The Bus Stop Blues’s Podcast

 
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EPISODE #133
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 08/09/26 - with special guest Justin Wallace
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 
 
The Bus Stop Blues – Episode 133Air Date: August 9, 2026
This week on The Bus Stop Blues, Road Bill and Kevin welcome Chicagoland guitarist, singer, and songwriter Justin Wallace for an evening of great conversation and great music.
Justin joins the show to share the story behind his musical journey, the artists who have inspired him, his approach to songwriting and performing, and what lies ahead in his career. Along the way, Road Bill and Kevin dive into stories from the road, discuss the music that has influenced Justin over the years, and even wrap up the night with a live jam session.
The night's playlist reflects Justin's diverse musical tastes, featuring tracks by Howard Levy, Howlin' Wolf, Oasis, Nirvana, Lil Uzi Vert, Rush, Chris Stapleton, and Post Malone.
Whether you're a fan of the blues, classic rock, country, or modern music, this episode offers an entertaining conversation with one of Chicagoland's rising musicians and a look at the wide range of artists who helped shape his sound.
Song List
Howard's Blues – Howard Levy (3:50)
Built for Comfort – Howlin' Wolf (2:37)
Supersonic – Oasis (4:43)
Drain You – Nirvana (3:43)
Sanguine Paradise – Lil Uzi Vert (3:04)
Limelight – Rush (4:19)
White Horse – Chris Stapleton (4:27)
Candy Paint – Post Malone (3:47)

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EPISODE #132
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 08/06/26 - A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Koko Taylor
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill
 
The Bus Stop Blues – Episode 132Air Date: August 6, 2026
This week on The Bus Stop Blues, Road Bill and Kevin present another installment of "A Chapter in the History of the Blues," celebrating the incomparable Koko Taylor, the undisputed Queen of the Blues.
From her humble beginnings on a Tennessee farm to becoming the powerful voice of Chicago electric blues, Koko Taylor built a legendary career defined by grit, soul, and unmatched stage presence. Throughout the evening, Road and Kevin explore her remarkable journey, her decades with Alligator Records, and the lasting influence she had on generations of blues musicians.
The show features some of Koko's greatest recordings, including "Wang Dang Doodle," "I'm A Woman," "Voodoo Woman," "Insane Asylum," "Hey Bartender," "Come To Mama," "Born Under A Bad Sign," "Jump For Joy," "Let The Good Times Roll," and closes with "Blues Hotel."
If you love powerful vocals, classic Chicago blues, and the stories behind the legends who shaped American music, you won't want to miss this episode of The Bus Stop Blues.
 
Song List
Wang Dang Doodle – Koko Taylor (4:24)
I'm A Woman – Koko Taylor (4:34)
Voodoo Woman – Koko Taylor (3:48)
Insane Asylum – Koko Taylor (4:23)
Hey Bartender – Koko Taylor (2:53)
Come To Mama – Koko Taylor (4:48)
Born Under A Bad Sign – Koko Taylor (4:56)
Jump For Joy – Koko Taylor (4:20)
Let The Good Times Roll – Koko Taylor (3:02)
Blues Hotel – Koko Taylor (4:04)

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EPISODE #130
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 08/02/26 - with special guest Howard Levy w/Don Laferty
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 
The Bus Stop Blues
Episode 131 | August 2, 2026
Guest: Howard Levy with Don Laferty
This week, The Bus Stop Blues welcomes a true musical innovator as Road Bill and Kevin sit down with Grammy Award-winning harmonica virtuoso Howard Levy, joined by longtime friend and fellow musician Don Laferty.
Recognized around the world for revolutionizing the diatonic harmonica through his groundbreaking overblow technique, Howard has enjoyed an extraordinary career spanning blues, jazz, folk, rock, classical, and world music. As a founding member of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, his creativity and musicianship have inspired countless players and expanded the possibilities of the harmonica.
Throughout the evening, Howard and Don share stories from decades of performing, discuss Howard's remarkable musical journey, and cap off the night with an unforgettable live jam session alongside Kevin.
Tonight's Playlist:
Buddy Whittington – The Put-on Song
Carlos Del Junco – Walkin' Blues
Howard Levy – The Train to Bangalore
Howard Levy – This Land Is Your Land
Join us for an evening of incredible stories, world-class musicianship, and one of the finest harmonica players ever to grace the stage. Hop aboard the Big Bus for another memorable ride on The Bus Stop Blues!

The Bus Stop Blues 
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EPISODE #130
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 07/26/26 - with special guest Emily and Jeremy Beyer from - New Vintage Strings
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 
 
The Bus Stop Blues
Episode 130 | July 26, 2026
Guest: Jeremy & Emily Beyer of New Vintage Strings
This week on The Bus Stop Blues, Road Bill and Kevin welcome Jeremy and Emily Beyer of New Vintage Strings for an evening of great conversation, stories from the road, and outstanding music.
Known throughout the Midwest for their rich harmonies and exceptional musicianship, Jeremy and Emily have built a loyal following by blending bluegrass, folk, Americana, Celtic, country, and acoustic favorites into a sound that is uniquely their own. During the show, they share their musical journey, discuss life as a performing husband-and-wife duo, and talk about the inspiration behind New Vintage Strings.
The night's playlist reflects the duo's wide-ranging musical influences, featuring everything from blues legends Bobby Rush and Buddy Guy to Radiohead, Neil Young, Black Sabbath, David Bowie, Andrew Bird, Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová, and Bonnie Raitt.
Whether you're a fan of blues, folk, Americana, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind the music, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Tonight's Playlist:
Bobby Rush – Bowlegged Woman, Knock-Kneed Man
Bonnie Raitt – Gnawin' On It
Radiohead – Karma Police
Neil Young – Heart of Gold
Black Sabbath – Children of the Grave
David Bowie – Life on Mars?
Andrew Bird – Pulaski at Night
Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová – When Your Mind's Made Up
Buddy Guy – What Kind of Woman Is This
Hop aboard the Big Bus and join Road Bill, Kevin, and special guests Jeremy and Emily Beyer for another memorable ride on The Bus Stop Blues!

The Bus Stop Blues 
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EPISODE #129
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 07/23/26 - A Chapter in the history of the Blues: R.L. Burnside
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 
 
The Bus Stop Blues: A Chapter in the History of the Blues, R.L. Burnside
Episode 129 | July 23, 2026
A Chapter in the History of the Blues: R.L. Burnside
This week, Road Bill and Kevin continue their A Chapter in the History of the Blues series by exploring the life and music of one of the most influential figures in North Mississippi hill country blues, R.L. Burnside.
Known for his hypnotic guitar rhythms, raw vocals, and unforgettable storytelling, Burnside spent decades preserving a unique blues tradition before gaining worldwide recognition later in life. His music inspired generations of artists and helped introduce hill country blues to a new audience through groundbreaking recordings like Come On In.
Throughout the show, Road Bill and Kevin trace Burnside's remarkable journey, from his Mississippi roots to international acclaim, while showcasing some of his most iconic recordings.
Tonight's Playlist:
R.L. Burnside – Goin' Down South
R.L. Burnside – Shake 'Em On Down
R.L. Burnside – Skinny Woman
R.L. Burnside – Poor Black Mattie
R.L. Burnside – Jumper Hanging Out On The Line
R.L. Burnside – Rollin' & Tumblin'
R.L. Burnside – Long Haired Doney
R.L. Burnside – Someday Baby
R.L. Burnside – Come On In
R.L. Burnside – It's Bad You Know
Join us as we celebrate the life, legacy, and unmistakable sound of R.L. Burnside, a true master of the blues whose music continues to captivate listeners around the world.

The Bus Stop Blues 
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EPISODE #128
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 07/21/26 - The Music Show
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 
 
The Bus Stop Blues
Episode 128 | July 21, 2026
The Music Show
All aboard! This week, Road Bill and Kevin are back behind the microphones for another edition of The Music Show, serving up an eclectic mix of blues, blues rock, Southern rock, and classic rock favorites.
The evening features music from Charlie Slavik, The Drunk Whisperers, Jimmy Nick, The Allman Brothers, Arc Angels, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Bad Company, ZZ Top, Samantha Fish, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Along the way, Road Bill and Kevin share stories from the road, discuss the artists and their music, and keep the conversation rolling between sets.
Whether you're a longtime blues fan or just looking for great music to fill your evening, climb aboard the Big Bus and enjoy another two hours of outstanding tunes and good company.
Tonight's Playlist:
Charlie Slavik – Devil Inside
The Drunk Whisperers – Zydeco
Jimmy Nick – Evil I Need
The Allman Brothers Band – Trouble No More
Arc Angels – See What Tomorrow Brings
Tedeschi Trucks Band – Shrimp and Grits
Bad Company – Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy
ZZ Top – Jesus Just Left Chicago
Samantha Fish – Crowd Control
Stevie Ray Vaughan – Cold Shot

The Bus Stop Blues 
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EPISODE #127
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 07/19/26 - with special guest Heather Moran (Bluewater Creek) with Chris Grant and Mike Church
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 
 
Episode 127 - The Bus Stop Blues
Date: July 19, 2026Guests: Heather Moran (Bluewater Creek) & Mike Church
Episode 127 of The Bus Stop Blues welcomes two familiar faces aboard the Big Bus for an evening of outstanding music, great conversation, and plenty of live performances. Road Bill and Kevin are joined by Heather Moran, lead vocalist of Bluewater Creek, along with returning friend of the show Mike Church, who sits in on guitar to cap off the night with some memorable live jamming.
Heather shares the artists and songs that shaped her musical journey, from the powerful vocals of Stevie Nicks, Nina Simone, and Diana Krall to modern favorites by Lake Street Dive, Brandi Carlile, Sara Bareilles, and Bruno Mars. Along the way, listeners are treated to two special performances by Heather herself, showcasing the talent and versatility that have made her and Bluewater Creek favorites throughout the Chicagoland music scene.
The evening's soundtrack also features classics from Elvis Presley and Three Dog Night, along with music by Robert Lester Folsom, creating a show that blends blues, rock, jazz, soul, pop, and Americana into one unforgettable ride.
Featured Songs
Elvis Presley – Hound Dog
Three Dog Night – Mama Told Me (Not to Come)
Stevie Nicks – Edge of Seventeen
Nina Simone – I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl
Diana Krall – Frim Fram Sauce
Heather Moran – Cry Me a River (Live Performance)
Lake Street Dive – Hypotheticals
Brandi Carlile – The Story
Robert Lester Folsom – My Stove's on Fire
Sara Bareilles – She Used to Be Mine
Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak & Silk Sonic – Leave the Door Open
Heather Moran – Miss Celie's Blues (Live Performance)
From timeless classics and modern inspirations to live music in the studio, Episode 127 captures everything The Bus Stop Blues is about: celebrating great musicians, sharing stories from the road, and bringing listeners a front-row seat to the music that moves us. So grab your ticket, settle into your favorite seat on the Big Bus, and enjoy another unforgettable journey through the world of live music.

The Bus Stop Blues 
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EPISODE #126
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 07/16/26 - A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Sonny Terry & Brownie McGee
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 
 
Episode 126 - A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee
Date: July 16, 2026
Episode 126 of The Bus Stop Blues shines a spotlight on one of the greatest partnerships in blues history as Road Bill and Kevin present another installment of A Chapter in the History of the Blues, featuring the legendary duo of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.
For more than four decades, Sonny Terry's energetic harmonica playing and Brownie McGhee's smooth vocals and masterful guitar work helped bring the sounds of Piedmont and country blues to audiences around the world. Their music bridged the gap between the rural blues traditions of the South and the folk revival movement of the 1950s and 1960s, influencing countless musicians along the way.
Throughout the episode, Road and Kevin explore the lives, music, and enduring legacy of these two blues giants through songs that tell stories of hard times, the open road, friendship, perseverance, and hope. From train songs and spirituals to drinking tunes and heartfelt blues, this episode captures the warmth, humor, and authenticity that made Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee beloved figures in American music.
Featured Songs
Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee – Key To The Highway
Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee – When I Was Drinking
Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee – Po' Boy
Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee – Drinkin' In The Blues
Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee – Down By The Riverside
Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee – Cornbread, Peas and Black Molasses
Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee – Midnight Special
Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee – Blues For The Lowland
Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee – Early In The Morning Blues
Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee – I Was Born With The Blues
Climb aboard the Big Bus as we journey back to the front porches, railroad tracks, and folk festivals that helped shape the sound of American blues. Episode 126 is a celebration of two masters whose music continues to echo through every harmonica wail and every acoustic blues guitar played today.