09/09/2024
It is with a heavy heart that I have decided I must pull the plug on the Downhome Blues radio show. When I first started producing the show back in 2002 there was a genuine interest in blues music on the radio, the show had many supporters and listeners and I felt like I had a purpose. My intention from the beginning was to introduce new and rare music to people that might not have the opportunity to hear it elsewhere, since blues isn't a popular music style among the general public it gets very little radio airplay. I also felt that I was providing a much needed service of introducing the listeners to various up-and-coming artists that may be touring through our area, therefore possibly creating more "butts in seats" at the concert appearances. Always my goal was to share, enjoy, promote and preserve the music I love. I left KPBX in 2010 to co-host Blowtorch Blues with the late Ted Todd at KKZX-FM and then I hosted Mojo Boogie Blues at KYRS-FM for 6-7 years. Over the years it seems my listeners have become few & far between (mainly due to the internet) and now it appears that radio is a totally dead platform. (Maybe my show sucks, I don't think so but who knows) Since Downhome Blues is a pre-recorded program there is zero interaction between DJ & listener, which makes it extremely unfulfilling as a radio host. Since returning I have produced over 100 shows for KPBX over the last 2+ years and each show I ask for requests or complaints and tell the listeners how they can contact me, but still never get any response from any listeners. Therefore I feel like I am just wasting my time, energy and experience producing Downhome Blues at this point. Thanks to everyone that has supported my shows over the years, I hope some new music found its way into your collection due to my radio programs. Peace
