Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman has helped create “Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience,” a touring ensemble blending blues with classical music.

Singer and harmonica player John Nemeth, vocalist Shemekia Copeland, country blues artist Rory Block, and guitarist Eric Gales are among the top nominees for this year’s Blues Music Awards.

Singer Shemekia Copeland and guitarist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram are among this year's the top winners at the Blues Music Awards.