The Blues Foundation announces the selection of three living performers to be inducted into its Blues Hall of Fame. Tommy Brown, Eric Clapton, and Little Richard join more than 130 who have been inducted since 1980.

Clapton has been tapped for his many musical achievements as well as for his role as a popularizer of the genre.  He brought the blues to audiences in his native Britain and throughout the world, illuminating the work of the artists who inspired him. Little Richard’s earliest recordings were in the blues vein and, throughout his career, he employed a blues format in his work. In the early 1950s, Brown broke nationally fronting the Griffin Brothers Orchestra with the #1 hit “Weepin’ & Cryin’.”  He brought his sense of showmanship to the blues over a career that has spanned more than 75 years.

Their induction will occur May 7, in conjunction with the 36th Blues Music Awards, and the grand opening of the brick-and-mortar Blues Hall of Fame, May 8 in Memphis.

For more, visit www.blues.org.