Kyle and Ryan Perry of Homemade Jamz (New Artist nominees) jumped down and took the floor during the pre-party. Image © Joseph A. Rosen.

The show opened with an all-star band composed of nominees in various categories. Left to right; David Maxwell, Terry Hanck, Deanna Bogart, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Keith Crossan and Bob Stroger, Hidden is Kenny “Beady Eyes” Smith on drums. Image © Dusty Scott.

Veteran Soul Blues singer Johnny Rawls takes a moment in the spotlight to sing his hits, including "Red Cadillac." Image © Joseph A. Rosen.

Taj Mahal, who was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame the night before, joins Maria Muldaur for a spirited duet. Both have Blues careers that go back to the coffee house and folk scene of Boston in the 1960s. Image © Joseph A. Rosen.

Bettye Lavette, who had a hit when she was 16 years old in 1963 and sang "A Change is Gonna Come" with Jon Bon Jovi at the Obama inaugural in 2009, gives it her all in a joyous performance. Image © Joseph A. Rosen.

Gaye Adegbalola (Contemporary Artist nominee) and Jason Ricci (Instrumentalist-Harmonica nominee) joined forces for a set of fiery modern Blues. Image © Dusty Scott.

Curtis Salgado sang his Song of the Year nominee, "20 Years of B.B. King," and the was joined by the man himself for a great rendition of "Four O’Clock Blues.” Image © Joseph A. Rosen.

B.B. King, the King of the Blues. Image © Joseph A. Rosen.

Bobby Rush accepts the honor of Soul Blues Male Artist of the Year. Image © Joseph A. Rosen.

Kenny Neal, joined by his family band, sang his Song of the Year winner, "Let Life Flow." Image © Dusty Scott.

The Soul Queen of New Orleans, Irma Thomas, accepts the award for Soul Blues Album of the Year for her Simply Grand CD. She too was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame the previous evening. Image © Joseph A. Rosen.

Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year winner Marcia Ball. Image © Joseph A. Rosen.

Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials are honored as Band of the Year. Image © Joseph A. Rosen.

Cassie Taylor, who plays bass in the band of her father Otis Taylor, carries on the tradition as a daughter of the Blues. Image © Dusty Scott.

Janiva Magness was a double winner as both B.B. King Entertainer of the Year and Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year. Congratulations Janiva. Image © Dusty Scott.

Billy Gibson, Memphis’ own Prince of Beal Street, won the Instrumentalist-Harmonica award. Image © Joseph A. Rosen.

Mississippi born and bred pianist Eden Brent gave a glamorous performance as winner of Acoustic Artist of the Year. Image © Joseph A. Rosen.

Mississippians Cedric Burnside and Lightnin’ Malcom took home the Best New Artist Award for Two Man Wrecking Crew. Burnside is the grandson of Blues great R.L. Burnside. Image © Dusty Scott.

Veteran performer Steve Guyger, nominee for Instrumentalist–Harmonica, sang and played with true feeling. Image © Dusty Scott.

Christie Healy accepted the award for her late husband Jeff Healy for best Rock Blues Album, Mess of Blues. Image © Dusty Scott.

Bob Brozman turned in a riveting, virtuoso set of acoustic Blues. Image © Joseph A. Rosen.

Contemporary Blues Female nominee Robin Rogers sang her soulful version of the Blues. Image © Joseph A. Rosen.

Band of the Year nominee Watermelon Slim and the Workers scorched the stage, as always. Image © Joseph A. Rosen.

The Queen of the Blues, Koko Taylor, winner of the Traditional Blues Female Artist Award, gave a spirited and warmly received performance. Sadly, it was to be her last. The great lady of the Blues passed away suddenly on June 3, 2009. She was loved and she is missed. R.I.P. Koko. Image © Joseph A. Rosen.