From Blind Lemon Jefferson to Blind Willie McTell – many preeminent blues singers were identified, but not deterred, by their sightlessness. BBC journalist Gary O’Donoghue is a blues fan and guitarist who empathises with their struggle, having once been told he would never become a reporter due to his visual impairment.
Working alongside fellow blind colleagues: the producer Lee Kumutat and sound engineer Peter Bosher – the Washington correspondent will deliver a BBC Radio 3 documentary entitled Blind, Black and Blue next week. It will broadcast at 6.45pm on Sunday 18th March and explore the circumstances that made their work and lifestyle possible. The Times and BBC Media centre have more on the programme and you can delve into some preparatory listening below.