Rory Block is a legendary blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, known for her powerful and authentic interpretations of traditional country blues and her own original compositions. Born in Princeton, NJ, she grew up in Manhattan and was immersed in the Greenwich Village folk music scene, where she was surrounded by musical giants like Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix and more. At 15, she embarked on a journey to learn directly from blues legends like Son House, Skip James and Mississippi John Hurt, becoming a prominent figure in the blues world. 

 

Rory's latest release, Heavy On The Blues, is on the New York-based M.C. Records label. The cd includes duets with Ronnie Earl, Jimmy Vivino, and Joanna Conner. Rory talks about the new recording:

 

“I am very excited to announce that I have recorded a brand new project for M.C. Records called Heavy On The Blues! I tapped into my lifelong love of American roots blues, celebrating the founders and best of the classic blues legends, and included some of my own originals. The recording Is filled with slide, overlapping acoustic parts, and funky rhythms. Can't wait for you to hear it!!”

 

She just may be the greatest acoustic blues guitarist alive. This album pretty much proves my point. 

Don Wilcock - Blues Music Magazine

 

Rory Block is back with pure blues power! Heavy On The Blues - Authentic, Raw, Real.  

Blues Magazine (Netherlands)

 

One of the best blues albums of 2025.  

Americana Highways

 

HERE is a video of Rory covering Robert Johnson’s classic “If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day."

 

Early Life and Musical Influences:

 

• Bohemian Upbringing: 
  Raised in a bohemian family in Manhattan, Block's father's sandal shop in Greenwich Village was frequented by musicians like Bob Dylan, John Sebastian, Maria Muldaur and many other prominent artists who passed through The Village.

• Guitar at Ten: 
  She started playing guitar at the age of ten and was soon captivated by the Delta blues, particularly the music of Robert Johnson, Son House, and Mississippi John Hurt. 

• Meeting Blues Legends: 
  At 15, she traveled the South, seeking out and learning from blues giants like Son House, Skip James, Mississippi John Hurt, and Reverend Gary Davis. 

• Slide Guitar Technique: 

       She developed her slide technique based on the styles of Robert Johnson and Son               House, and was also inspired by contemporary players like Bonnie Raitt and Ry                   Cooder. Rory uses a 15 millimeter deep well socket, recommended to her by her

       friend John Hammond. She uses the slide on her ring finger, which she learned in               person from bluesman Mississippi Fred McDowell.

 

Career and Recognition:

 

• Early Recording: 
  She began recording in the 1970s, initially with RCA, Chrysalis Records and later with Rounder Records. 

• "High Heeled Blues" and Rounder Records: 
  In 1981, she signed with Rounder Records and released her acclaimed album, "High Heeled Blues," which helped define her career. Rolling Stone said "Some of the most singular and affecting country blues anyone, man or woman, black or white, old or young, has cut in recent years.”

• Gold Record:

       Rory Block’s original song “Lovin’ Whiskey” became a gold record in The                           Netherlands shortly after it’s release in the late 1980’s, and remained a significant top         40 hit on the charts for 7 weeks.

• Blues Music Awards:

       She has won numerous Blues Music Awards, including multiple awards for

       Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year and Best Acoustic Blues Album of the               Year.

• Preaching the Blues" and "Mentor Series"

       She has also become an ordained minister, referring to it as "Preaching the Blues,"

       and has produced the "Mentor Series," a series of 6 tribute recordings to the                         rediscovered blues masters who she met in person. 

• Contemporary Success: 
  She continues to tour, record, perform, and release official music videos with her current recordings.