When Blues Legends and Library Halls Cross Paths in Washington

A library might seem an unlikely stage for the blues, but the Library of Congress recently welcomed both the House of Blues Radio Collection and actor Jim Belushi for a day steeped in musical heritage. The House of Blues, a radio show co-hosted by Dan Akroyd, helped keep the blues alive for over twenty years, spotlighting its deep roots and ongoing influence. Belushi’s tour uncovered treasures like original sheet music from “Blind” Lemon Jefferson and iconic tracks from the “Blues Brothers” film, bridging the gap between archival history and pop culture. The emotional centerpiece was Bessie Smith’s “Back Water Blues,” a song born from the devastation of the 1926 Nashville flood, whose lyrics echo the resilience of the African American community. By nightfall, Belushi, donning his Blues Brothers persona, transformed the library into a lively blues club, celebrating the genre’s journey from hardship to harmony. Sometimes, the heart of American music beats loudest between the stacks. #BluesHistory #LibraryOfCongress #AmericanMusic #Culture