Blind Pig recording artist Tommy Castro has been named "Blues Artist of the Year 2006" by the readers of BluesWax, the largest subscribed blues publication in the world. Castro took the honor with a record number of first place votes.

BluesWax is a weekly ezine with nearly 100,000 subscribers. Publisher Chip Eagle said, "I love Tommy Castro and I'm very happy our readers selected him. There are few artists as deserving as he is. He gives everything to his fans, never puts on a bad show, and has one of the best blues bands in the world."

Castro's high-energy shows are so consistent he has certainly earned recognition when those in the blues field discuss the best touring acts in the world. A supremely talented guitarist, gifted vocalist and engaging songwriter, Tommy also possesses remarkable charisma which has allowed him to wow and win fans on every stage he's performed on.

The Tommy Castro Band had another tremendous year of touring in 2006 and ended the year on a big upswing. In October the Mayor of San Francisco declared "Tommy Castro Day" in recognition of the artist's unselfish efforts in support of various community projects as well as his musical achievements while serving as The City's unofficial musical ambassador throughout the country and the world.

Castro and his brilliant band have captured a hold on legions of fans and critics alike everywhere with their mesmerizing blend of rock, blues, and Memphis soul. The band began the new year performing on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, followed by headlining the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue Tour.

The start of 2007 also saw the release of Castro's latest CD, Painkiller, which debuted at #3 on the Billboard Blues Chart. In a CD review Billboard said, "San Francisco's Tommy Castro is known as a major blues player. But there's always been a good deal of soul and rock in his blues, and some of the top tunes on Painkiller show those influences in the best possible light."

In expressing his gratitude to all the blues fans that voted for him, Castro said, "I like these kind of awards best because it is folks that support the music, the average Blues fan, that is giving me the thumbs up. That makes me feel great! It's great when industry people recognize me, but when it comes down to it, it's the people who listen to the music that I have spent my life making that really matter. Thank you!"