On November 27th, 2018, we were delighted when Dion Brown, the President & Chief Operating Officer of the , dropped by the studio to talk about his blues experiences at the in Indianola, Mississippi, and setting up the in St. Louis before coming to Cincinnati to run the Freedom Center.
During our conversation, Dion Brown talks about his love of smooth jazz and his journey into the world of the blues through his work at the B.B. King Museum. He also shares a number of stories about B.B King's tours, family, and community work.
"Music brings people together...and there's so many ways to solve problems through music."
Starting the National Blues Museum in St. Louis was an intense experience since he had to call in favors from musicians for not only displays but also to perform in the venue. Dion talks about the evolution of the museum from the ground up, and some of the musicians with St. Louis roots.
He also shared some of thoughts about their plans for events at the Freedom Center including summer camps, the teen docent program, and future concerts to embrace the community.
Music Playlist for the Program
0:00 - Ronnie Earl – “Linda” – I Like It When It Rains
1:15 - Brian Culbertson – “You’re Not Alone” – Sundown: A Windham Hill Piano Collection
4:44 – B.B. King – “Catfish Blues” – B.B. King
11:32 – Christone Kingfish Ingram – “I Put a Spell on You” – Luke Cage, Season 2: Original Soundtrack Album
19:37 – B.B. King/Eric Clapton – “Three O’Clock Blues” – Riding With the King
41:04 – W.C. Handy – “St. Louis Blues” – W.C. Handy’s Memphis Blues Band
54:24 – Mr. Sipp – “Mississippi Blues” – Funkwrench Blues
56:37 – Ronnie Earl – “Linda” – I Like It When It Rains
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