George Thorogood's 17th studio album -- 2120 South Michigan Avenue -- is an obvious tribute to Chess Records. He recently told me the story behind it.

Mike Ragogna: Smokey, there's so much to go over, but let's begin with your new album for Cracker Barrel, Now And Then. Can you tell us about the project?

You've heard Elvis Costello sing country music before, but not like this. The lad who gave us Almost Blue is quite mature and worldly wise now.

Bob Dylan's moved on. His albums aren't transformational events anymore. Nowadays they're celebrations and echoes of the everyday working lives of a dying generation of American roadhouse musicians.

Together Through Life is a tonic whose pace is moderate, music is organic, lyrics are intelligent, and feel is refreshingly human.

Blues harmonica player and singer Little Walter died over forty years ago, but his influences still can be heard in many blues-rock recordings that employ the instrument.

Whatever your opinion of that star turn, I'm still beating a drum for the idea of the film -- Etta James should be at least as well known as Aretha Franklin.