Bluesman and barber Archie Edwards began a tradition of weekly acoustic blues jams at his barbershop in 1959, making a significant contribution to the musical culture and African American heritage of Washington, DC. 

 

Through the Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation that was formed after his passing, “Archie’s Barbershop” lives on.  The media have recognized the importance of his legacy and the tradition that continues even as the Barbershop has moved twice from its original location.

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"Preserving the Piedmont Blues."  Alex McCarthy. Blue Ridge Outdoors. The Blue Ridge Music Issue, May 2021.

 https://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/magazine/may-2021/preserving-the-piedmont-blues/

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“Archie Edwards Blues Foundation relocates, keeps the piedmont blues alive.”  Hyattsville Life & Times.  Allan Walters.  February 22, 2019.

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“This is Not Our Last Jam:  Blues Musicians Search for a New Home After Losing Their Lease.” Lefrak, Mikaela Lefrak.  WAMU Radio. Washington, DC. January 29, 2019.

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“City’s Best Blues Jam.”  Matt Cohen.  Washington City Paper. 2017.

 

“Archie Edwards may be gone, but Archie’s Blues Barbershop lives on.“ Whitney Shefte. The Washington Post.  August 8, 2010.  Includes “Barbershop blues” video with music and interviews from a Saturday jam.

 

“Singing Bye, Bye, Blues.”  Marc Fisher. The Washington Post.  2009.

 

“Final Bow for a Musical Mecca.”  Richard Harrington. The Washington Post.  January 31, 2008.

 

“Jam Sessions at Northeast Barbershop Find a New Tune.”  James White  WTOP Radio.  Washington, DC.  February 3, 2008.

 

“Saving Archie’s Barbershop.” Larry Benicewicz. Baltimore Blues Rag. January, 2007.

 

“Archie’s Barbershop.”  Marc Fisher. The Washington Post.  July 30, 2006.

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