The Bus Stop Blues’s Podcast

The Bus Stop Blues 
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EPISODE #129
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 07/23/26 - The Music Show
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.

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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 
thebusstopblues.com
Our Patreon
 
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.

The Bus Stop Blues 
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EPISODE #125
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 07/14/26 - The Music Show
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 
 
Episode 125 of The Bus Stop Blues delivers another exciting edition of The Music Show, with Road Bill and Kevin taking listeners on a musical road trip filled with blues, rock, and a few hidden gems along the way.
This week's ride features a terrific mix of local and legendary artists, beginning with Tom Holland, Sadie Johnson, and Kings and Associates before diving into classics from Cream, Edgar Winter, and The Nighthawks. The second half of the show keeps the wheels turning with favorites from the Blues Brothers, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Samantha Fish, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
From Chicago blues and Texas guitar fire to Southern rock and modern blues voices, Episode 125 is packed with great songs, lively conversation, and the kind of musical discoveries that make every ride aboard the Big Bus a little different.
Featured Songs
Tom Holland – More Things Change
Sadie Johnson – Natural Distractions
Kings and Associates – Nitty Gritty
Cream – Born Under A Bad Sign
Edgar Winter – Give It Everything You Got
The Nighthawks – Big Boss Man
The Blues Brothers – Messin' with the Kid
Stevie Ray Vaughan – Mary Had A Little Lamb
Samantha Fish – All Ice No Whiskey
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Double Trouble
So, punch your ticket, grab a seat in the back of the Big Bus, and join Road Bill and Kevin for another unforgettable journey through the music that keeps our hearts beating and our speakers humming on The Bus Stop Blues.

The Bus Stop Blues 
thebusstopblues.com
Our Patreon
 
EPISODE #124
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 07/12/26 - with special guest Rob Stepen with Kate Payton
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 
 
Episode 124 of The Bus Stop Blues welcomes back a familiar friend as musician and songwriter Rob Stephan returns to the Big Bus, this time joined by special guest Kate Payton for an evening of music, stories, and a little live jamming to close out the night.
Road Bill and Kevin spend the evening catching up with Rob, talking about his musical journey, his work with The Generations, and the songs and artists that have inspired him along the way. Kate joins the conversation as the crew dives into favorite music, life on stage, and the experiences that keep musicians coming back to the spotlight time and time again.
The soundtrack for the evening is packed with legendary artists and unforgettable songs from Samantha Fish, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Deep Purple, The Police, Duran Duran, Led Zeppelin, and Aerosmith. From blues-fueled guitar workouts and arena-rock anthems to new wave classics and hard-rock favorites, Episode 124 travels through decades of music with the kind of energy that only happens when good friends gather around great songs.
Featured Songs
Samantha Fish – Faster
Eric Clapton – Layla
Jimi Hendrix – Red House
The Who – Won't Get Fooled Again
Deep Purple – Smoke on the Water
The Police – Every Breath You Take
Duran Duran – Rio
Led Zeppelin – Rock And Roll
Aerosmith – Sweet Emotion
Plus, stick around for some live jammin' as Rob and Kate help bring another memorable night aboard The Bus Stop Blues to a rocking finish.
Punch your ticket, find a seat near the back, and enjoy another ride filled with music, memories, and stories from the road on The Bus Stop Blues

The Bus Stop Blues 
thebusstopblues.com
Our Patreon
 
EPISODE #123
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 07/09/26 - A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Memphis
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 
 
Episode 123 - A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Memphis
Date: July 9, 2026
Episode 123 of The Bus Stop Blues rolls straight down Beale Street for another installment of A Chapter in the History of the Blues, this time exploring one of the most important music cities ever carved into the American landscape: Memphis, Tennessee.
Road Bill and Kevin take listeners on a musical journey through the city that helped give birth to blues, rock and roll, soul, rockabilly, and rhythm & blues. From the smoky clubs of Beale Street and the legendary halls of Sun Studio to the soul-powered sound of Stax Records, Memphis became the crossroads where American music found electricity, grit, and swagger.
Throughout the episode, the crew dives into the artists, songs, and stories that shaped Memphis into a musical capital known around the world. Featuring legendary tracks connected to the city’s deep musical roots, Episode 123 captures the sound of riverboats, neon signs, train whistles, and amplifiers glowing long after midnight.
Featured Songs
Carl Perkins – Blue Suede Shoes
Albert King – Born Under A Bad Sign
Junior Parker – Mystery Train
Paul Simon – Graceland
Marc Cohn – Walking in Memphis
Chuck Berry – Memphis
Sam and Dave – Soul Man
Creedence Clearwater Revival – Proud Mary
Johnny Cash – I'm Going To Memphis
Bob Dylan – Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again
Join us for a ride through the history, soul, and musical heartbeat of Memphis, a city whose influence still echoes through blues clubs, jukeboxes, and guitar amplifiers across the world.

The Bus Stop Blues 
thebusstopblues.com
Our Patreon
 
EPISODE #122
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 07/07/26 - The Music Show
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 
 
 
Episode 122 of The Bus Stop Blues delivers another eclectic Music Show packed with blues, funk, rock, soul, ska, and a little outlaw country rolling through the speakers like a jukebox with chrome wheels and no speed limit. Road Bill and Kevin guide listeners through a wide-ranging musical ride featuring both regional talent and legendary artists from across the musical spectrum.
The evening kicks off with tracks from The West Side Winders, Skip Towne, and Skapone before diving headfirst into grooves from Sly and the Family Stone, Stanley Clarke, and KC and the Sunshine Band. The second half of the ride turns up the guitar heat with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joe Bonamassa, and Taj Mahal before closing out with the unmistakable sound of Johnny Cash.
From funky bass lines and horn-driven rhythms to blues guitar scorchers and railroad-track storytelling, Episode 122 keeps the Big Bus rolling through every musical neighborhood imaginable.
Featured Songs
The West Side Winders – Can’t Get A Break
Skip Towne – Just A Little Bit
Skapone – Armed and Dangerous
Sly and the Family Stone – Babies Makin’ Babies
Stanley Clarke – Lopsy Lu
KC and the Sunshine Band – Boogie Shoes
Stevie Ray Vaughan – The House Is Rockin’
Joe Bonamassa – Ball Peen Hammer
Taj Mahal – Señor Blues
Johnny Cash – Folsom Prison Blues
Another night, another ticket punched aboard The Bus Stop Blues, where blues roots, funky grooves, and late-night radio magic all ride together under the dashboard glow.