Explore Chicago Audio Tours: History of Chicago Blues

A recent find, courtesy of the “Explore Chicago” website: A downloadable audio tour of the history of Chicago Blues narrated by the Blues Legend himself, Buddy Guy! This has got to be a “must see/do” tour for any blues music lover. And what better way to take a blues tour than from the comfort of your own home! Or better yet, a great way to prep for an in-person visit to the locations on the tour. I didn't find a downloadable map on the site. But they do have an interactive one and there is a list of the sites featured. Just point your browser to: http://64.78.16.63/citytours/chicago/blues.html

I'm not a big fan of blues music but I found this virtual tour both interesting and fascinating for the historical background and history. Since most of the featured sites are not in the best/safest neighborhoods to visit, taking this virtual tour is the next best thing.

Downloading the tour is optional since you can take the tour and listen to the audio directly from the site, while viewing photos of the locations and listening to some great blues music.

Here's the list of tour locations:
Buddy Guy's Legends (Club) - South Loop, 700 S. Wabash Avenue
Note: The club just opened at this new location in June 2010. Formerly it was located across the street at 754 S. Wabash. - not W. Wabash as listed on the site.)
The Black “Ellis Island” - South Loop, Roosevelt Road & Indiana Avenue
Maxwell Street – West Loop, Corner of Maxwell Street & Halsted
Vee-Jay Records – South Loop, 1449 S. Michigan Avenue
Chess Records (Former HQ) – South Loop, 2120 S. Michigan Avenue
“State Street Stroll” - South Loop, 35th & Calumet Avenue
47th Street Blues District – Bronzeville, 708 E. 47th Street
Blue Brothers Mural – Bronzeville, 47th & Prairie Avenue
Chess Records (1951-54), Bronzeville, 4740-52 S. Cottage Grove
Muddy Water's House – Kenwood, 4339 S. Lake Park Avenue

This is a very cool way to take a blues tour – short of a pub crawl!