Robert Johnson Returns –
Through A Modern Medium

The APT Foundation sent in thtis write-up and photo about Black History Month presentations on legendary bluesman Robert Johnson by Rocky Lawrence — a modern New Haven bluesman who has widely performed and recorded his songs.

In celebration of Black History Month, the APT Foundation brought Rocky Lawrence, local and international blues musican. to perform for, and inspire, men and women in recovery from drugs, alcohol and /or mental illness.

Mr. Lawrence has learned his craft at the feet of legendary blues artists including Honey Boy Edwards, Robert Lockwood Jr., B.B. King, Muddy Waters and Taj Mahal. He spent a good part of last week giving over what he has learned to his APT Foundation audiences.

Sitting under a small hand-written sign with the word ​“FAITH” he shared how a small group of poor black men in the deep south in the early 1900s had the faith and conviction that they could transform American music.

Their music, intense, emotional and evocative, became known as ​“The Blues.”

Starting with Mississippi Delta-based Robert Johnson, whose old recordings are given credit for inspiring the ​“British invasion” pioneers of 1960s rock and roll, these men (and women) did not let racism, poverty or social disenfranchisement block them from their powerful dreams. As he played blues standards such as Love in Vain, Crossroads, Rolling and Tumbling, Train, and Fool Around With You Lawrence encouraged the recovery audience to appreciate their cultural roots and to use them to inspire their recovery with hope and faith.

Lawrence, left his audiences at the APT Foundation sites in Bridgeport and New Haven (Residential Services Division, Orchard Clinic and the Access Center) feeling newly inspired and excited about their recovering journeys.

The APT Foundation provides treatment for individuals struggling to overcome addiction and mental illness. Serving the community for 40 years, it provides state-of-the-art recovery services including on-demand services, in patient, out patient, medical, behavioral health, housing, vocational and educational services.

In addition the APT Foundation is committed to honoring the value and culture of each individual, couple
and family that it serves. For information on these services, call 781‑4600.