Steve Salter is the owner/operator of Killer Blues, a portable CD & T-shirt store specializing in blues-related merchandise. He is what I consider to be a "musician's non-musician"-and his expertise in all genres of music, especially the Blues, runs deep. Steve makes it a point to listen to nearly all of the music which he stocks, and simply will not sell CD's which he can not personally stand behind-such is the slogan "All Killer, No Filler!" Steve has built a solid reputation in the Michigan Blues community, and has acquired a strong following of regular supporters. At shows, Killer Blues oftentimes will sell CD's by the headlining artists. Recently at a show in Kalamazoo, Tinsley Ellis said to me about Killer Blues, "Man, this is incredible! It's one of the coolest record stores I have ever seen!"With a vast selection of Blues genres, from Piedmont Blues to Delta/Mississippi Blues, and Chicago Electric Blues, Killer Blues also stocks CD's by Blues artists from Michigan including: Jimmy Stagger, Loaded Dice, Jr. Valentine, Vincent Hayes, Roberta Bradley, and Chicago Blues artists Steve Arvey & Matthew Skoller. Music from artists on all of the major blues labels can also be found on his table, including (but not limited to): Alligator, Blind pig, Fat Possum, Arhoolie, Rooster, Evidence, and many more!
Killer Blues also carries a full line of T-shirts and hats from from major blues labels, and artists such as Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Hound Dog Taylor, Jimi Hendrix, Robert Johnson, Bob Marley, John Lee Hooker, and more! His "Killer Blues" shirts and hats are a hit with all, and have been worn by many famous blues artists including members of James Cotton's band.
Steve is a strong supporter of the Blues, and is a member of the Kalamazoo Blues Society, and the West Michigan Blues Society, as well as the Blues Foundation in Memphis, TN. He is an annual attendee of the Chicago Blues Festival and the Handy Awards, and has traveled extensively throughout the Mississippi Delta visiting historic sites of the Blues. Much of his merchandise is acquired on these trips from places such as Tator Red's on Beale Street, Rosa's Blues Club in Chicago, and the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, MS. You won't find this stuff anywhere else unless you make these trips yourself!
As we all know, many of our favorite blues artists who have passed away died too poor as to even be buried with a headstone to mark their grave. Steve has a genuine interest in seeing to it that these artists receive markers where they rest. He has been a major influence in acquiring headstones for Hound Dog Taylor and Otis Spann, who until two years ago, lie in an unmarked grave in Chicago. He has additionally compiled an ongoing list of blues artists whose graves remain without markers. If you are interested in who is next on his list, or would like to make a donation, see him about it at a show where Killer Blues is attending!
Killer Blues appears regularly at all Budweiser Winter Blues shows at the State Theater in Kalamazoo, MI-as well as all Steak n' Blues in Muskegon, MI; Chili Blues Festival in Grand Haven, MI; and the Maple City Blues Festival in La Porte, IN.
Mail order is not available, so be sure to come out to a show and check out the entire stock to discover why it's called "Killer Blues!" You won't find this stuff at any department stores-anywhere! You may also find me there, lending a hand!
Killer Blues
CD's, T-shirts & More!
