The Bus Stop Blues’s Podcast

The Bus Stop Blues 
thebusstopblues.com
Our Patreon
 
EPISODE #120
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 07/02/26 - A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Chuck Berry
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 
 
Episode 120 – A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Chuck Berry
Date: July 2, 2026
Episode 120 of The Bus Stop Blues turns the ignition key on the history of rock and roll as Road Bill and Kevin spotlight one of the true architects of modern music in A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Chuck Berry.
Widely celebrated as one of the founding fathers of rock and roll, Chuck Berry fused blues, rhythm & blues, country, and storytelling into a sound that forever changed popular music. His guitar riffs, energetic performances, and unforgettable lyrics became the blueprint for generations of musicians that followed, influencing everyone from The Beatles and Rolling Stones to AC/DC and beyond.
Throughout the episode, Road and Kevin explore Berry’s remarkable career, groundbreaking songwriting, signature guitar style, and the lasting impact he had on blues and rock music alike. Packed with classic recordings and timeless energy, this episode rides straight down the center line of American music history.
Featured Songs
Chuck Berry – Maybellene
Chuck Berry – Roll Over Beethoven
Chuck Berry – School Days
Chuck Berry – Rock And Roll Music
Chuck Berry – Reelin’ & Rockin’
Chuck Berry – Sweet Little Sixteen
Chuck Berry – Johnny B. Goode
Chuck Berry – Carol
Chuck Berry – Memphis
Chuck Berry – No Particular Place To Go
From duck walks and hot guitar licks to jukebox anthems and teenage dreams, Episode 120 celebrates the music and legacy of Chuck Berry, a man whose sound still roars through amplifiers and dance floors around the world.

The Bus Stop Blues 
thebusstopblues.com
Our Patreon
 
EPISODE #119
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 06/30/26 - The Music Show
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 
Episode #119 of The Bus Stop Blues delivers another wide-ranging Music Show packed with blues, soul, rock, and powerhouse vocals from both modern artists and timeless legends. Road Bill and Kevin steer the Big Bus through a night of fiery guitar work, heartfelt songwriting, and classic tracks that hit like neon reflections off a chrome bumper rolling down a midnight highway.
The evening features an outstanding lineup including Derrick Procell, Ivy Ford, Keith Semple, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Chris Duarte, Elvis Presley, Etta James, Janis Joplin, Susan Tedeschi, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. From gritty blues grooves and soulful ballads to hard-driving rock and Texas-sized guitar tones, Episode 119 keeps the speakers glowing from start to finish.
Road and Kevin mix stories, conversation, and musical appreciation throughout the ride, spotlighting artists who continue to shape the sound and spirit of blues and rock music across generations.
Featured Songs
Derrick Procell – I Can't Say No
Ivy Ford – Mama Didn’t Raise No Fool
Keith Semple – Hand On My Heart
Kenny Wayne Shepherd – Blue on Black
Chris Duarte – Amy Lee
Elvis Presley – Jailhouse Rock
Etta James – Good Lookin’
Janis Joplin – Piece Of My Heart
Susan Tedeschi – It Hurt So Bad
Stevie Ray Vaughan – Life By the Drop
Another ticket punched, another musical road trip rolling through the heart of blues and rock on The Bus Stop Blues.

The Bus Stop Blues 
thebusstopblues.com
Our Patreon
 
EPISODE #118
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 06/28/26 - with special guest Kevin Ward
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 
 
Episode 118 of The Bus Stop Blues cranks the amplifiers into classic rock territory as Road Bill and Kevin welcome special guest Kevin Ward, lead vocalist of the acclaimed Led Zeppelin tribute band Kashmir. Known for delivering the power, energy, and spirit of Zeppelin’s legendary live performances, Kevin joins the Big Bus for a night of stories from the stage, musical influences, and conversations about the timeless music that continues to inspire generations of rock fans.
The evening’s soundtrack travels through blues, classic rock, and high-voltage favorites with music from Edgar Winter, Buddy Guy, Jerry Lee Lewis, Thin Lizzy, Joe Walsh, The Beatles, Boston, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and Joe Jackson. From roaring guitar riffs and arena-rock anthems to soulful grooves and road-tested classics, Episode 118 rolls like a late-night FM broadcast cutting through the summer air.
Along the way, Road and Kevin dig into Kevin Ward’s musical journey, the challenge of honoring one of rock’s most iconic catalogs, and the magic that keeps live music alive night after night.
Featured Songs
Edgar Winter – I've Got News For You
Buddy Guy – Blues Chase The Blues Away
Jerry Lee Lewis – Great Balls Of Fire
Thin Lizzy – The Boys Are Back In Town
Joe Walsh – Life’s Been Good
The Beatles – All My Loving
Boston – More Than a Feeling
Boston – Something About You
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones – The Impression That I Get
Joe Jackson – You Can't Get What You Want
Hop aboard for another unforgettable ride on The Bus Stop Blues, where blues roots, rock legends, and stories from the road all ride shotgun together.

The Bus Stop Blues 
thebusstopblues.com
Our Patreon
 
EPISODE #117
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 06/25/26 - A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Elvis
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 
 
Episode 117 – A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Elvis
On Episode 117 of The Bus Stop Blues, Road Bill and Kevin take a special look at one of the most influential figures in American music history as A Chapter in the History of the Blues shines its spotlight on Elvis Presley.
While known around the world as the "King of Rock and Roll," Elvis's musical roots ran deep through the blues, gospel, and rhythm & blues traditions that helped shape his groundbreaking sound. From his early recordings at Sun Studio in Memphis to his rise as a global superstar, Elvis brought blues-inspired music to millions of listeners and forever changed the landscape of popular music.
Throughout the episode, Road and Kevin explore Elvis's remarkable career, his connection to the blues, and the artists and musical traditions that influenced him. Featuring some of his most iconic recordings, this episode traces the journey of a young Mississippi musician who became one of the most recognizable entertainers in history.
Featured Songs
Elvis Presley – Mystery Train
Elvis Presley – That's All Right
Elvis Presley – All Shook Up
Elvis Presley – Hound Dog
Elvis Presley – Heartbreak Hotel
Elvis Presley – Blue Suede Shoes
Elvis Presley – Don't Be Cruel
Elvis Presley – Love Me Tender
Elvis Presley – Suspicious Minds
Elvis Presley – Can't Help Falling in Love

The Bus Stop Blues 
thebusstopblues.com
Our Patreon
 
EPISODE #116
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 06/23/26 - The Music Show
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 
 
Episode 116 – The Music Show (06/23/26)
 
Episode 116 of The Bus Stop Blues is another high-octane Music Show packed with a blend of blues, rock, and roots music from both local favorites and legendary artists. Road Bill and Kevin climb aboard the Big Bus for a musical journey that travels from the independent music scene to some of the biggest names in rock and blues history.
The evening kicks off with standout performances from Gary Vincent, Jim Murray, and the Abby Kay Band before shifting gears into a powerhouse lineup featuring AC/DC, Alvin Lee, Anthony Gomes, Bad Company, Bonnie Raitt, and Deep Purple. Along the way, Road and Kevin share stories, observations, and their love for the music that continues to inspire generations of fans and musicians alike.
From heartfelt blues and roots grooves to electrifying guitar work and classic rock anthems, Episode 116 delivers another memorable ride through the sounds that make The Bus Stop Blues a destination for music lovers everywhere.
Featured Songs
Gary Vincent – Bless Her Little Chicken Heart
Jim Murray – Wild Side
Abby Kay Band – Real Eyes
AC/DC – Ride On
Alvin Lee – Love Like a Man
Anthony Gomes – Praise the Loud
Bad Company – Can't Get Enough
Bonnie Raitt – Thing Called Love
Deep Purple – Pictures Of You

The Bus Stop Blues 
thebusstopblues.com
Our Patreon
 
EPISODE #115
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 06/21/26 - with special guest J.C. Pasquel
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 
 
Episode 115 of The Bus Stop Blues brings a heavy dose of guitar firepower as Road Bill and Kevin welcome Chicagoland guitarist J.C. Pasquel aboard the Big Bus. Known for his expressive playing, road-tested experience, and deep roots in blues and rock music, J.C. has built a reputation as a versatile player who can shift from gritty blues grooves to soaring guitar leads without missing a beat.
Over the years, J.C. has performed with bands including The Wise Guys, Charles Walker Blues Band, The Nightburners, and J.C. and the Road Kings, and is currently laying down guitar work with Evolution Blues Band. Throughout the night, the crew dives into stories from the road, musical influences, favorite players, and the experiences that shaped his journey through the Chicagoland music scene and beyond.
Featured Songs
O.V. Wright – Poor Boy
Muddy Waters – Long Distance Call
The Rolling Stones – Jumpin’ Jack Flash
Bad Company – Movin’ On
ZZ Top – Jesus Just Left Chicago
Jeff Beck – ’Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers
Rory Gallagher – Bad Penny
Stevie Ray Vaughan – Couldn’t Stand The Weather
Kenny Wayne Shepherd – True Lies

The Bus Stop Blues 
thebusstopblues.com
Our Patreon
 
EPISODE #111
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 06/11/26 - A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Honey Boy Edwards
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 
 
Episode 111 – A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Honey Boy Edwards
 
Episode 114 of The Bus Stop Blues rolls back into the roots of American music with another installment of A Chapter in the History of the Blues, this time celebrating the legendary Memphis Minnie. Road Bill and Kevin dive into the life and legacy of one of the most groundbreaking women in blues history, a fearless guitarist, songwriter, and performer whose influence still echoes through blues, rock, and Americana music today.
Known as the “Queen of the Blues Guitar,” Memphis Minnie helped bridge the gap between Delta blues and the electrified Chicago sound that would later shape generations of musicians. With fiery guitar playing, sharp songwriting, and a commanding stage presence, she stood toe-to-toe with the greatest players of her era and carved out a place all her own in blues history.
This episode features a full lineup of Memphis Minnie classics including When the Levee Breaks, Me And My Chauffeur Blues, Bumble Bee, Hoodoo Lady, Black Rat Swing, and more. From haunting Delta blues to swinging Chicago rhythms, Episode 114 is a powerful journey through the music of one of the true pioneers of the blues.
Featured Songs
Memphis Minnie – When the Levee Breaks
Memphis Minnie – Me And My Chauffeur Blues
Memphis Minnie – Bumble Bee
Memphis Minnie – Nothing in Rambling
Memphis Minnie – Hoodoo Lady
Memphis Minnie – Black Rat Swing
Memphis Minnie – Keep On Eating
Memphis Minnie – Looking The World Over
Memphis Minnie – Frisco Town
 
 

The Bus Stop Blues 
thebusstopblues.com
Our Patreon
 
EPISODE #113
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 06/16/26 - The Music Show
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill 
 
Episode 113 – The Music Show (06/16/26)
 
 
 
Episode 113 of The Bus Stop Blues fires up the jukebox for another high-energy Music Show packed with blues, rock, soul, and a little highway dust kicked into the speakers. Road Bill and Kevin “Papa Blues” Purcell guide listeners through a wide-open musical ride featuring rising independent artists, legendary blues pioneers, classic rock staples, and barroom favorites built for turning the volume knob a little farther to the right.
This episode shines a spotlight on standout tracks from Jimmy Nick, Ivy Ford, and Kevin Mileski before rolling headlong into the sounds of ZZ Top, Big Mama Thornton, Freddy King, Todd Rundgren, The Doors, and The Blues Brothers. From Texas boogie and electric blues to swaggering rock and late-night roadhouse grooves, Episode 113 moves like neon lights reflecting off rain-soaked pavement at midnight.
So grab a seat near the back of the Big Bus and enjoy another musical road trip through the sounds that keep the blues alive and kicking.
Featured Songs
Jimmy Nick – Love Insurance Plan
Ivy Ford – Time to Shine
Kevin Mileski – Better Run
ZZ Top – Tush
Big Mama Thornton – They Call Me Big Mama
Freddy King – Hideaway
Todd Rundgren – I Saw the Light
The Doors – Roadhouse Blues
The Blues Brothers – Messin’ with the Kid