MISSION STATEMENT
The Blue Steel Blues Society was developed to help bring awareness and education to the community about The Blues while also introducing & bringing talented musicians to the area. Our goal is to bring a new & exciting approach by creating a community where everyone feels equal, included, and heard. We have many goals for our future and are looking forward to bringing a fresh outlook to the Blues in Indiana!
A Message from Simone Kinsey
This past January and February, we lost two legendary musicians within 3 weeks of one another. Ralph Kinsey and Donald Kinsey were born and raised in Gary, IN and have traveled all around the globe playing and sharing their music with the world. Ralph and Donald were both members of the Blue Steel Blues Society and we will miss them tremendously. Ralph Edward “Woody” Kinsey was the eldest of 3 sons. He departed life on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at the Jessie Brown Veterans hospital in Chicago, IL after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. He was a graduate of Westside High School class of 1970. After graduation, Ralph went on to serve in the United States Air Force. His musical career started at a young age in the church with his brothers. Ralph was best known as the drummer/singer with Big Daddy Kinsey and The Kinsey Report, White Lightening, The Chosen Ones, as well as with many local artists. For the last several years, Ralph expressed his creativity and love for music through art & poetry. He enjoyed studying history, song writing, painting, and sharing his love for God with his family and friends.
Donald Edward Kinsey was the 2nd eldest of 3 sons. He departed life on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at Methodist Hospital Southlake after a courageous battle with COPD. He was a graduate of Westside High School class of 1971. Donald’s musical career started at a young age of 11. He was best known as singer and guitarist for Big Daddy Kinsey and The Kinsey Report and went on to tour with Albert King, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and others. Donald was a member of Love Feast Church of God and Christ in Gary, Indiana. He enjoyed spending time with family & friends, traveling the world, and exploring different cultural cuisine.
Big Daddy Kinsey, Ralph and Donald’s legacy will continue to live on in their music and through their youngest brother, our Vice President, Kenneth Kinsey. The Kinsey Family expresses their gratitude and appreciation for all the love, words of encouragement, and prayers sent during this difficult time.
