The Blues Foundation has announced three living performers to be inducted into its Blues Hall of Fame. The three are Tommy Brown, Eric Clapton and Little Richard! What a wonderful thing for Atlanta blues fans, to see our own Tommy Brown honored in this fashion! The press release states, “In the early ‘50s Tommy Brown broke through nationally fronting the Griffin Brothers Orchestra with the #1 hit “Weepin’ & Cryin’.” He brought his intuitive sense of showmanship to the blues over a career that has now spanned over 75 years.”

Of course, it is wonderful to see Clapton and Little Richard honored as well. They richly deserve it. But for those of us who have seen Brown perform, even at his advanced age, we can verify that he is indeed a natural showman and a talent deserving of recognition. Kudos to the Blues Foundation for recognizing this

Here is the statement from the press release:

“Eric Clapton has been tapped for induction into the Blues Hall of Fame for his many musical achievements as well as for his role as a popularizer of the entire genre. He brought the blues to audiences in his native Britain and throughout the world, illuminating the work of the original blues artists who inspired him.” With his induction, Little Richard joins an elite group of Blues Hall of Fame icons including Fats Domino, Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley who built upon rock ‘n’ roll’s foundation in the blues. His earliest recordings were in the blues vein and, throughout his career, he continued to employ a blues format in his work. .

This year’s inductees’ official biographies and descriptions are available, as well as for all Hall of Fame inductees, at the Blues Foundation website.

Their induction will be held in conjunction with the three days of events May 6-8 surrounding the 36th Blues Music Awards on May 7 and the public Grand Opening of the bricks and mortar Blues Hall of Fame on May 8 in Memphis, Tennessee. With living musicians like B.B. King and Buddy Guy, and legends like Muddy Waters and Koko Taylor, the Blues Hall of Fame consists of blues music’s best and brightest stars.

The Blues Foundation is now in the final stages of the renovations needed to showcase these legendary performers and their work with Blues Hall of Fame exhibits at its 421 S. Main headquarters in downtown Memphis. The Blues Hall of Fame will honor inductees year round, provide interactive and educational exhibits, and create a place for serious blues fans, casual visitors, and students to congregate, celebrate and learn more about the Blues.

This article originally appeared at examiner.com