Canadian musician and broadcaster Danny Marks is celebrating 25 years of BLUZ FM, marking a quarter-century for a radio program that has provided a national platform for blues music while supporting generations of Canadian performers.
The anniversary comes during a busy year for Marks. He hosted the inaugural Canadian Blues Music Awards in January, while his latest album, Back to the Blues, climbed into 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 Marks 25 Years Since Its Toronto Launch
The origins of BLUZ FM date to the summer of 2001, when CJRT general manager Chuck Camroux approached Marks about bringing blues programming back to 91.1 FM as the Toronto station transitioned into JAZZ FM91.
Marks walked from his Cabbagetown home to meet Camroux, where the program’s name was quickly established.
“Saturday Night Blues is taken,” Marks told him. “The station is JAZZ FM, I’ll be BLUZ FM.”
Camroux had the BLUZ FM domain registered during the meeting and hired Marks. The program made its debut that September.
Marks still keeps the script from his inaugural broadcast, although the scripted approach did not last. He eventually adopted the more spontaneous, conversational presentation that became a defining characteristic of BLUZ FM.
Traditions Remain Part of the Program
The first broadcast opened with Amos Milburn’s “Let’s Have a Party,” selected as a tribute to Toronto blues champion Dave “Daddy Kool” Booth. It ended with “Lights Out,” from Marks’ 1996 album Guitarchaeology.
That song and Marks’ signature sign-off, “Good Night and May the Good Blues Be Yours,” have continued to close the program throughout its 25-year run.
BLUZ FM arrived during a period when Toronto supported an active blues circuit. Venues including Albert’s Hall, Grossman’s, the Elmo and the Silver Dollar helped sustain the scene, alongside the broader Wing Circuit of clubs.
Marks’ own band was involved with the Stormy Monday television program for Rogers Cable 10 at Albert’s Hall. International performers including BB King, Albert King, Freddie King, Etta James and Hound Dog Taylor were also touring during the era, while the Toronto Blues Society was strengthening a domestic scene that would eventually support the Maple Blues Awards.
Canadian Musicians Remain Central to BLUZ FM
Across thousands of hours of broadcasting, Marks has interviewed and hosted prominent international and Canadian 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 considers BB King among the most influential artists he encountered, comparing the reach of King’s musical influence with that of Louis Armstrong.
Program Provides Platform for Emerging Canadian Artists
Supporting Canadian musicians has remained a central part of BLUZ FM’s programming strategy, with the show maintaining a self-imposed Canadian-content commitment beyond standard industry requirements.
Marks was an early broadcaster to present Crystal Shawanda within a blues context and provided an early platform for Jim Bowskill, who later joined Blue Rodeo. The program continues to introduce Canadian performers, including Dee Long of Klaatu.
Heather Morgan’s “Johnny Edwards” has become the most requested song in BLUZ FM’s history.
Marks has also used the program to preserve the work and stories of musicians who have died, including figures connected to earlier generations of Toronto’s music community and lesser-known local performers.
BLUZ FM Looks Toward Its Next Chapter
The program’s 25-year history has included challenges, particularly during periods of management turnover at the station.
“The soul of CJRT has prevailed through tough times thanks to the listener,” Marks says.
As BLUZ FM enters its next phase, Marks is preparing to expand the show’s capabilities through a home broadcast and recording studio currently under construction. The facility is expected to allow more live music and rare vinyl recordings to become part of future programming.
Combined with the Canadian Blues Music Awards, the performance of Back to the Blues and the BLUZ FM anniversary, the milestone represents a significant year for Marks and his continuing role in Canada’s blues community.
“The future looks bright,” he says, “all the colours of the blues, one beautiful, blessed day at a time.”