Blues & Rhythm was first published in July 1984 continuing the long tradition of blues magazine publishing in the UK, which dates back to the early 1960s with magazines such as R&B Monthly, Hot Buttered Soul, Blues World, Shout! and the daddy of all blues magazines, Blues Unlimited.
The origins of Blues & Rhythm Magazine lay in two magazines: the irreverent Sailor’s Delight and Pickin’ The Blues.
Sailor’s Delight was predominantly a record sales and auction magazine selling 78s, 45s and albums published by Paul ‘Sailor’ Vernon. The magazine included spoof articles and genuine research on blues and R&B. Sailor’s Delight ceased publication after seventeen issues when the first issue of Blues & Rhythm was being planned.
Pickin’ The Blues, edited by Mark Harris, covered blues research, album reviews, blues news and gig reports. Pickin’ The Blues ceased publication after issue number 25, allowing its outstanding subscriptions to be absorbed into a new magazine, Blues & Rhythm, The Gospel Truth.
Initially B
lues & Rhythm was an A5 sized magazine, but by issue 19 we switched to A4 size. Blues & Rhythm publishes a 48 page magazine, ten times a year, using full colour.
Besides our main editorial team (Tony Burke, Byron Foulger, Phil Wight and Mike Stephenson) our writers, reviewers, researchers, correspondents, photographers and critics include Mary Katherine Aldin, Mike Atherton, Chris Bentley, Gary Blue, John Broven, Norman Darwen, Bob Eagle, Bill Greensmith, Bob Groom, the late Paul Harris, Dan Kochakian, the late Peter Lowry, Paul Mooney, Opal Louis Nations, Seamus McGarvey, John Mitchell, Jim O’Neal, Victor Pearlin, Dave Penny, Steve Propes, Guido van Rijn, Fred Rothwell, Mike Rowe, Howard Rye, Keith Scoffham, Neil Slaven, Brian Smith, Chris Smith, Ray Templeton and Billy Vera.
The magazine stays faithful to its original intent, of publishing research, historical articles, discographies, interviews, reviews and comment relating to blues, R&B, vocal groups, vintage soul and gospel music in its many forms as well as supporting up and coming blues talent.
Here’s what you need to do if you’d like to subscribe to Blues & Rhythm. You can also explore our list of Back Issues.