The Blues Summit

The Blues Summit debuted in 1993 and celebrated it’s 27th Anniversary in January, 2020! Program Director/Music Director and original host, Mark Johnson named the show for the B.B. King release of that year, and the fact that WMWV is in the White Mountains of NH. At that time, he asked assistance from Blues fan Roy Prescott, borrowing from Roy’s modest record collection. The show aired on Sunday evenings for two hours.

Mark started reporting to Jim McGrath for Living Blues for a time and started developing relationships with Blues labels and genre contacts. Roy continued to co-produce and guest host on the show. In April,1999, Roy took over the hosting duties. When Roy went full-time at WMWV in 2000 and eventually took over the Morning Drive, the Blues Summit moved to Wednesday nights and went to three hours. During Morning Drive on Wednesdays, Roy plays “A Taste of the Blues Summit” at 8:30. This gives him a chance to promote the show and the Blues. WMWV plays a large amount of Blues in its AAA format on a daily basis. Usually one song per hour.

As early as 1989, Roy had been lobbying for a Blues program on WMWV. As that was about to happen, Roy started playing bass in a local band, The Brownfield Blues Band, shelving the radio idea.

Roy continues to report to Living Blues and at least 90 contacts in the Blues industry monthly. He went to the 2000 W.C. Handy Awards and to the 2008 Blues Music Awards. Putting faces to the contacts that he has created relations with. Both times venturing to the Mississippi Delta for fact finding missions.

A big part of the Blues Summit is the interviews with musicians, labels, promoters, Blues authors and historians. The listeners really enjoy this part of the program. Roy has had the honor of interviewing: Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy (3), Odetta, Johnny Otis, John Brim, John Hammond, Bruce Iglauer (3), Bob Koester (2), Bill Wax, Duke Robillard, Maria Muldaur (2), Chris Vachon, Bob Margolin (at least 2), Son Seals, Ann Rabson, Eddy Clearwater, Big Bill Morganfield, Big Jack Johnson, Super Chikan, Nick Moss, Coco Montoya, Rory Block, Taj Mahal and Bob Corritore. Authors Elijah Wald and Ted Gioia. Promoter Betsie Brown and Jay Sieleman of the Blues Foundation. The Blues Summit is the only Blues radio program ever to interview the elusive Jim McGrath, the keeper of the Living Blues Charts! Plus literally hundreds more.

The Blues Summit library has grown from it’s humble beginnings to over 7000 titles, all meticulously maintained by Roy. At any given moment you’ll hear Blues from the 1920’s to the release opened that day! Listener suggestions are usually at the fingertips, as they try to stump the DJ. If you don’t get the exact track you asked for you’ll always get one from that artist.

Mt. Washington Radio & Gramophone’s Greg Frizzell, owner of WMWV says, “As much fun and enjoyment as Roy Prescott has hosting the Blues Summit, he’s serious about the quality of the show and preserving the Blues legacy. The Blues Summit is a staple in WMWV’s programming.”

Roy is a member of the Blues Foundation and subscribes to Living Blues.

The Blues Summit is sponsored each summer by the White Mountain Boogie ‘n’ Blues Festival. A “Keeping The Blues Alive” award winning festival in Thornton, NH. The show is also sponsored by The Red Parka  Steakhouse & Pub in Glen, home of the “Blue Sunday Series”!

Don’t miss the Blues Summit every Wednesday evening, 6-9 PM!

 Help support the music we love! Join the Blues Foundation today!