Robert Barclay
Host, The Juke JointRobert Barclay launched "The Juke Joint" broadcast on WCMU in April 1985. It has been a Sunday night fixture from 8:00-11:00 pm ever since. A devoted listener dubbed him the "Duke of Juke." He includes nearly a century's worth of blues history on his program including traditional and contemporary blues along with boogie woogie, soul music, rhythm & blues, zydeco and gospel music.
In 2004, the Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee honored him with the "Keeping the Blues Alive Award" in the radio category. The ceremony was hosted by Bob Porter, a noted blues producer and author. The Blues Foundation is an international organization that promotes blues music and maintains the Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis.
In 2015, the Michigan Association of Public Broadcasters presented him with the Public Media Impact Award for "outstanding contributions to Public Broadcasting."
Since 1988 he has been a contributing photographer to Living Blues magazine, published by the University of Mississippi, and his work has been published on CD covers for a variety of blues artists.
He was the Director of Photography in the University Communications office at CMU where he was employed since 1980. He retired in 2013 and was granted emeritus status.
He and his wife, Peggy Brisbane, photographically documented the history of WCMU's "Our Front Porch" concert series for several decades and continue to document the Wheatland Music Festival.
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This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast Robert Barclay spins music by the 2025 Blues Music Award winners including Ronnie Baker Brooks, Mr. Sipp, Shemekia Copeland, Curtis Salgado, Ruthie Foster, Sue Foley, Mike Zito, Keb’ Mo’, Thornetta Davis, Eden Brent, John Primer & Bob Corritore. -
This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast Robert Barclay previews the 2025 Chicago Blues Festival, the world’s largest FREE blues festival. We’ll hear from Mavis Staples, Bobby Rush, Billy Branch, Thornetta Davis, CJ Chenier, Johnny Rawls, Lurrie Bell, John Primer and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. Also the 75th anniversary of the Chess label and a centennial celabration of B.B. King. -
This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast, Robert Barclay notes the passing of Chris Youlden, former lead singer of the British blues band Savoy Brown. He also spins new recordings by Charlie Musselwhite, Terry Hanck, John Primer, Carolyn Wonderland, Southern Avenue, Janiva Magness, and Ally Venable. -
This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast, Robert Barclay features the post-war Detroit blues scene with comments from blues harp player Aaron "Little Sonny" Willis. He was part of the Hastings Street blues scene along with John Lee Hooker, Baby Boy Warren, Eddie Burns, Washboard Willie, One-String Sam, Bobo Jenkins and Eddie Kirkland. Join Robert for some post-war Detroit blues on "The Juke Joint." -
This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast, Robert Barclay spins a variety of tunes by Memphis Slim, Little Walter, Bobby Rush, Bernard Allison, Larry McCray, Southern Avenue, Linda Gail Lewis, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, and Reverend Peyton’s Band. -
This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast, Robert Barclay shares some new CDs by Johnny Rawls, Janiva Magness, Jimmy Vivino, Kid Ramos, Rev. Peyton, Bobby Rush, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. He also shares some stories about Albert Collins, Koko Taylor, and Linda Gail Lewis. -
This week on "The Juke Joint," Robert Barclay is celebrating the program's 40th anniversary. He will spin music by BB King, Muddy Waters, Johnny Bassett, Smokey Wilson, George “Harmonica” Smith, John Lee Hooker, Albert Collins, Rod Piazza, James Brown, Tommy Castro and the Blind Boys of Alabama along with interview soundbites. -
This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast, Robert Barclay features a third helping of blues artists with connections to Arkansas. He includes Big Bill Broonzy, Dale Hawkins, Roy Buchanon, Sonny Burgess, Michael Burks, BB King, CeDell Davis, Roosevelt Sykes, Detroit Junior, and Junior Walker. He also notes the passing of Detroit bluesman, Luther "Badman" Keith. -
This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast Robert Barclay celebrates the birthdays of Johnny Clyde Copeland, Louisiana Red and Robert Lockwood Jr. He also spins some new releases by Janiva Magness, Tonny Castro, Reverend Peyton, Jimmy Vivino, Kid Ramos and the Daddy Mack Blues Band. -
This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast it’s the spring WCMU fundraiser and Robert Barclay debuts the new 40th anniversary tee shirt designed by Matt Ozanich. Robert is featuring an all-star lineup of blues talent including BB King, Howlin’ Wolf, Etta James, Little Walter, Muddy Waters, Lightnin’ Hopkins, John Lee Hooker, Junior Wells, Shemekia Copeland and Sonny Boy Williamson.
