Winter Blues: Teeny Tucker to perform in Beavercreek on Saturday

Teeny Tucker, who headlines the Dayton Blues Society’s Winter Blues Showcase at WO Wright’s in Beavercreek on Saturday, Jan. 19, sang her whole life. However, the Dayton native worked a full-time job and raised a family before following her late father Tommy Tucker into the world of the blues.

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“I did that for over 30 years,” Tucker said recently, speaking over the telephone from her home in Columbus. “My dad toured over in Europe in the late ’60s and early ’70s. Then back in 1994, one of the guys that promoted him got in touch with me and asked if I sang the blues. I said, ‘No, I really don’t sing blues. That was my dad’s thing, but I sing in the gospel choir. I sing at weddings and do Top 40 and all that stuff.’ ”

The promoter offered to bring her to Europe for a blues festival backed by a German band if she would learn some songs.

“He sent me a cassette of 20 songs by people like Etta James, Wynona Carr, Lavern Baker, Koko Taylor and Nina Simone,” she said. “He wanted me to learn 10 songs, but I learned all 20. He brought me over and the rest is history. It really took off and I’ve devoted myself to women in the blues and the history of the blues.”

That devotion has paid off for blues ambassador, who is beloved by fans and critics for her powerful voice. Tucker was named Monterey Bay Blues Artist of the Year in 2010. She was also artist of the year nominee by “Blues Blast” magazine in 2008, 2011 and 2013, the Blues Music Awards in 2012 and 2014 and “Living Blues” magazine in 2014. In 2018, she was elected to the Blues Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2018.

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Tucker’s debut album, “Tommy’s Girl,” was released in 2000. Her sixth album, “Put on Your Red Dress Baby,” was released in November 2018. The title is taken from the first line of Tommy Tucker’s biggest hit.

“My father’s song, ‘Hi-Heel Sneakers,’ has been done by I don’t know how many artists,” Tucker said. “The list includes the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Janis Joplin, Stevie Wonder, Jose Feliciano, Elvis Presley and Ramsey Lewis. The song was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in May 2017. When I went to receive the honor, I got to thinking about my father and I decided I wanted the next CD to be something that honors him and also honors the blues and also honors myself.”


HOW TO GO

What: Dayton Blues Society's Winter Blues Showcase with Teeny Tucker, Allen Talbott and the Doug Hart Band

Where: W.O. Wright's, 3979 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Beavercreek

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19

Cost: $10

More info: www.daytonbluessociety.com

Artist info: www.teenytucker.com

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