RTRFM's Dedicated Blues Show Celebrates 45 Years

Conceptualised in 1979 by blues lover Steve Tallis, RTRFM’s Spoonful of Blues is a radio show almost as old as the station who hosts it.

A staple on the Perth (Boorloo) community broadcaster’s program, Spoonful of Blues keeps listeners company from 7PM to 9PM on Monday nights, with an expansive offering of blues tunes. From “swampy News Orleans blues” to blues fusion and electric blues, the show features a rotating panel of presenters with a rotating range of blues predilections.

“That’s one of the great things about Spoonful of Blues,” the show’s coordinator and longtime presenter Simon Johnson says. “That each presenter brings a different aspect of the genre to the show.”

Johnson has been presenting the program for 12 years, and “jumped” at the opportunity to get involved.

“Music has always been very much part of my life. From my perspective many musical genres from jazz to hip hop to rock, folk, etc. draw heavily from the blues.”

Blues has had an indelible influence on the music industry, emerging from its origins on plantations in America’s south, to forming the basis for nearly every form of popular music today. As a genre, it is always reinventing itself.

“The fact that the genre has endured for so long and is still growing with many new artists coming to the fore is a testament to the strength of the blues,” says Johnson.

“Its impact can be summed up by a quote from the great Muddy Waters; 'The blues had a baby and called it rock 'n' roll’.”

For anyone new to the formative blues genre, Johnson recommends starting off with the “blues greats”, with artists such as Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Elmore James, and Koko Taylor.

Contemporary artists like Shemekia Copeland, Hubby Jenkins, Jontavious Willis, also make Johnson’s blues list for beginners.

Alternatively, Johnson suggests “Australia has a great tradition with the blues,” and some live and local blues is on offer at Spoonful of Blues’ anniversary event this Sunday (13 October).

Local artists Dan Howls, Kerry B Ryan Blues Experience, Biscuit & Slim, Diamond Daves, and Lee Sappho will be featured, in an evening celebrating not only the show, but the expansive genre it represents.

“We are incredibly lucky to have such a great lineup of artists,” Johnson says. “A good time is assured!”

RTRFM are celebrating 45 years of Spoonful of Blues on Sunday 13 October. Tickets can be purchased here.