Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-09-04
Three-time Grammy-nominated blues legend John Primer brings an important chapter of Chicago blues history back to life with John Primer and Friends Tribute to Theresa’s Lounge, available now through his own Blues House Productions label.
Released June 5, the 13-track album reunites Primer with fellow musicians whose lives and careers were shaped by Theresa’s Lounge, the celebrated basement club once located at 4801 S. Indiana Avenue on Chicago’s South Side.
Featured artists include Billy Branch, Bob Stroger, Mary Lane, Willie Buck, Carlos Johnson, Harmonica Hinds, John Watkins, Twist Turner, Tony Mangiullo and Jeff Brinkman. All of the musicians got their start playing at Theresa’s, where they learned from many of the blues masters who passed through the club.
Listen to John Primer and Friends Tribute to Theresa’s Lounge.
The album is also available on CD, vinyl and as a digital download through John Primer’s official website.
Theresa’s Lounge was operated by Theresa Needham, who created a welcoming home for musicians and audiences in the heart of Chicago’s South Side. The small basement room became an essential gathering place where friendships were formed, careers were launched and generations of blues musicians learned from one another.
Primer spent seven nights a week for seven years performing at Theresa’s. Before launching his own distinguished career, he served as bandleader and guitarist for Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon and Magic Slim & The Teardrops.
“These songs and these musicians mean a lot to me,” Primer says. “We all got our start together at Theresa’s Lounge.”
The music includes songs Primer heard his teachers perform at the club, along with original compositions written for the project. “7 Nights for 7 Years” reflects the time he spent paying his dues at Theresa’s, while “The Blues Is King” speaks to the importance of keeping traditional blues alive. “We All Need Help” was written in memory of Theresa Needham and the generosity she showed to musicians and others in need.
Billy Branch appears on “Sugar Sweet,” a song associated with Muddy Waters, while Willie Buck performs “Champagne and Reefer.” Carlos Johnson is featured on “She’s Nineteen Years Old,” Mary Lane contributes “Mary’s Song,” and John Watkins performs “Here I Am Knockin’ at Your Door Again.”
The album closes with “Mean Old World,” honoring guitarist Sammy Lawhorn, who regularly performed the song at Theresa’s.
The story continues with the companion documentary Tribute to Theresa’s Lounge: The Basement That Built the Blues. The 30-minute film brings together 11 surviving musicians whose lives were shaped by the club. Through personal interviews, rare photographs, archival images and newly recorded performances, they share memories of Theresa Needham and the community she created.
Filmed during the album’s recording sessions, the documentary captures the musicians reflecting together on the room that helped shape Chicago blues. The film can be purchased digitally or viewed through special online presentations in December.
Watch or purchase Tribute to Theresa’s Lounge: The Basement That Built the Blues.
A limited collector’s edition box set is also available. Limited to 1,000 numbered copies, the set includes the vinyl album, CD, 20-page book, documentary ticket and digital download card. The vinyl and CD are signed by John Primer.
JOHN PRIMER AND FRIENDS TRIBUTE TO THERESA’S LOUNGE TRACKLIST
1. “Up in Heah”
2. “7 Nights for 7 Years”
3. “The Blues Is King”
4. “Sugar Sweet” featuring Billy Branch
5. “Champagne and Reefer” featuring Willie Buck
6. “We All Need Help”
7. “She’s Nineteen Years Old” featuring Carlos Johnson
8. “Little by Little”
9. “Mary’s Song” featuring Mary Lane
10. “Cut You A Loose”
11. “Blues Survivalist”
12. “Here I Am Knockin’ at Your Door Again” featuring John Watkins
13. “Mean Old World”
UPCOMING TRIBUTE TO THERESA’S LOUNGE EVENTS
October 4, 2026 – Chicago, IL – Logan Center for the Arts
Documentary screening followed by a live performance from John Primer and the musicians featured on the album
7 p.m.
ONLINE DOCUMENTARY PRESENTATIONS
December 11 – Film at 7 p.m. CT; live conversation with John Primer at 7:45 p.m. CT
December 12 – Film at 7 p.m. CT
December 13 – Film at 6 p.m. CT; live conversation with John Primer at 6:45 p.m. CT
For more information about the album and documentary, visit theresaslounge.com. For more information about John Primer, visit johnprimerblues.com.
