Canadian musician and broadcaster Danny Marks is celebrating 25 years of BLUZ FM this September, marking a quarter-century for a radio program that has become a longstanding platform for blues music and Canadian artists.
The anniversary caps an active year for Marks. He hosted the inaugural Canadian Blues Music Awards in January, while his latest album, Back to the Blues, reached the Top 5 on Canada’s Big Blues Chart. The BLUZ FM milestone adds another chapter to a career spanning performance, recording and broadcasting.
“It’s a positive affirmation that creativity is born out of adversity, turning coal into diamonds,” Marks says of the convergence. “In this moment, that’s the icing on the cake.”
BLUZ FM Grew From a 2001 Meeting at CJRT
The origins of BLUZ FM date to the summer of 2001, when CJRT general manager Chuck Camroux contacted Marks as the Toronto station prepared to rebrand as JAZZ FM91.
Marks walked from his Cabbagetown home to meet Camroux, who asked what the proposed blues program should be called.
“Saturday Night Blues is taken,” Marks told him. “The station is JAZZ FM, I’ll be BLUZ FM.”
Camroux had an assistant register the domain during the meeting and hired Marks before it concluded. BLUZ FM made its debut that September.
Marks still keeps the script from his first broadcast, although he soon abandoned scripted presentation in favour of a more spontaneous approach built around the music.
Traditions Remain After Thousands of Hours on Air
The inaugural program opened with Amos Milburn’s “Let’s Have a Party,” selected as a tribute to Toronto blues champion Dave “Daddy Kool” Booth. It concluded with “Lights Out” from Marks’ 1996 album Guitarchaeology.
That song and Marks’ signature closing line — “Good Night and May the Good Blues Be Yours,” — have remained part of the program ever since, providing continuity as radio and music consumption have shifted toward digital and streaming platforms.
BLUZ FM emerged during a particularly active period for Toronto’s blues scene. Venues including Albert’s Hall, Grossman’s, the Elmo and the Silver Dollar provided stages for musicians, while a broader network of clubs helped sustain live blues throughout the city.
Marks’ own band was involved with the Stormy Monday television show for Rogers Cable 10 at Albert’s Hall. At the same time, international blues performers including BB King, Albert King, Freddie King, Etta James and Hound Dog Taylor remained prominent touring acts.
Canadian Musicians Remain Central to BLUZ FM
During 25 years and thousands of hours of broadcasting, Marks has interviewed and hosted numerous prominent musicians.
His guest list has included BB King, Buddy and Phil Guy, Robbie Robertson, Ronnie Hawkins, Eric Burdon, Bettye Lavette and Roy Head. Canadian performers Harry Manx, Donnie Walsh, David Wilcox and Rita Chiarelli have also appeared.
Marks identifies BB King as among the most significant artists he encountered, comparing the reach of King’s musical influence with that of Louis Armstrong.
Program Built a Platform for Emerging Canadian Talent
Supporting Canadian blues musicians has remained a central part of BLUZ FM’s programming strategy. The show has maintained a self-imposed Canadian-content commitment above the conventional industry requirement.
Marks was an early broadcaster of Crystal Shawanda in a blues context and provided an early platform for Jim Bowskill, who later joined Blue Rodeo. He has continued introducing listeners to Canadian performers, including Dee Long of Klaatu.
Heather Morgan’s “Johnny Edwards” has become the most requested song in BLUZ FM history. Marks has also used the program to preserve awareness of musicians who have died, including well-known performers and lesser-known figures connected with Canada’s blues community.
BLUZ FM Looks Beyond Its 25th Anniversary
The program’s longevity has not been without challenges. Marks points to management changes at the station as some of the more difficult periods during its history.
“The soul of CJRT has prevailed through tough times thanks to the listener,” he says, adding that he considers the station’s current leadership among the strongest it has had.
Marks is now preparing to expand the program’s capabilities through a home broadcast and recording studio under construction. The facility is expected to give him additional opportunities to incorporate live performances and rare vinyl recordings into BLUZ FM.
With the program entering its next chapter, Marks remains focused on broadcasting and promoting the music that has shaped much of his professional life.
“The future looks bright,” he says, “all the colours of the blues, one beautiful, blessed day at a time.”