a message from Bonni McKeown Finally—the project that brought me to spend most of the past two years in Chicago is about to come out in print: the autobiography of West Side bluesman Larry Taylor: Stepson of the Blues: A Chicago Song of Survival. Thanks to many F(f)riends who offered your hospitality, encouragement, and readings of early drafts.

Follow up:

Chicago is considered the Blues Capital of the world, and it’s a nerve center of African American culture. Yet many people of my background, white middle class, are not sure how to relate to our African American neighbors. The problems they face are formidable and even scary to us. Because he’s a performing musician, Larry is able to cross cultural barriers and still remain rooted in his own. His life travels through many of today’s burning issues: family conflict, addiction, street gangs, prison, poverty, religious and cultural differences. In the book, we expose the racial ignorance and thoughtless celebrity pandering that’s choking off the careers and expressions of an entire middle aged generation of Chicago blues musicians. Because most of American popular music is rooted in the blues, these musicians are a potential bridge to racial reconciliation. When words fail us, music offers common ground. I feel one of my missions is to cultivate this ground and bring people together. We also trace Larry’s spiritual journey—from supernatural encounters as a youth, to his day-at-a-time struggle with addiction. From black nationalism to a more spiritual form of Islam, and from allegiance to religious doctrine to a more personal search for the Creator. I have put my heart, soul, time and money to bring forth this book. Now I’m called to offer my gleanings in the service of further opening our minds and hearts. Please feel free to invite me to discuss any topic in the book with Meetings and community groups anytime after June 13. I don’t pretend to be an authority, but I can help lead discussions in whatever form Friends feel comfortable. We can even sing a few blues tunes!