 11 June 1957), was an American singer, guitarist, and blues singer.
Some of his songs were released with the nicknames Alabama Slim, Washboard Pete, and Sleepy Joe.
Willis made his first recordings in 1944 and continued until 1953, issuing fifty songs.
The foundation produced “The Mighty Flood“, a Slim album that was made with his cousin Little Freddie King.
It refers to the story of how New Orleans was evacuated after the murderous Hurricane Katrina.
James “Boot” Hanks
James “Boot” Hanks was a blues guitarist from rural Virginia
The foundation helped him release his first album when he was 79 years old and gave him secure accommodation and shows around the world.
You can see all artists at the link below: https://musicmaker.org/artists-directory/?_sft_category=featured
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