Shirley King is a blues original. Her father is the King of the Blues, B.B. King, and she's working hard to establish herself as a blues force based on her own initiative. If her recent interview with your Midwest BEAT blues correspondent is any indication of Shirley's drive to succeed, and give something back through some innovative work in the schools, Shirley's future in the blues is mighty secure. During the Blues First celebration last month in Memphis, Shirley broke her ankle. However, in true blues tradition, she kept on keepin' on. “I fell and broke my ankle, but my band played on,” she said. “The same thing happened to my father last month as he was getting off his tour bus, but my break required a special brace.” I truly hope that this string of bad luck and trouble is at an end. We need folks like Shirley and her father to bring the blues to the world, injury-free. Instead of dwelling on such a tough break, though, Shirley described to me the special qualities that she brings to the blues, such as the way she turns the blues up a notch during her live gigs. Her live shows are what set Shirley King apart from other daughters of the blues. Make no mistake about it: even though Shirley is the daughter of the King of the Blues himself, she wants to be a blueswoman on the merits of her own talent and hard work. Lun Up: Vince Vallicelli drums - Pippo Guarnera hammond C3 - Luca Giordano Guitar