Robert Davoli and Eileen McDonagh Country Blues Visiting Artist Program

Country blues is an essential part of America’s musical history. Though the initial audience of the '20s and '30s is gone, time has not diminished the musical contribution of the early masters. It is a genre defined by the individuality of the artists and a musical tradition rich in sounds, from gospel and ragtime to Appalachian and African folk songs.

The rural blues of Blind Lemon Jefferson, Charlie Patton, and Papa Charlie Jackson was foundational to the early jazz traditions of Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, and Bix Beiderbecke. Their music is an essential part of jazz history and the American roots musical landscape. The Robert Davoli and Eileen McDonagh Country Blues Visiting Artist program offers Berklee students the opportunity to explore this vital part of America’s musical story.

The Robert Davoli and Eileen McDonagh Country Blues Visiting Artists are Paul Rishell and Annie Raines.