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, the Duke of Juke, celebrates the 37thanniversary of his program. He spins blues and soul music by Howlin' Wolf, Etta James, Slim Harpo, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson #2, Larry McCray, John Lee Hooker, Thornetta Davis, Shemekia Copeland, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, T-Bone Walker, Lightnin' Hopkins along with BB, Freddy and Albert King. -
This week on "The Juke Joint" broadcast Robert Barclay celebrates Larry McCray's birthday and debuts Larry's new CD. Robert also spins more tunes from new CDs by Keb' Mo', Ann Peebles, Jose Ramirez, Diunna Greenleaf, Trudy Lynn and the Love Light Orchestra and notes Billie Holiday's 107th birthday. -
This week on "The Juke Joint" broadcast Robert Barclay notes the birthdays of Robert Lockwood, Jr, Johnny Clyde Copeland, Rufus Thomas, Carl Martin and William Clarke. He also debuts new CDs by Beth Hart, Sugaray Rayford and a CD celebrating the Nighthawks 50thanniversary. -
This week on "The Juke Joint" broadcast Robert Barclay spins blues by the Three Kings (BB, Albert & Freddie) along with music by Muddy Waters, Koko Taylor, Etta James, Little Walter, Irma Thomas, Elmore James and Howlin' Wolf. He also included new CDs by Bernard Allison, Duke Robillard and Gov't Mule. -
This week on "The Juke Joint" broadcast Robert Barclay spins the recordings of Memphis soul and R&B drummer, Howard Grimes. He'll include his work with Al Green, Otis Clay, OV Wright, Denise LaSalle, Syl Johnson, Junior Parker, Ann Peebles, Sam & Dave, Eddie Floyd and Ike & Tina Turner. Robert will also debut new CDs by Keb' Mo', Mississippi Heat and Duke Robillard. -
This week on "The Juke Joint" broadcast Robert Barclay spins new releases from Bernard Allison, John Mayall, Bob Stroger, Eric Gales, Tinsley Ellis, Gov't Mule, Diunna Greenleaf and Bob Corritore. He also notes the birthday of Memphis blues man, Walter "Furry" Lewis. -
This week on "The Juke Joint" broadcast Robert Barclay celebrates Mardi Gras 2022. He includes the music of Professor Longhair, Irma Thomas, Beausoleil, Clifton Chenier, Fats Domino, Doctor John, Lee Dorsey, the Wild Tchoupitoulas, Earl King, Ernie K-Doe, the Neville Brothers, Allen Toussaint and the Treme Brass Band. -
This week on "The Juke Joint" broadcast Robert Barclay features blues & soul brothers Syl and Jimmy Johnson, lap steel guitarist, Sonny Rhodes, and soul singer, Joe Simon. He also played some more tunes from the new boxed sets from Doc Watson and Ray Charles and a set of some very cool blues instrumentals. -
This week on "The Juke Joint" broadcast Robert Barclay spins new releases by John Mayall, Tinsley Ellis, Bernard Allison, Gov't Mule, Eric Gales, Louisiana Red with Bob Corritore and two new boxed sets from Doc Watson and Ray Charles. -
This week on "The Juke Joint" broadcast Robert Barclay celebrates the life of Chicago blues drummer Sam Lay. He includes his work with Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Carey Bell, James Cotton and the Siegel-Schwall Band. Sam was there when Bob Dylan "went electric" at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. Robert also notes the passing of actor Sidney Poitier.
