The Blues Origin Institute
The Blues Origin Institute is committed to preserving the authentic history of the blues and perpetuating its future. Our mission is to broaden its understanding through research, education, and performance, which brings communities together in celebration the world over.
The Louisiana-based non-profit organization is founded by blues guitar legend and author Chris Thomas King. The inspiration to establish The Blues Origin Institute grew from overwhelmingly positive reactions to King’s book The Blues: The Authentic Narrative of My Music and Culture.
Contrary to popular myth, the blues did not begin on Mississippi Delta plantations. The original American art form began in Louisiana in the 1890s. Our calling is to finally establish Louisiana as its birthplace and have the rest of the world acknowledge such.
Chris Thomas King Announces
The Blues Origin Institute
Prairieville, LA. March 2023 — Grammy and Country Music Association (CMA) award winner, guitarist, and author Chris Thomas King, son of the late Juke Joint icon Tabby Thomas, has founded The Blues Origin Institute, a new non-profit organization. The Blues Origin Institute is committed to preserving the authentic history and culture of the blues and continuing its future. “Our mission,” said King, “is to broaden its understanding through research and education with a priority on performance, bringing communities together in celebration. The youth must experience the music and culture for it to continue as a living art form.”
The inspiration to establish The Blues Origin Institute grew from overwhelmingly positive reactions to King’s groundbreaking book The Blues: The Authentic Narrative of My Music and Culture published by Chicago Review Press. The well-known blues artist has become an indemand author. He is in the middle of an extended book tour with recent book talks and lectures at LSU, Xavier, and Nicholls State University. Over the years, King has actively developed blues programs for Baton Rouge students, mentoring them on performing and the importance of Louisiana music history. One of his youth programs continues at the West Baton Rouge Blues Museum. The Blues Origin Institute hopes to raise the resources necessary to continue such programs.
The Blues Origin Institute has assembled an advisory board including Faulk & Winkler a Baton Rouge-based CPA firm. The mission statement of The Blues Origin Institute reads in part: Contrary to popular myth, the blues did not begin on Mississippi Delta plantations. The original American art form began in Louisiana in the 1890s. Our calling is finally establishing Louisiana as its birthplace and having the world acknowledge it. For more information visit: www.ChrisThomasKing.com
The Blues Origin Institute
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Donate to The Blues Origin Institute. Your donation will help preserve and further the authentic blues narrative.
CHRIS THOMAS KING BOOK LECTURE AT LSU
Lisa Hebert (left) and Joni Butcher (right) in the Department of Communication Studies congratulate Chris Thomas King following his campus lecture on October 5, 2022, in Coates Hall.
Dare To Dream
Over the years, Chris Thomas King has developed blues programs and mentored Louisiana music students on the performance and history of the blues. One of his more recent programs was sponsored by the Tipitina’s Foundation and Presonus Studios in Baton Rouge. King continues to perform and speak to students about the blues’ origins. Hosted by Presonus Studios for three years, King was generous in sharing his knowledge of the music business and gave hands-on instructions on the art of recording, composition, and live performance to local students that signed up for his program.
Grammy and Country Music Award winner Chris Thomas King believes in giving back to the community and inspiring young people to pursue their dreams.
Over the years, Chris Thomas King has actively developed blues programs for Baton Rouge students mentoring them on performing and Louisiana music history. His youth program continues at the West Baton Rouge Blues Museum.
Blues Programs
The Blues Origin Institute hopes to raise the resources necessary to continue programs and research.
Chris Thomas King with Blues After School Students at the West Baton Rouge Museum
The Future Is Bright
Chris Thomas King speaking at Nicholls University.
Contact us.
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The Blues Origin Institute
P.O. Box 551
Geismar, LA 70734 -
email: Mariann@christhomasking.com -
For public appearances, lectures, and interviews send requests to:
Mariann@christhomasking.com