John Németh, Shemekia Copeland Lead Blues Music Award Nominees

The Blues Foundation has announced the nominees for its 44th annual Blues Music Awards.

The awards recognize blues artists in a number of subgenres, including traditional blues, soul blues, contemporary blues, blues rock, and acoustic blues, as well as for overall categories such as Best Emerging Artist Album and Entertainer of the Year — a top award named in honor of B.B. King.

John Németh leads the list with five nominations, including Best Traditional Blues Album for May Be the Last Time (ND review). Also receiving multiple nominations are Shemekia Copeland, Rory Block, and Eric Gales.

Below is a list of nominees in a few categories; you can view the full list at the Blues Foundation’s website. The awards, voted on by Blues Foundation members, will be given out during a show (complete with blue carpet leading to the theater!) May 11 in Memphis.

B.B. King Entertainer of the Year 
Sugaray Rayford
Tommy Castro
Eric Gales
Bobby Rush
Mr. Sipp (Castro Coleman)

Band of the Year
Anthony Geraci & The Boston Blues Allstars
John Németh and the Blue Dreamers
Rick Estrin and the Nightcats
Southern Avenue
Tedeschi Trucks Band

Song of the Year
Altered Five Blues Band – “Great Minds Drink Alike” (Jeff Schroedl)
Buddy Guy – “The Blues Don’t Lie” (Tom Hambridge)
Eric Gales – “I Want My Crown” (Eric Gales, Joe Bonamassa)
John Németh – “The Last Time” (John Németh)
Shemekia Copeland – “Too Far to Be Gone” (John Hahn/Will Kimbrough)

Best Emerging Artist Album
Blue Moon Marquee –  Scream, Holler & Howl
DaShawn Hickman – Drums, Roots & Steel
Dylan Triplett – Who Is He?
Jose Ramirez – Major League Blues
Yates McKendree – Buchanan Lane

Acoustic Blues Album
Charlie Musselwhite –  Mississippi Son
Corey Harris –  The Insurrection Blues
Duwayne Burnside –  Acoustic Burnside
Harrison Kennedy –  Thanks for Tomorrow
Rory Block – Ain’t Nobody Worried

Blues Rock Album
Albert Castiglia – I Got Love
Bernard Allison – Highs & Lows
Colin James – Open Road
Eric Gales – Crown
Tinsley Ellis – Devil May Care

Contemporary Blues Album
Buddy Guy – The Blues Don’t Lie
Diunna Greenleaf – I Ain’t Playin’
Janiva Magness – Hard to Kill
Larry McCray – Blues Without You
Shemekia Copeland – Done Come too Far

Soul Blues Album
Kat Riggins – Progeny
Kirk Fletcher – Heartache by the Pound
Sugaray Rayford – In Too Deep
The Love Light Orchestra – Leave the Light On
Trudy Lynn – Golden Girl

Traditional Blues Album
Kenny Neal – Straight From the Heart
Bob Corritore – Bob Corritore & Friends: You Shocked Me
Duke Robillard – They Called it Rhythm & Blues
John Németh – May Be the Last Time
John Primer – Hard Times