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," 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. -
March is Women’s History Month, so this week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast Robert Barclay features blues and soul music by Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Koko Taylor, Billie Holiday, Roberta Flack, Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie, Maria Muldaur, Big Mama Thornton, and Tina Turner. -
This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast it’s Mardi Gras. Robert Barclay spins some New Orleans R&B by Professor Longhair, Fats Domino, Doctor John and Irma Thomas along with some brass bands including Trombone Shorty. He also includes some Cajun and zydeco music by Clifton Chenier and Beausoleil. -
This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast, Robert Barclay offers a tribute to tenor saxophonist Gene “Daddy G” Barge. We’ll hear Barge's work with Fontella Bass, Little Milton, James Cotton, Buddy Guy, Etta James, Jackie Wilson, Chuck Willis, Koko Taylor and Sugar Pie DeSanto. He will also debut the new CD from Rev. Peyton's Big Damn Band. -
This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast, Robert Barclay features the 2025 class of Blues Hall of Fame honorees including Bob Stroger, Willie Bell, Blind Willie Johnson, Henry Townsend and Jessie Mae Hemphill. He also includes the honored tunes by BB King, Irma Thomas, Bessie Smith, Blind Lemon Jefferson and Lightnin’ Hopkins. -
Sunday night, February 9th on “The Juke Joint” broadcast, Robert Barclay will celebrate the centennial birthday of pianist Henry Gray. We’ll hear his work with Howlin’ Wolf, Billy Boy Arnold, Jimmy Rogers and Bob Corritore. He will also spin Taj Mahal’s Grammy winner and the new CD by Tommy Castro. -
This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast Robert Barclay will note the passing of soul singer Sam Moore of “Sam & Dave,” Garth Hudson of “The Band,” Josh White Jr. and author Stanley Booth. He will also debut new CDs by Tommy Castro, Bob Corritore, Frank Bey and Eddie 9 Volt. Plus, some more zydeco from Terrance Simien!
