Houston Blues Living Legend • The Voice of the Fifth Ward

To tell the story of Houston blues is to tell the story of Trudy Lynn.

Born Lee Audrey Nelms and raised in Houston's historic Fifth Ward, Trudy didn't simply discover the blues—she grew up in the middle of it. Duke and Peacock Records were just blocks from her home, her mother's beauty salon sat near the legendary Club Matinee, and as a girl, Trudy would sneak a look at the artists coming through the neighborhood, including Bobby “Blue” Bland, Big Mama Thornton, and other giants of blues and R&B. Music filled her own home, too, where her father played harmonica, and the family held talent shows on the front porch.

Her own journey to the stage began while she was still a teenager, when legendary Texas guitarist Albert Collins invited her up to sing at Walter's Lounge on Lockwood. That moment helped launch a career that has now spanned more than six decades—from Houston clubs and Texas stages to major festivals around the world.

Along the way, Trudy has become one of Houston's most celebrated blues voices. Her Royal Oaks Blues Café reached No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Chart, she was inducted into the Houston Music Hall of Fame, and her career honors include the Houston Blues Society's Living Legend Blues Award and the Jus' Blues Music Foundation's Willie Mitchell Lifetime Artist Award. Her official biography now counts 16 Blues Music Award nominations.

Her importance to Houston's musical history is also captured in the documentary When Houston Had the Blues, where Trudy is featured as part of the story of the women who helped define Houston blues, alongside names including Big Mama Thornton, Jewel Brown, and Katie Webster.

And she's not finished writing that history. In 2026, work began on Trudy Lynn's autobiography, co-written with blues journalist David Whiteis for publication by the University of Illinois Press—another fitting recognition of a remarkable life lived in the blues.

Now, Trudy Lynn returns to the Houston Bluesfest stage, bringing the music back to a festival that celebrates the city and community from which it grew. This year, the festival promises to showcase the best in live blues music, with Trudy as a highlight of the lineup.

Fiery, soulful, and unmistakably her own, Trudy doesn't simply perform Houston blues. She is a part of its living history.

See Trudy Lynn at the 4th Annual Houston Bluesfest — October 4 at POST. Born Lee Audrey Nelms in Houston’s Fifth Ward in 1947, Trudy Lynn is a powerhouse of electric blues and soul. She began her musical journey in the mid-1960s singing with blues icons like Albert Collins and Clarence Green, and later opened for legendary acts such as Ike & Tina Turner. Over her enduring career, she has released twelve studio albums, one live recording, and four compilations, earning acclaim for her raw and emotional vocal style, often likened to blues greats like Koko Taylor and Etta James. Her 2014 album Royal Oaks Blues Café reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart, marking a highlight in her illustrious discography.

The new documentary When Houston Had the Blues celebrates Houston’s rich and often underappreciated blues heritage—and it features a segment highlighting “The Ladies of Houston Blues,” including Trudy Lynn alongside Big Mama Thornton, Jewel Brown, and Katie Webster. This film sheds light on how Houston's vibrant Third and Fifth Wards became hotbeds for musical innovation, combining blues with influences from Tejano, Zydeco, R&B, and jazz.

On stage, Trudy Lynn embodies the soul of Houston blues—fiery, soulful, and deeply compelling. In her performances, she doesn’t just sing; she embodies the music’s history, emotion, and grit. Whether delivering shouts, warbles, or tender testimony, she brings the blues to life, captivating audiences with every note. As featured in When Houston Had the Blues, she stands as both a vital cultural link to the city’s musical roots and an unforgettable live performer—making her a perfect, resonant highlight for the Houston Bluesfest lineup.

Award-Winning Guitarist • Vocalist • Houston Blues Ambassador • Houston Bluesfest Artist & Collaborator

Houston-born Jonn Del Toro Richardson is an internationally acclaimed guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter whose music embodies the unmistakable sound of Texas blues, influenced by the Latin, R&B, country, and rock genres that shaped his upbringing in Houston. Raised in a musical family with deep mariachi roots, Jonn has developed a sound that is distinctly his own—soulful, fiery, and unmistakably Houston.

His career has garnered recognition at the highest echelons of the blues world. In 2005, Jonn played a pivotal role in helping Diunna Greenleaf & Blue Mercy secure victory at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, where he was individually honored with the Albert King Award for Most Promising Guitarist. His solo album, Tengo Blues, produced by Anson Funderburgh, won the 2017 Blues Music Award for Best Emerging Artist Album.

Jonn's guitar artistry also graces Pinetop Perkins' Grammy-winning Last of the Mississippi Blues Men, and throughout his career, he has performed and recorded alongside an extraordinary lineup of blues artists, including Diunna Greenleaf, Otis Taylor, Bob Margolin, Hubert Sumlin, James Cotton, Bob Stroger, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, and Anson Funderburgh. His musical journey has taken him from Houston stages to festivals and venues across the globe.

However, Jonn's influence on Houston blues extends beyond his own performances. He has long acted as a connector, collaborator, and mentor within the vibrant blues community of the city. An excellent example is fellow 2026 Houston Bluesfest artist Mathias Lattin, who reminisces about meeting Jonn as a 12-year-old guitarist, when Jonn invited him to jam and encouraged him to join the weekly blues jam he hosted at The Big Easy—an early step in the journey of Mathias, who would later become an International Blues Challenge winner himself.

For the Houston Bluesfest 2026, Jonn takes on a role that exceeds his own performance. As both a featured artist and part of the organizing team, he plays a crucial role in connecting Houston's rich blues legacy with the emerging artists who will carry it forward. His deep connections within the blues community, combined with his collaborative spirit and extensive knowledge of the genre, contribute to making the Houston Bluesfest not just a concert, but a true celebration of the heartfelt stories and people behind Houston blues.

This October, attendees can expect more than just a Jonn Del Toro Richardson performance. Anticipate collaborations, special guests, and the kind of spontaneous musical moments that occur when some of Houston's finest blues artists share a stage together.

Join us at the 4th Annual Houston Bluesfest—October 4 at POSTA—as Jonn Del Toro Richardson shines as both a performer and host. As a two-time Blues Music Award winner, his accolades feature the Best New Artist Debut Award for his album Tengo Blues. He also contributed guitar work to Pinetop Perkins' Last of the Mississippi Blues Men, which won a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album. His dynamic performances have lit up stages worldwide, including at the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, where he led the J2M Allstars, an impressive collective of top-tier blues musicians.

At Houston Bluesfest, Jonn Del Toro Richardson will bring together a remarkable range of musical talents for a one-of-a-kind live blues music experience. Known for his spontaneous energy and seamless merging of diverse influences, each of his performances is a highlight of the festival. Witness the magic as Jonn curates an unforgettable evening that turns the stage into a vibrant celebration of blues and beyond.

Houston-born, award-winning and breaking nationally, Mathias Lattin is helping define where the blues goes next.

Houston-born and raised, Mathias Lattin is one of the most exciting young artists in contemporary blues — and a powerful example of where the music is headed next.

A graduate of Houston’s Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Lattin began making his mark on the city’s blues scene as a young teenager, learning from and playing alongside Houston musicians including Jonn Del Toro Richardson.

At just 20 years old, Mathias and his band won the 2023 International Blues Challenge, where he was also named Best Guitarist. His debut album, Up Next, written and produced by Lattin, further established him as an artist with a sound all his own — rooted in blues while drawing from soul, R&B, funk and rock.

He has since shared stages with artists including Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Eric Gales, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Samantha Fish and Joe Bonamassa.

Now, Mathias is entering an exciting new chapter. In 2026, he signed with Red Zero Records, the new label founded by Christone “Kingfish” Ingram in partnership with Exceleration Music, and released his Red Zero debut single, “Cadillac Assembly Line.”

Kingfish said of Mathias:

“He can really play, but it’s bigger than just the guitar… He represents where the blues can go next.”

For Houston Bluesfest, that makes Mathias' story especially meaningful: Houston roots, extraordinary talent and an artist carrying the blues forward on his own terms.

See Mathias Lattin live at the 4th Annual Houston Bluesfest, October 4 at POST Houston.

Her own journey to the stage began while she was still a teenager when legendary Texas guitarist Albert Collins invited her up to sing at Walter's Lounge on Lockwood. That moment helped launch a career that has now spanned more than six decades—from Houston clubs and Texas stages to major live blues music festivals around the world.

Along the way, Trudy has become one of Houston's most celebrated blues voices. Her Royal Oaks Blues Café reached No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Chart, she was inducted into the Houston Music Hall of Fame, and her career honors include the Houston Blues Society's Living Legend Blues Award and the Jus' Blues Music Foundation's Willie Mitchell Lifetime Artist Award. Her official biography now counts 16 Blues Music Award nominations.

Her importance to Houston's musical history is also captured in the documentary When Houston Had the Blues, where Trudy is featured as part of the story of the women who helped define Houston blues, alongside names including Big Mama Thornton, Jewel Brown, and Katie Webster.

And she's not finished writing that history. In 2026, work will begin on Trudy Lynn's autobiography, co-written with blues journalist David Whiteis for publication by the University of Illinois Press—another fitting recognition of a remarkable life lived in the blues.

Now, Trudy Lynn returns to the Houston Bluesfest stage, bringing the music back to a festival that celebrates the city and community from which it grew. 

Fiery, soulful, and unmistakably her own, Trudy doesn't simply perform Houston blues. She is part of its living history.

See Trudy Lynn at the 4th Annual Houston Bluesfest — October 4 at POST.

Brazilian-born. Houston-based. Blues forged across two continents.

Cris Crochemore is a powerhouse guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader whose high-energy sound blends the raw traditions of blues with the fiery essence of blues-rock. With over three decades of experience on stage, Cris began his musical journey in Brazil, performing hundreds of shows and major festivals before settling in Houston in 2018.

Now deeply embedded in the Houston blues community, Cris has showcased his talents alongside acclaimed artists such as Diunna Greenleaf, Keeshea Pratt, and Tweed Smith. He is also a proud member of Greenleaf's Blue Mercy band. His career spans from significant Brazilian blues festivals to Memphis, performing on stages across the United States.

In 2026, the Cris Crochemore Band triumphed at the Houston Blues Challenge, earning the prestigious honor of representing Houston at the 2027 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. This accolade is the latest chapter in Cris's enduring connection with the competition, having previously represented Houston in Memphis with Tweed Smith & The Internationals and again in 2025 alongside Marcelo Naves.

At the Houston Bluesfest 2026, Cris will deliver exactly what the festival celebrates: authentic blues music with international influences, blistering guitar skills, and the ever-evolving sound of Houston's blues scene.

Join Cris Crochemore Band live at the 4th Annual Houston Bluesfest on October 4 at POST. A genuine protégé of Bo Diddley, young Hamilton's first opportunity to jam with the legend occurred backstage in Houston at just 16—this moment blossomed into a lifelong mentorship and collaboration, even resulting in a cherished gift of a red guitar from Diddley himself. Since then, he has developed his signature sound, fitting neatly into the “center” of the blues-soul-rock triangle, as Guitar Player magazine aptly noted. His 2007 album Ain’t Just Temporary soared to No. 7 on the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart. Loomis has released eight albums to date, showcasing his versatility as a guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer, while pushing the boundaries of modern blues with soulful riffs and funky grooves.

On stage, Loomis embodies energy—described by Blues Blast Magazine as “a non-stop turbo of power,” he invites the audience to engage with his dynamic showmanship, often creating interactive and unforgettable moments. Whether performing intimate solo sections or high-octane full-band renditions, he establishes a deep connection with fans, transforming newcomers into loyal supporters. Beyond his performances, he is dedicated to nurturing the next generation—his album Give It Back reflects his commitment to mentoring younger musicians, carrying forward the generous spirit of his early mentors.

Leonard “Lowdown” Brown — Featured Guest at Houston Bluesfest 2026

Houston’s own Leonard “Lowdown” Brown is a master of soul-blues guitar and vocals, renowned for his effortless fingerpicking and commanding stage presence. Over four decades, he’s established himself as a cornerstone of the Houston music scene, captivating audiences with his raw talent and dedication to the craft. Influenced by legends like B.B. King, R.L. Burnside, and T-Bone Walker, Brown's sound is a blend of deep blues and soulful grooves.

In 2023, at the age of 70, Brown released his debut album, Blues Is Calling Me, through the Music Maker Foundation. The album showcases his rich vocals and masterful guitar work, earning praise for its smooth grooves and heartfelt lyrics. Tracks like “Find a Bridge” and “Juke Joint” reflect his life experiences and musical journey.

Beyond the local scene, Brown's music has garnered significant attention; his performance of “America Hymn” was featured in the Disney+ / National Geographic series America The Beautiful, narrated by Michael B. Jordan. Additionally, he has graced stages at renowned festivals such as the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival and the Baton Rouge Blues Festival.

As a featured guest at the Houston Bluesfest 2026, Leonard “Lowdown” Brown brings decades of musical mastery and soulful storytelling to the stage, showcasing the essence of live blues music. His performance is a testament to the enduring spirit of blues and its power to unite and uplift audiences.