Two famous names in blues music will headline this year’s Bessie Smith Strut, Riverbend’s annual street party on M.L. King Boulevard.
Headlining the Strut, on Monday, June 13, will be John Lee Hooker Jr., son of legendary bluesman John Lee Hooker. Also set to perform that night will be Jimmy Thackery. Filling out the lineup will be SkyHi Funk Band from Nashville and Grady Champion, a rising blues vocalist who has drawn comparisons to Sonny Boy Williamson.
Meanwhile, the blues-rock act JJ Grey & Mofro has been added to the festival’s riverfront lineup, according to a news release. The act will perform on June 17 on the Bud Light Stage.
After years of fighting demons related to being the son of a legend, Hooker Jr. released “Blues With a Vengeance.” The album drew critical praise and earned him a Grammy nomination in the Traditional Blues Album category and a W.C. Handy nomination for Best New Artist Debut.
Thackery has made a name for himself through years of performing his electric brand of blues guitar.