As students from Summit Academy Transition High School – Columbus lined up for autographs, handshakes and hugs from blues icon Teeny Tucker and gifted guitarist Zayne Harshaw, they validated the impressions the two musicians made on them. The pair, along with Columbus Blues Alliance volunteer and harmonica player Or Mars, brought a vibrant lesson in blues music and its history to the students on January 27, as part of the alliance’s Blues in the Schools outreach program.

Tucker, who has received numerous awards and nominations from the Blues Foundation in Memphis, including her most recent – 2025 Best Traditional Female Blues KoKo Taylor Award nominee– took the students on a trip through blues history. She spotlighted pioneer women in blues – Bessie Smith, Big Mama Thornton and Etta James, to name few – singing their songs as she told their trailblazing stories.

After she presented a brief overview of famous men in blues history, Tucker introduced virtuoso guitarist Zayne Harshaw. Diagnosed as autistic at age 4 and challenged with dyslexia in his youth, Harshaw performed for the students with rock-star charm. As he showcased his guitar mastery, playing Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Pride and Joy” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze,” Harshaw debunked stereotypes and fallacies forecasted for his future and showed students the possibilities for their own.

Mars joined in a mini jam session, playing the harmonica as Tucker belted out the blues and Harshaw shredded guitar. Mars says Harshaw brings a sense of validation to those with special needs and a deeper understanding to others. “We all have things to overcome, and Zayne shows that we can through our vehicle of choice. His is music,” he says.

Tucker says Summit Academy’s small group of students brought a sense of intimacy to the program. “This class of students were special as they have educational and social challenges. They were fully attentive, and I like to look them in the eye and let them know how important they are and how music can change their lives and allow them to become all that they desire to become,” she says.

As part of the presentation, students participated in a raffle drawing with two winners receiving original paintings by Tucker. In addition, every student received an art-quality harmonica as inspiration to embrace their musical desires and ambitions.