Alligator Records

Chris O'Leary's second album for Alligator, BLUE COLLAR, was released one week ago today. While in Orlando yesterday for his CD release party at The Alley - Sanford, FL , Chris was able to stop in for an extended appearance on Orlando’s FOX affiliate’s show “The 407.” He talks about his military service, playing with Levon Helm, his songwriting inspiration and what drove him to the blues. He performs the first single, “Bad Decisions." Check it out https://www.fox35orlando.com/video/fmc-i18od1lz4khqqejz

His new album is available now https://oleary.lnk.to/BlueCollar

Bluesman Chris O'Leary Previews Sanford Show Marine veteran, former federal officer and harmonica powerhouse Chris O’Leary stopped by The 407 to share stories from his incredible career and deliver a special live preview of his show tonight, July 16th, at 7:00 PM at The Alley in Downtown Sanford.

Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials headline the Houghton Lake Blues Festival this Saturday, July 18! The open air festival is FREE and will be held in the area behind the Houghton Lake Chamber Of Commerce. https://houghtonlakebluesfest.org/

Lil’ Ed's new release, Slideways, is perhaps the crowning achievement of their entire career and Living Blues magazine describes their music as, “Scorching and soulful, joyous and stomping...raw, rough and ready blues played with unmitigated intensity.” Get your copy today! https://liled.lnk.to/Slideways

Chris O'Leary's new album, BLUE COLLAR, features 11 musically irresistible original songs, ranging from wildly comical to deadly serious, all written and produced by Chris. O’Leary’s sound is a one-of-a-kind, energetic, deep-dish gumbo of Chicago blues, Memphis soul and New Orleans funk. Driven by his powerhouse roadhouse band, the release is packed with commanding vocals, his fierce harmonica, and undeniable swagger. Available to buy on CD, Blue Vinyl LP or stream now at your favorite digital service.

https://oleary.lnk.to/BlueCollar

Happy Birthday to Alligator founder and president,Bruce Iglauer. With 55 years at the helm of Alligator Records, he's produced some of the best blues around and has some great stories to tell, many of which were captured in his book with co-author Patrick A Roberts, "Bitten by the Blues: The Alligator Records Story." Here’s to many more years of bringing the best of the blues to the world! https://www.alligator.com/store/product/3776/BITTEN-BY-THE-BLUES-THE-ALLIGATOR-RECORDS-STORY---SOFTCOVER-BOOK

Chris O'Leary is the subject of a feature interview in Rock and Blues Muse. He talks about his second release for Alligator, BLUE COLLAR, available this Friday, playing withLevon Helm, his military service and more. https://rockandbluesmuse.com/2026/07/07/interview-chris-oleary/

Coupled with the interview is a review of the album, "BLUE COLLAR checks all the boxes – powerful, credible vocals, superb support from the band, unflagging energy, and superb songwriting."
https://rockandbluesmuse.com/2026/07/02/review-chris-oleary-blue-collar/

Get yours this Friday! https://oleary.lnk.to/BlueCollar

Interview: Chris O'Leary Photo credit: Joey Wharton Interview: Chris O'Leary-Family, Past Experiences Play A Key Role In Blues Man's Success By Ron Wynn Vocalist, songwriter, bandleader and dynamic harmonica player Chris O’Leary cites his father’s early impact on his musical choices as a major reason for his opting

The Nick Moss Band made an appearance this morning on Syracuse, NY’s ABC affiliate NewsChannel 9 WSYR ’s show Bridge Street Live ahead of their performance TONIGHT, July 7, at The The 443 Social Club & Lounge. Tickets are still available for the show tonight. https://www.localsyr.com/bridge-street/

Living Blues magazine, in its just-released issue #303, announced the winners of the 2026 Living Blues Awards. Five Alligator Records artists received a total of six awards.

GRAMMY-nominated artist Shemekia Copeland won both the Critics' and Readers' Polls for Blues Artist Of The Year (Female).

D.K. Harrell won the coveted Album Of The Year Award, topping the Critics' Poll with his Alligator Records debut release, Talkin' Heavy.

Southern Avenue was named Blues Band Of The Year, leading the Critics' Poll.

Marcia Ball won the Readers' Poll Award for Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard), and Kenny 'Beedy Eyes' Smith (of The Cash Box Kings) won the Critics' Award for Most Outstanding Musician (Drums).

Congrats to all!!

Last month, Shemekia Copeland was one of the featured performers at Music America: The Songs That Shaped Us at the Bruce Springsteen Center in Long Branch, NJ. Last weekend, PBS NewsHour aired the special 30-minute program: “Bruce Springsteen: Finding American In Song” which includes a portion of Copeland’s performance of the spiritual "Wade In The Water" and an interview with her speaking about song’s deeper meaning and purpose. Check it out

Bruce Springsteen: Finding America in Song Marking the opening of the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Mu...

Chris O'Leary's BLUE COLLAR, his new release arriving next Friday, July 10, is reviewed by Living Blues. “Blue Collar is supremely entertaining. Fierce, wailing harp and assertive vocals…Chris O’Leary’s musical storytelling shows him to be a true original.” Pre-order your copy today! https://oleary.lnk.to/BlueCollar