Aurora "Rory" Block is an American blues guitarist and singer, a notable exponent of the country blues style.
Background
Aurora Block was born in Princeton and grew up in Manhattan. Her father, Allan Block, ran a sandal shop in Greenwich Village in the 1960s, and the influence of the Greenwich Village folk music scene, such as Peter Rowan, Maria Muldaur, and John Sebastian, tempted Block to study classical guitar.
Career
At the age of 14, she met guitarist Stefan Grossman, who introduced her to the music of Mississippi Delta blues guitarists. Block began listening to old albums, transcribing them, and learning to play the songs. After retiring temporarily to raise a family, Block returned to the music industry in the 1970s with middling success until signing with Rounder Records in 1981, who encouraged her to return to her love for the classical blues form.
Since then she has carved out her own niche, releasing numerous critically acclaimed albums of original and traditional songs, including many Robert Johnson covers, such as "Terraplane Blues" and "Come on in My Kitchen".
Angel of Mercy, Turning Point, and Tornado included mostly original compositions. However, Mama"s Blues, Ain"t I a Woman and When a Woman Gets the Blues featured songs written by Tommy Johnson, Robert Johnson, Lottie Beaman, and Mattie Delaney.
In 2010, Block released her autobiography in.pdf format and a limited print run titled When A Woman Gets The Blues. Pinkpop Festival, Netherlands - 1989
Long Beach Blues Festival - 1993
San Francisco Blues Festival - 1999
Notodden Blues Festival - 2006.