Singing more than the blues: Blind Willie McTell festival expands its vision

• Courtesy New West Records
• BuddyMiller & JimLauderdale

If nothing else, Georgia native Blind Willie McTell cemented his legacy when he wrote "Statesboro Blues," which has become an integral component of the American music lexicon. Made famous by Macon's own Allman Brothers, the tune has been a staple of blues bands for decades. Bob Dylan recorded a few of McTell's tunes, and even wrote a song about him. For someone whose career never got the recognition it deserved in his lifetime, his legacy has made a lasting impression.

McTell was born William McTier just south of Thomson, and was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1990. This year marks the 20th anniversary of his adopted hometown's festival. Over the years, the featured music has gradually drifted a bit from the deep blues of the early days, but the vibe and the groove are still strong. Started and continuing as a fundraiser for the city's local arts community, the Festival has had its ups and downs with weather issues, money problems, and shifting leadership, but the music has always taken a front seat. From the beginning, it wasn't just blues, but rather a festival of roots oriented musical genres.