December marks the anniversary of one of the first known written references to having “the blues”: in 1862, Charlotte Porten, a free black woman, wrote those words in her diary (according to the “Peelin’ The Blues” 1991 Calendar). As the blues move into the 1990s, the women once again are setting the wheels in motion.

Antone’s Records has enjoyed the success of Dreams Come True, selling 50,000 units of the package that features Austin’s “Ladies of the Blues”—Angela Strehli, Lou Ann Barton and Marcia Ball. The label has announced the signing of several well-known female artists, such as Sue Foley, with a long-term deal for the singer/guitarist; Barbara Lynn (“You’ll Lose A Good Thing”); Lavelle White (“Can’t Stop the Teardrops”); and Toni Price. In January, the label will release a sampler highlighting the talents of all of the abovementioned ladies, followed in February with Sue Foley’s debut Young Girl Blues, which was produced by Derek O’Brien and George Rains.

From Black Top Records comes Carol Fran. This Houston-based vocalist has been a fixture on the Gulf Coast blues scene with her husband, Clarence Hollimon, for many years. Carol represents Black Top’s first female artist signing and has toured in the past with Guitar Slim and was bandleader for the Joe Tex Band in the mid ’60s. Soul Sensation, Carol’s debut for the label, is set for a January release; meanwhile the singer/songwriter has lent her talents recently to recordings by the TriSaxual Soul Champs and Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets. In other Black Top news, Robert Ward has been touring Europe recently in support of the album Fear No Evil, his stunning debut which has earned him kudos in everything from Rolling Stone to Esquire. Other releases out in time for the holidays are Darrell Nulisch & Texas Heat, Ronnie Earl (with special guest Robert Lockwood, Jr.), The James Harman Band and Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets. Look forward to a new Snooks Eaglin recording in February entitled Teasin’ You, as well as the newest from Lynn August, who has just signed with Black Top.

Alligator Records in Chicago has seen tremendous success with their 20th Anniversary compilation that sold at least 150,000 copies to date (and they say the blues is dead!). The label’s newest releases include No Foolin’ by Katie Webster and Alone and Acoustic, a never-before-released CD with Buddy Guy and Junior Wells from 1981. Atlanta-based blues rocker Tinsley Ellis is back in the studio for Alligator. Look for the Gatemouth Brown No Looking Back release in January with special guest Michelle Shocked.

Atlanta-based Ichiban Records has announced new releases for the end of the year including Buster Benton, James Peterson (whiz kid Lucky’s dad), Artie White and Vernon Garrett.

With Christmas on the way, buy a gift that shows you care: a blues recording, new or old; a blues calendar (there are many that benefit blues societies); or a subscription to a blues publication. Support the blues! In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Eric Clapton stated that the blues is dying a slow graceful death. I don’t know, maybe he doesn’t get out much, but I see the blues standing firm in the ’90s.

One last note for the ladies: In a recent Jet magazine interview, B.B. King, one of the hardest-working, most visible bluesmen around, has stated he would like to get married again. The lady in question should be between the ages of 25 and 65, not real slim (but not as big as he is), and he’s not particular about color…One word of caution, the man already has 13 children. Perhaps we can have a “Date with B.B. Contest”!