Blues legend Bobby “Blue” Bland passed away at his Memphis home yesterday (June 23) from a prolonged illness, according to his son Rod Bland.
His hits such as "Further On Up the Road" and "Turn on Your Love Light" established him as the “Frank Sinatra of Blues,” due to his lush arrangements with strings and swanky style influenced by Nat King Cole, not to mention his famous growl.
His nickname “Blue” stems from not only the genre of music he sang, but his overall song themes of being lovesick, especially when he released the song "Little Boy Blue." Without much recognition, he recorded with record exec and producer Sam Phillips who helped to launch the careers of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash in the early 50s, but his fame rose in the early 60s with 1963’s "Call on Me," "That's the Way Love Is," and 1964’s "Ain't Nothing You Can Do."
Bland was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, his songs having been covered by many rock and rollers, including David Bowie and Eric Clapton.
Bobby “Blue” Bland was 83.
Bobby “Blue” Bland, the legendary blues singer who inspired generations of fans and artists alike with his unique sound, has passed away at age 83. His career spanned an incredible 60 years, during which time he created some of Blues’ most beloved hits. He was truly one of a kind, and will be remembered as an icon in music history.
Bland’s deep baritone voice earned him numerous awards throughout his lifetime. In 1992 he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for his immense contributions to the genre; three years later he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Rhythm & Blues Foundation. After decades in the spotlight, Bland had become synonymous with Blues music – it seemed impossible to imagine any conversation about the genre without mentioning his name.
During his long-running career, Bland released over 50 albums and collaborated with countless other musicians. From Elvis Presley to B.B King and even Eric Clapton, many have cited him as being influential on their own works – proof that even after all these years, Bobby “Blue” Bland continues to make waves in the world of music.
Biography Of Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland
Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland was born Robert Calvin Brooks in Rosemark, Tennessee on January 27th 1930. He had a passion for music from an early age and began singing gospel with his family’s church choir at the age of seven. By the time he was sixteen, Bland had moved to Memphis and began performing professionally as part of local groups like The Beale Streeters and The Minors.
In 1956, after signing with Duke Records, Bland released “Farther Up the Road” which became one of his most recognizable hits. It marked a transition from blues to soul that helped him become known internationally by 1960s. His success continued over the next two decades when he released several albums including Dreamer (1968) and Reflections in Blue (1974). Alongside his musical career, Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland also acted as an ambassador for African-American culture during the Civil Rights Movement.
On June 23rd 2019, Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland passed away at St Francis Hospital in Memphis due to complications from an ongoing illness. He left behind a legacy of timeless soulful music that will forever be remembered by generations around the world.
Legacy And Impact Of His Music
Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland’s influence on music has been far-reaching. His sound was one of a kind and featured elements of blues, soul, R&B, and gospel that mixed together to create a style all its own. He wrote songs about heartache and pain as well as joyous celebration – emotions that resonate with people from any era or background. As an artist, he also pushed boundaries by incorporating new instruments into his music like electric guitar solos and even synthesizers at times.
The impact of Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland extends beyond the world of music too. During the Civil Rights Movement in America, he used his fame to fight for racial equality and social justice through interviews and public appearances. He even appeared alongside Dr Martin Luther King Jr during the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Worker Strike which highlighted the need for fair wages among workers in the city.
In many ways, Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland not only left behind an incredible catalog of timeless music but also helped shape modern culture in profound ways through his activism and artistry. His legacy will continue to live on long after him, inspiring generations of musicians who strive to make their mark on history just as he did.
Conclusion
I. Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland was a legendary blues singer whose music had an immense impact on the genre. He released more than 70 albums during his lifetime, and his work was praised by everyone from Johnny Cash to B.B King. His influence still resonates in today’s popular music scene, having inspired countless artists over the years.
II. As with many musicians of his era, it wasn’t until later in life that he received recognition for his musical genius. He earned multiple awards and honors throughout his career, including being inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and receiving numerous Grammy nominations. Despite this acclaim, however, he never achieved mainstream success due to issues with racism at the time.
III. Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland will be remembered as one of the most influential figures in modern blues history. His legacy will live on through generations of fans who have been touched by his unique style and unforgettable voice. Though we mourn his passing, we can take comfort knowing that he left behind a timeless collection of music that will continue to inspire people around the world for years to come.