Smokin' Bluz premiered on 99.7 WRFX "The Fox" in Charlotte, NC on Christmas night 1997.  From that initial broadcast Smokin' Bluz earned a permanent slot on Sundays from 7-10pm.  The show is produced and hosted by Rick Ballew, a veteran of Charlotte radio for 31 years.  In 2002 the National Blues Foundation awarded Smokin' Bluz "Best Commercial Radio Blues Program".

The show was designed to fit in the Classic Rock format.  It features Blues from the founders and developers of the genre such as, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Howlin' Wolf and others that added electric guitars to the Blues.  We combine those with the artist that record on the major Blues labels and tour the club circuits, like Tommy Castro, Walter Trout, Eric Sardinas, Buddy Guy, and so on.  These artists are well known in the Blues "industry", but don't get commercial airplay.  Then we add artists that are played daily in the Classic Rock format, but are based in the Blues, such as Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Z Z Top, etc.  This mixture makes a fast-paced music intensive show.

Rick has developed relationships with artists and record labels and is usually the first person they contact when they have a new release or are coming to the area.  Some of the artists have even scheduled dates around Sundays in Charlotte, just to be on the show for 20 minutes.  George Thorogood discovered the song "Greedy Man" on Smokin' Bluz when he was put on "hold" by the phone system.  He didn't get to talk to Rick that night, but saw him the next weekend...found out who had recorded the song and added it to his CD "Ride 'til I Die". 

About the Award:
The "Keeping the Blues Alive" award is given each year to individuals and organizations that have contributed to the growth and vitality of Blues music. The KBA Awards recognizes the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of non-performers in the Blues World! The Award recipients are chosen annually through an intense selection process by a committee of professional Blues industry representatives.