Thanks to Bill Lupkin for sharing these amazing photos. Bill was the harmonica player in the Jimmy Rogers Blues Band and the Bob Riedy Blues Band in the early 1970s. These images provide an insider’s view of the Chicago blues scene of that time period. All photos by / courtesy of Bill Lupkin.

Billy Boy Arnold & Lefty Dizz at Ma Bea’s – 1971

Jimmy Dawkins reading the paper, Voice Odom pointing, and drummer Lester, Sunday morning at Bea’s.

Billy Boy Arnold & Lefty Dizz at Ma Bea’s – 1971

Lefty Dizz at Ma Bea’s

Steve Lupkin on Bass & Billy Boy Arnold on Harp

 

Jimmy Dawkins

Johnny Young at Alice’s – 1970

At the End of the Evening at Ma Bea’s
Richard Robinson, Johnny Littlejohn, Unidentified Bass Player

Little Mack Simmons, Steve Lupkin, Bob Riedy at Alice’s
(Photo by Bill Lupkin)

Bill Lupkin on Drums at Ma Bea’s – 1970
(Photo Courtesy of Bill Lupkin)

Bob Riedy & Jimmy Dawkins at Ma Bea’s – 1970

Johnny Littlejohn Playing the Drums at Ma Bea’s – 1970

Hound Dog Taylor at Ma Bea’s

Bob Riedy, Bill Lupkin, Howlin’ Wolf at Ma Bea’s – 1971

Hound Dog Taylor at Ma Bea’s – 1971

Bill Lupin, Johnny Littleton, Jimmy Rogers at Klark Kent’s Super Joynt – 1971

Hound Dog Taylor at Ma Bea’s – 1971

Steve Lupkin, Bob Riedy, Bill Lupkin, Richard Robinson, Jim Kahr, Jimmy Rogers, Freddie King
Gold Tailed Bird Session

Voice Odom at Ma Bea’s – 1971

Red – The Doorman at Ma Bea’s – 1970

Unidentified Guitar Player

The Lady Herself – Ma Bea – 1970

Illinois Slim and myself believe this photo to be Big Bad Ben but Bill Lupkin says it is Little Mack Simmons.

Richard “Hubcap” Robinson at Ma Bea’s – 1971

Johnny Littlejohn & Son – April 1971

Bob Riedy & B.B. Jr. at Ma Bea’s – 1971

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