Our Canadian readers may not have much sympathy for me when I say: Chicago is cold. As a newbie to the city, I was told to expect frigid temperature, and I THOUGHT I was prepared (how bad could it be?!) – but lo and behold Mother Nature, as always, awes and inspires with her power. There have been days when (don’t tell anyone) I haven’t even ventured out of my building for fear of freezing over. The winter is real.
The good news is this dark, cold sadness has translated into a newfound music interest that thrives in the Windy City: The Blues. I’ve perused the classics, looked into contemporary artists, and – so so so happily – found a hometown gem I’m so excited to share with you.
Thirty-year old Chicagoan Chris Henderson was born and raised on the city’s west side and first found his voice at the tender age of three. Brought up by his parents and grandparents and surrounded with the influences of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Bobby Blue Bland, Aretha Franklin and Al Green, Chris quickly knew the blues were his calling. To help in his musical education, his cousin Minnie Davis, coming from the Blues hotbed of Mississippi, taught him how to sing Gospel whenever the two were united by family functions.
“She always gave me chills… and encouraged me to sing and use my talent. (She and) my mother (were always) my number one fans,” Chris remembers fondly. Chris’ family supported him since day one, making the day of his big break in 2003 at the Wallace Catfish corner on Chicago West Side a day of celebration among his relatives. Since then, Chris has been performing at various local venues. His joy and excitement at using his gift in front of an audience is palpable – the positive energy between him and his listeners is breathtaking in a really unique way that adds to the resonance of his song.
As if that’s not enough to win the most critical music listener’s heart, Chris has no formal training or education, but still writes and arranges all his own songs. After thirteen years of hard work, he recorded a Blues EP filled with blues and soul and “much love all of my experience.” Chris’ goal is not only to do the Blues justice today, but to carry it into the future. “I’ve always wanted to be the face to keep the blues alive (and inspire) a younger generation (to) appreciate their rich history.”
Chris is on the up and up and on the go – the man never stops moving (he’s also a local actor!) so look out for him and give him a listen!
How to close this post? No better way than to quote the great Chris Henderson himself: “Love, peace and the Blues.”