As recently as August 9, this year, the Messenger Mountain News was pleased to publish an article about Blues singer Deb Ryder’s latest album, Enjoy the Ride.
What we didn’t know then was that on March 7, Ryder was inducted as a Living Legend Blues Vocalist, by the City and County of Los Angeles, and the State of California, for her contributions to Blues Music for more than 25 years.
Linda Morgan, founder of the Living Legend Foundation and Jazz and Blues preservationist, presented her with the Living Blues Legend Award certificate at The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, where Bobby “Hurricane” Spencer performed a tribute to Junior Walker,
“In recognition of your mastery of your profession and your contributions to the art of the Blues. Your passion and mission to ensure that Blues lives on in the hearts and minds of current and future generations is truly commendable. This commendation is a measure of your devotion to the needs of friends, neighbors, and fellow members of our society and your commitment to encourage creative expression among our youth by allowing them an opportunity to experience the legacy of the Blues and broaden their horizons through music.”
In addition, she was recognized and awarded a certificate of appreciation by Los Angeles City Council president, Herb Wesson.
“I was so proud and very excited to receive a Living Legend Award from Living Legend Foundation Inc. I am very honored,” Ryder said.
Born outside Chicago, Deb began appearing on stage as a young teen at her stepfather’s famous nightclub, The Topanga Corral, where she opened for such blues legends as Etta James, Big Joe Turner, and Taj Mahal to name a few. Deb’s vocals have been described as big, devastatingly powerful, whiskey soaked, a force of nature, reminiscent of her major influences Etta James and Koko Taylor.
The Living Legend Foundation selects and honors Living Jazz & Blues Legends and celebrates their contributions while they are alive to appreciate the honoring. We feel that if a person has dedicated 25+ years of their life to Jazz or Blues, then that is Legendary and needs to be celebrated. (livinglegendfoundation.com)