The Blues Foundation has announced the selection of three living performers to be inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. They are Tommy Brown, Little Richard, and Eric Clapton.

As a popularizer of the entire genre, Clapton introduced the Blues to audiences in his native Britain and throughout the world, illuminating the work of the original blues artists who inspired him.

Little Richard, like an elite group of Blues Hall of Fame icons who have come before him including Fats Domino, Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley, built upon rock n’ roll’s foundation in the blues. His earliest recordings were in the blues vein and, throughout his career, he continued to employ a blues format in his work.

Tommy Brown broke through in the early ’50s, fronting the Griffin Brothers Orchestra with the #1 hit, “Weepin’ & Cryin’.” His career has now spanned over 75 years.

The  induction will be held in conjunction with three days of events from May 6-8 surrounding the 36th Blues Music Awards on May 7 and the public Grand Opening of the bricks and mortar Blues Hall of Fame on May 8 in Memphis, Tennessee.