Rory Block

blues

Aurora Rory Block (November 6, 1949,[1] Princeton, New Jersey) is an American female blues guitarist and singer, a notable exponent of the country blues style. Career Aurora Block was born in Princeton and grew up in Manhattan. Her father, Allan Block, ran a sandal shop in Greenwich Village in the 1960s, and the constant presence of members of the Greenwich Village folk music scene, such as Peter Rowan, Geoff Muldaur and John Sebastian,[1] made an impression on the young girl, who studied classical guitar. Around age 14, she began to be fascinated by old Mississippi Delta blues, listening to old albums, transcribing them, and learning to play the songs. At age 15, she left home to seek out the remaining blues giants, such as Mississippi John Hurt, Reverend Gary Davis and Son House, and hone her craft in the traditional manner of blues musicians[1]; then she traveled to Berkeley,California where she played in clubs and coffeehouses. After retiring temporarily to raise a family, Block returned to the music industry in the 1970s with middling success until signing with Rounder Records in 1981, who encouraged her to return to her love for the classical blues form. Since then she has carved out her own niche, releasing numerous critically acclaimed albums of original and traditional songs, including many Robert Johnson covers, including Terraplane Blues and Come on in My Kitchen. Block has won five W. C. Handy Awards, two for Traditional Blues Female Artist (1997, 1998), three for Acoustic Blues Album of the Year (1996, 1999, 2007).[1] Her many albums, such as Turning Point, Angel of Mercy and Tornado have featured her own songs, while Mama's Blues, Ain't I A Woman and When A Women Gets The Blues spend more time amongst her blues models like Tommy and Robert Johnson, and the blueswomen Lottie Beaman and Mattie Delaney.[2] Block continued to tour, although not as heavily as in earlier times, and she's often accompanied by her grown son Jordan Block, who also plays on her albums. She remained busy in the early part of the 2000s, releasing six albums, including a live recording. 2005's From the Dust drew raving critical reviews, as did 2006's The Lady and Mr. Johnson.[1] Discography * 1965 How to Play Blues Guitar, Elektra Records (artist credited as Sunshine Kate) * 1975 Rory Block, RCA Victor 0733 * 1976 Rory Block (I'm in Love), Blue Goose Records 2022 * 1977 Intoxication, So Bitter Sweet, Chrysalis Records 1157 * 1979 You're the On...