Doing what he loves…Talking with Bill Wax, host of BB King’s Bluesville
The woman of the memorabilia museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi had just been sharing the hows and whys of her relocating to America with a load of music memories. In filed the Blues Foundation dignitaries, Jay and Joe, and several of their colleagues. Each introduced themselves to this very engaging woman. Last in line, “Hello, I am Bill Wax.” I stood there, feeling totally run over from their interrupting my interview. Quietly and pointedly, I quipped, “I am Jonnye and I am just a blues fan.” At that moment, Bill Wax spun around, gave me a very warm smile, grabbed my hand and shook it energetically. His rich, warm voice matched his generous smile. Immediately he said,” The fans are why we all are here. That is what it is all about. The fans and the music. We are all fans!” He then walked with me into the museum area. We shared a few moments sharing comments about the memorabilia, the music, the Blues Awards, Clarksdale, and Ground Zero. He may not have known it at the time, but I had just become a fan of Bill Wax. His warmth, his hospitality and the time that he took to talk with me…made a big difference. His enthusiasm was contagious.
Bill Wax is the host of BB King’s Bluesville radio. When I first heard about XM radio from the very knowledgeable blues fan, Evelyn, I was curious to listen and hear. I spend at least an hour on the road each way to each blues event. I soon found that Bill Wax and BB King’s Bluesville would be me my constant companions to and from events on the long, lonely highway.
Jonnye: Bill, I understand that you loved the blues from an early age while growing up in the Washington, D.C area. You listened on a transistor radio?
Bill: (Laughing) I put myself to sleep with a transistor radio hidden under my pillow. In the D.C. area, I was fortunate to listen to many great black musicians at the Howard Theater. I got the radio bug early. I started broadcasting in the 1970’s in Columbia, Missouri. I bounced around and did some R&B shows before doing all blues. (Emphatically) I am a fan foremost. I have been sharing my love for the blues on the radio waves ever since.
J: Did you ever think that you would be working with BB King, hosting his XM Bluesville?
B: Wow, (enthusiastically), I never dreamed that this is where I would be. It has been a tremendous opportunity to work with BB King. Everything else is gravy. (Laughing energetically) I get to do what I love most, working with the music and sharing the music.
J: Is there a performer or a show that stands out? Is there an interview that you have had on your show that you would like to share?
B: (Quietly and thoughtfully) I am glad to have the access to the performers. I have been lucky to talk with so many wonderful players and bands that I have to say they are all enjoyable.
J: How does the show, “You and Me with BB King” develop…interviews, the quips, and the stories?
B: I fly to Las Vegas each month. We work 5-6 hours a day over a two-day period.
J: Is there a particular interview or experience about the BB King and his show that you would like to share?
B: The single most recent event was when BB King and Buddy Guy sat down for two hours. They swapped stories. It was momentous.
J: Bill, I have to tell you that I love listening to Bluesville. It has been a learning experience. The diversity that you play allows me to hear some of the musicians who have influenced the musicians that I listen to. (Bluesville offers: “Rack of Blues” that features newest fifteen with no interruptions; “Today’s musicians and their inspirations;” “Juke Joint” where the motto is ‘you say it and we play it;’ “Front Porch” that features acoustic blues; and “Stone Blues” that is loud, rocking and in your face blues…not for the “faint hearted.”)
B: We play good blues, all types and styles. I liken it to taking an Arts History Course 101. We try to cover everything but cannot focus on any one thing. We have a wealth of music from the founders to contemporary. It is not just a history lesson but it is an introduction to the music.
J: Bill, is there something that you would like to tell our blues fans?
B: (Quite earnestly) Go out and see live music! Live music is the lifeblood of the blues. If Blues is going to survive, you have got to go out and see local and national acts in the clubs. I want to thank everyone for their support of blues music in any way that you can. I want to thank you, the blues societies and their members. It takes a lot of work. You, the fans, are the lifeblood of the music!
What is XM radio?
It is satellite driven radio that offers approximately 100 channels that have superior digital sound from coast to coast. Their offerings include entertainment airings for music, sports, talk shows, comedy, etc. Bluesville can be heard on channel 74 on XM Radio.
~ Jonnye Weber
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