Help me discover some new music...

The music scene is in a dismal state these days. Not a lot of talent, but a lot of copy cats and celeb wannabees making tons of money being 'famous'. Most would not have lasted 5 minutes in the 60s / 70s. So, don't expect too much. I have been listening for decades, and I still listen to the "same old stuff", because nothing has come along that's better or even interesting. I now live off reissues, remasters and sacd remakes. The fact that the Rolling Stones are still around, and popular, speaks volumes.
Your tastes may be different, but whatever the genre, it ain't what it used to be. Classical Music excepted. Good Luck
Cheers

Gentlemen:
Did you read the OP's list? I am familiar with everyone he listed, except possibly, Ingrid Michaelson. Love them all. But, most of these people are done, or pretty much done. So the question is, where and who are their replacements? The NEW Stones? Motown? Blues? Elvis? Dylan? Miles? The fact is, that was a golden age that has ended. I, and some of you, were lucky to have been at the right age during that era. But it's over folks.

NOW, if the OP likes the current stuff, then he is a lucky man. He has something to look forward to. I only have maybe a new greatest recording of some Beethoven or Brahms etc.... Or maybe a new release in SACD.
Maybe someone will find a long lost Monk tape. Maybe Sonny Rollins gets a new burst of creativity. Maybe!
Cheers

Donjr:
Could it be possible that all the great art has already been created? That there is nothing left to say. Think about that for a moment. I didn't mean to imply that I think current performers should just play the same thing as their predecessors. But there is no greatness. It's all bland. No game changers. It has all become 'visual'. How you look and act is more important than what you are 'saying'. And it is not limited to music. Hollywood is not spared. Where are the great classical composers? Ballet? Opera? All the great art being performed today was created by people long dead. Seems as if the older actresses have a lock on the Oscars, and with good reason! i.e. British Babes.
When PBS wants to raise money what show do they put on, the old guys from the 60s. Way pass their prime, but, more popular than the current crop.

I get what you said about music evolving from the previous generation of artist, but we have a break in that chain now. If Sonny Boy and Wolf led to the Stones, what have the Stones led to? I think some of the so-called genres, are actually evidence of the lack of talent. Metal, anything with the word 'comtemporary' in front of it. i.e. blues, gospel, country jazz, Blue grass. Just watering it down so the current group can excel. Did I mention Jazz?

I wish the OP well. I am just saying, maybe a Look back, is the place to start. It's cheaper and will be more rewarding musically, in all genres save Classical.
Thanks for the post.
Cheers

I see Miss Fleming quite often in the British music magazines. A great talent and beauty. The articles in the English magazines tend to illustrate your statements about encoraging and supporting our arists. The Brits / Europeans seem to do a great job of that. I agree with all your points. And since the average cable on this site costs more than my entire system, you know music is the reason I am here also. :)

I am not familiar with Morphine or Jack White, but I will make it my business to get to know their work. I didn't know about the pop music school. Glad to hear it.
Thanks for the post. very informative.
Cheers

Toddnkaya:
Mapman:
Just to show that I am not entirely stuck on Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey. Two recent (to me) gems, The Colorado String Quartet, and Oleto Adams. I highly recommend both. The quartet, it's good to see Americans playing this music at this level. All female. Can be seen and heard on youtube. Miss Adams sings like Gladys and Aretha sang. Great voice, great material. So you Gentleman are correct. There is talent out there. I am just late discovering it. Maybe you have to look harder these days to find it. There is so much static out there. Thanks for the informative posts from everyone.
Cheers