Rosas Lounge is the recipient of the Keeping the Blues Alive Award 2015. This is a great honor and a privilege, so I would like to give thanks to The Blues Foundation in Memphis and Karl Maurer for the nomination letter. I would like to thank my family. My wife Marni Willenson and kids. Rosas Lounge would not exist without their understanding, love and support. They deal with my awkward schedule on a daily basis and I am eternally grateful. Neil Willenson my brother-in-law for the last minute acceptance speech coaching. I would like to thank my amazing staff Amberly, Angel and Melvin who are committed to helping me fulfill my lifetime passion for the Blues. A special thanks to Theresas Lounge, the Chicago mother blues lounge and my spiritual model for Rosas Lounge. Giancarlo Crea who first introduced me to the Blues back in Italy during my rebellious teenage years. My Blues Fathers and family and first generation of blues performers Jr. Wells, Homesick James, Pinetop Perkins, Carey Bell, Mighty Joe Young, Big Daddy Kinsey, Louis & Dave Myers, John Littlejohn, David Honeyboy Edwards, - and the forever loyalty of Billy Branch, Melvin Taylor, Sugar Blue, Lurrie Bell, The Kinsey Report, Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials and of so many other musicians whom they trusted me to be part of their history. My sister Amy Brat who was there at the Awards Ceremony and guided me through the street of Memphis. Marty Salzman and Peter Carlson for their incredible stories about Jr. Wells. Last and definitely not least, to my astoundingly supportive patrons, there would be no Rosas Lounge without any of you. For I am not alone in my love and passion for the blues. I have aimed to create a haven for blues musicians and blues lovers alike, and I know many who feel that my aim has been true. ...and on behalf of Jr. Wells, Theresas Lounge, Mamma Rosas and Rosas Lounge staff I, Tony Mangiullo humbly accept the Keep the Blues Alive Award.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 18:51:17 +0000
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