After a long and life-threatening illness, the Queen of the Chicago Blues went back to her roots last year. Koko Taylor’s album is called OLD SCHOOL, and is a triumphant shout out to the music that put her where she is today. We chat with Ms. Taylor about her life, and music, and (of course) spin the disc. Also: her old pals Willie Dixon and Hound Dog Taylor. Plus, a new CD from Louisiana roadhouse king, Big Daddy ‘O,’ and a chance to win a new CD from R&B newcomer Danielia Cotton.

It’s Memorial Day weekend, and your Radio Hour takes you for a spin around America to find the blues festival that’s right for you. There are hundreds to choose from. Of course, you also get a sample of the blues artists appearing this summer: Marcia Ball, Curtis Salgado, Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, Johnny Winter, Hubert Sumlin, BB King, and more. Plus, new music from young Delta blues master, John-Alex Mason, and a chance for you to win a new CD from the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Review. Which is The Tommy Castro Band, Deanna Bogart, Ronnie Baker Brooks and Magic Dick. The new CD, Command Performance, also has guest appearances by Marcia Ball, Curtis Salgado, and Elvin Bishop!

Sean Costello passed away suddenly on April 15, 2008, one day away from his 29th birthday. He had just released his final album, WE CAN GET TOGETHER, and was in the middle of a tour. The Radio Hour interviewed Sean Costello a few weeks before he passed – one of the last interviews he did. You will hear that, plus a live performance in the Radio Hour studios, as the House of Blues Radio Hour looks back on the life and music of this talented young bluesman. Plus a new music, HERNANDO, from the North Mississippi Allstars.

JW Jones is a hot rising star in the Canadian blues world, and no wonder. His records are treasures of old school horn section, guitar driven, Hammond organ, shake-down the roof blues. And he can wail on the guitar. His latest CD, BLUE LISTED, is very guitar-driven, featuring sterling guest performances by Little Charlie Baty (of the Nightcats) and Junior Watson. Pretty much wall to wall guitar on this Radio Hour. Plus up-and coming blues rocker Danielia Cotton!

Powerhouse bluesman Larry McCray made his first record in a friend’s garage while working days on a Michigan auto assembly line. That hard-driving work ethic infuses everything he does. His latest album is called, simply, LARRY MCCRAY, and it features his powerful guitar and voice that just keep getting better with every record. Also music from his influences, BB King and Johnny “Guitar” Watson, and new music from another blues powerhouse, Michael Burks, IRON MAN. Also, the front man for Simply Red, Mick Hucknall, has made a CD salute to Bobby Blue Bland, called A TRIBUTE TO BOBBY, interpreting some of Bobby Blue Bland’s greatest songs.

Watermelon Slim kicked around for years before finally clicking with blues audiences everywhere. Besides some great music from his last album, THE WHEEL MAN, we will hear his stories. He has a few. And a new CD from JT Ross, the harmonica boss. Also, Rhino Records wants to introduce you to Deborah Bonham, the younger sister of Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham. Her US debut CD is called DUCHESS, and it features guest appearances by Jason Bonham and Paul Rodgers.