JBlueMast (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I guess having W.C. Handy awards for her guitar work doesn't put her up on the top of any lists, eh? Like her or not, she is ridiculously talented. She has 5 W.C. Handy awards, and is recognized as one of the premiere authorities on country blues.

bassandguitarguy (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Today 11-6-08 - Rory's 59th Birthday! While I love all her delta blues stuff, the 1st thing I heard her sing was her LP, 1977's Intoxication, then got her 1975 LP Rory Block Love them!!!

bangwezl (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

This is better than her slaughter of 'Crossroads', but she STILL sUx. Bluesmen varied their tempo a helluva lot, but their beat was dead-on. This is herky-jerky, and I don't give a damn what race, creed, color, or national origin she is

rbseaver (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

(cont.) Rory throws herself into her performances, and there's absolutely no shame in that. Referring to a musician in such pejorative ways as I've seen here does nothing to benefit the musical community. Just my two cents.

rbseaver (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

There seems to be an almost unnatural hate for either Rory or her playing. The distinction seems to gray at some point. I'll concede that she's not Robert Johnson, and she doesn't sound like him. She sounds like a blues singer. The resemblance to Johnson's playing style is uncanny, and it's clear she's studied his work meticulously over the years. Music is one of those aspects of life where you can completely get lost in the moment, whether you're a performer or a spectator... (cont.)

DorianGre (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I just can't watch her mangle this music. Is it the frenetic playing or the voice that still sounds like Greenwich Village folk scene. I don't know, but as someone who grew up around Helena, Ark., this sounds like the blues just fine, but is missing the soul of the blues. I have seen many old black men around that could blow this away and they would never break a sweat. She puts practically everything she has into it and only comes close.

louislindner (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Her blues is like Pat Boone doing Tutti Frutti. How can a knock out looking white girl develop anything similar to the blues. I can't cover the gray with one bottle of dye blues maybe...

bluessoul1286 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

good but i thought she played it too fast in my opinion

mizterblack (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

she's so much better than clapton. obviously no one touches johnson

westvirginiawonder (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Rory is The best! I'd bet anyone that every time she is on stage or at home playing Mr. Johnson is standing right beside her tapping his foot in approval!