. . . . . . . . . . See & Hear Legendary, Master and Great Blues Artists of Oregon. Help us build this virtual Blues Hall of Fame ® . eMuseum . . . . . . . . . . Click here to make Tax Deductible Donations . . . . . . . .Nominate your Favorite Blues Artists . . . . . .

Legendary Blues Artists & Legendary Blues Bands Master Blues Artists & Master Blues Bands Great Blues Artists & Great Blues Bands Blues Hall of Fame ® Ambassadors More BHF

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Oregon, Blues Hall of Fame ®

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Carmine M. Conti Ambassador Portland Oregon 2-6-15 . . . . . . . . . .. . . . Since moving to the Pacific Northwest in the mid 80's, he was an original member of "Too Slim and The Taildraggers, and recorded their first album "Swingin' in the Underworld", and their Greatest Hits "Lucky 13" He was instrumental in trailbrazing a record label for the Taildragger's under Criminal Records before moving to Portland, and continuing his recording career with Robert Cray ex keyboardist D.K. Stewart, and recording on his "Don't Call Home " album. Making the jump to Puddletown (Portland) opened many a door for this accomplished percussionist, and led him to accompany some of the Northwest finest. It also landed him an opportunity to be mentored by Bernard Purdie, and led him to two tours with the Northwest Allstars in Japan. After retiring from the road, he focused on the business side of the music, and moved back to Coeur d'Alene, ID. where as he managed several nightclubs and worked on promoting the Blues in the Inland Empire. After deciding to finish his education, he then taught music , and production in the CD'A School District, first as a sub, and then full time… While working with students who wanted to become musicians at a career level, he vested his last twenty years in teaching, and part time performing in Jazz, and Blues Ensembles… He currently is working with two different musical organizations, and involved in a current project that will introduce a recording academy to Spokane this Spring/Summer…. Spokane Recording Academy will provide students of all ages an opportunity to become audio/video engineer by either physically attending or taking on-line courses… Mr. Conti will lead the way in presenting these programs to schools, and businesses, locally and nationally…. Helen Naslund 3-3-15

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Paul DeLay Ambassador Portland Oregon 8-5-07 Paul deLay . . . . . . . Nominated by Harmonica John Feb. 2, 2003 Paul deLay Dies Wednesday March 7, 2007 But his Band and his Music lives on   Above photo by Norman Eder ...

. . . . . The Paul deLay Band http://www.pauldelay.com/home.ihtml

I was on a best friends level with Paul DeLay for over 40 years. We played together every chance we got. His big body , heart , and soul were in every note he played. He heard musical "things" the rest of us never could, and used them in his unique and individual style , but loved the Blues and stayed close to the Blues genre that he loved so deeply. Paul DeLay was, without any doubts or questions, the best Blues Harmonica player the good Lord has yet to produce. Enough said.

Jimmy Lloyd Rea 10/27/09

I would like to nominate Paul De Lay for the BHF.
I first became aware of Paul around 1993 or so. My first impressions were that he had a tremendous voice and harmonica style. Upon closer listening I discovered that he was a very clever lyricist too. His songs painted vivid pictures of real life stories. He is truly one of the great harp players and singer songwriters to ever come down the pike. His music was infectious even for those who were not blues fans per se, his music spoke to people. Musicians will study his music and style for generations to come. Paul has to be rated up there with the best ever. Little Walter, Sonny Boy, WIllian Clarke just to name a few. His legacy will live on for a hundred years. Jim Harris 10/31/09

Bill Rhoades Ambassador Portland Oregon 2-6-08 Bill Rhoades . . . . . . . . . .. . . .

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Jim Mesi Ambassador Portland Oregon 8-29-07 Jim Mesi . . . JimMesi.com . . . . . .. . . .

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Lloyd Jones Ambassador Oregon 8-29-07 Lloyd Jones . . . www.lloydjonesmusic.com

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. . .Oregon's Blues History Page

Oregon, Blues Hall of Fame ® inducted Legendary, Master and Great Blues Artists of Oregon inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame ® include: Ambassador Ron Carnes Ambassadors and Master Blues Artist Jimmy Lloyd Rea Paul DeLay Bill Rhoades Jim Mesi Lloyd Jones