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Robert Barclay

Host, The Juke Joint

Robert 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. 

  • This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast Robert Barclay notes the passing of acoustic blues guitarist Paul Geremia. He also features new releases by Selwyn Birchwood, Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, Amani Burnham, Bob Corritore, and the James Hunter Six.
  • This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast Robert Barclay features blues and soul royalty including the work of Lightnin’ Hopkins, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Koko Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Irma Thomas, John Lee Hooker, BB, Albert and Freddy King.
  • This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast, Robert Barclay offers his tribute to the late Roy Book Binder, sharing his stories about Rev. Gary Davis and Pink Anderson. He also spins new releases by Selwyn Birchwood, Laura Chavez and Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials.
  • This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast Robert Barclay offers his tribute to the late John Hammond, sharing his interview as he talks about growing up in Greenwich Village and crossing paths with Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Ton Waits, Howlin’ Wolf, Jimmy Reed, Eric Clapton and Hoyt Axton.
  • This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast Robert Barclay spins music by the 2026 Blues Hall of Fame inductees including Kenny Neal, Bob Margolin, Ragtime Texas Henry Thomas, Rosco Gordon, Barbara Lynn, Marcia Ball and record label owner Syd Nathan.
  • This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast Robert Barclay spins some requests for music by Jimmy Reed, Sam Cooke, Christine Perfect, Freddy King and Sonny Boy Williamson #2 along with new CDs by Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials, the James Hunter Six and Crystal Shawanda.
  • This week on “The Juke Joint” it’s Mardi Gras. We’ll hear from Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, BeauSoleil, Clifton Chenier, Marcia Ball, Huey “Piano” Smith, Maria Muldaur, Bobby Charles, Buckwheat Zydeco, Lee Dorsey and some brass bands.
  • This week on "The Juke Joint” broadcast Robert Barclay features blues guitar instrumentals by Gatemouth Brown, Pee Wee Crayton, Albert Collins, Sue Foley, Freddy King and Lightnin’ Hopkins. He also debuts new CDs by Andy Cohen, the James Hunter Six and Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps..
  • This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast Robert Barclay spins recordings composed by songwriter Titus Turner that were covered by Ray Charles, Little Willie John, Elvis Presley, Julia Lee and Aretha Franklin including “Sticks and Stones,” “Grits Ain’t Groceries” and “Get on the Right Track Baby.” He also shares new acoustic blues CDs by Catfish Keith and Tinsley Ellis.
  • This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast Robert Barclay spins Louisiana blues, Cajun and zydeco music from C.J. Chenier, Beausoleil, Katie Webster, Lazy Lester, John Mooney, Terrance Simien, Chubby Carrier and the Buckwheat Zydeco Band.