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2022 Award Recipient

Joe Louis Walker

Joe Louis Walker, a versatile blues icon, blends gospel, jazz, and rock. A prolific artist and mentor, his legacy and influence span generations, keeping the blues vibrant and evolving.

2014 Award Recipient

Eddie Shaw

Eddie Shaw, a legendary saxophonist, shaped blues with his work alongside Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. His legacy endures through his music and mentorship in the blues community.

2013 Award Recipient

John Primer

John Primer, a stalwart of Chicago blues, rose from Mississippi roots to fame with Muddy Waters and Magic Slim. His authentic style and mentoring keep the blues vibrant for future generations.

2012 Award Recipient

Bobby Rush

Bobby Rush, a blues legend, rose from humble beginnings in Louisiana to Grammy-winning fame, blending traditional blues with funk and soul, inspiring generations with his dynamic performances and resilience.

2012 Award Recipient

Lonnie Brooks

Lonnie Brooks, born in Louisiana, became a blues icon with his unique blend of Delta, Texas, and Chicago blues. His influential career, marked by dynamic performances and mentoring, left a lasting legacy.

2011 Award Recipient

Otis Clay

Otis Clay, a gospel-rooted soul and blues icon, bridged musical genres with his powerful voice, leaving a lasting legacy of emotional depth and community dedication.

2010 Award Recipient

Hubert Sumlin

Hubert Sumlin, a blues guitar legend, known for his emotive, innovative style with Howlin' Wolf, influenced generations of musicians, leaving an enduring legacy in blues and rock.

2009 Award Recipient

Sugar Pie DeSanto

Sugar Pie DeSanto, a dynamic blues artist, blended cultural influences into her music, leaving a lasting legacy of passionate performances and powerful vocal delivery.

2009 Award Recipient

Magic Slim

Magic Slim, born Morris Holt, was a blues titan from Mississippi. His powerful guitar and gritty vocals defined Chicago blues, leaving an enduring legacy in the genre.

2008 Award Recipient

Denise LaSalle

Denise LaSalle, born in Mississippi, rose to fame with hits like "Trapped by a Thing Called Love." A trailblazing blues singer, songwriter, and producer, her legacy inspires future generations.

2008 Award Recipient

Billy Boy Arnold

Billy Boy Arnold, a Chicago blues legend, revolutionized harmonica playing and influenced generations with hits like "I Wish You Would," leaving an indelible mark on blues and rock music.

2007 Award Recipient

Nappy Brown

Nappy Brown, born in 1929, blended gospel, blues, and R&B with his powerful voice. His hits like "Don't Be Angry" and dynamic performances left a lasting legacy in music.

2007 Award Recipient

Jimmie Jones

Jimmie Jones, a jazz and blues historian, photographer, and advocate, dedicated his life to preserving and promoting these genres, leaving a lasting legacy of passion and education.

2007 Award Recipient

Alberta Adams

Alberta Adams, the Queen of Detroit Blues, rose from humble beginnings to become a trailblazing vocalist, blending blues, jazz, and gospel, leaving an enduring legacy in American music.

2006 Award Recipient

James Cotton

James Cotton, "Superharp," revolutionized blues harmonica, mentored by Sonny Boy Williamson II and played with Muddy Waters. His energetic performances and albums left a lasting legacy on the blues genre.

2005 Award Recipient

Sterling D. Plumpp

Sterling Plumpp, a blues poet, bridged music and literature, capturing African American experiences in his works. His legacy inspires future generations in both genres.

2005 Award Recipient

R. L. Burnside

R.L. Burnside, a Mississippi blues legend, fused traditional Delta blues with modern sounds. His gritty style and resilience left an enduring impact on the blues genre and future generations.

2004 Award Recipient

Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown

Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, a genre-blending blues virtuoso, left an indelible mark on music with his eclectic style, Grammy-winning albums, and unforgettable performances. His legacy endures.

2004 Award Recipient

Bob Koester

Bob Koester, founder of Delmark Records, preserved and promoted blues and jazz, impacting the genre significantly with his recordings and dedication. His legacy endures through his work and influence.

2003 Award Recipient

John Mayall

John Mayall, the "Godfather of British Blues," shaped the genre with his Bluesbreakers, nurturing legends like Eric Clapton. His enduring legacy continues to inspire musicians worldwide.

2003 Award Recipient

Henry Townsend

Henry Townsend, a blues legend, bridged Delta and urban styles. Spanning 80 years, his career included iconic recordings, influential mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the blues.

2003 Award Recipient

Fred Anderson

Fred Anderson, a saxophone virtuoso, bridged jazz and blues. From Louisiana to Chicago, his innovation and mentorship left a lasting impact on the music scene and future generations.

2002 Award Recipient

“Little Milton” Campbell

Little Milton, born James Milton Campbell, was a soulful bluesman from Mississippi. Known for blending blues and soul, his hits like "We're Gonna Make It" left a lasting legacy on the genre.

2001 Award Recipient

Odetta

Odetta Holmes, the "Voice of the Civil Rights Movement," bridged folk and blues, inspiring artists like Bob Dylan. Her powerful performances championed social justice and equality.

2001 Award Recipient

Koko Taylor

Koko Taylor, the "Queen of the Blues," rose from humble beginnings in Tennessee to blues stardom with hits like "Wang Dang Doodle," breaking barriers and influencing future generations.

2001 Award Recipient

John Dee Holeman

John Dee Holeman was a Piedmont blues artist known for his fingerpicking guitar style, blending traditional and modern blues. His legacy includes preserving the Piedmont blues and influencing future generations.

2000 Award Recipient

Henry Gray

Henry Gray, born in Louisiana in 1925, was a pioneering blues pianist who shaped Chicago blues. His legacy lives on through iconic recordings and influence on future musicians.

2000 Award Recipient

Gene “Daddy G” Barge

Gene "Daddy G" Barge, saxophonist and producer, shaped blues and R&B with Chess Records, iconic tracks, and innovative arrangements, leaving a lasting legacy in music.

2000 Award Recipient

Boozoo Chavis

Boozoo Chavis, zydeco pioneer, blended Creole, blues, and Cajun sounds. Known for hits like "Paper in My Shoe," he shaped zydeco and influenced future generations.

2000 Award Recipient

Bobby “Blue” Bland

Bobby "Blue" Bland, born in Tennessee, became a blues legend with hits like "Two Steps from the Blues." His blend of blues and soul influenced countless artists, leaving a lasting legacy.

1999 Award Recipient

Pinetop Perkins

Pinetop Perkins, born in 1913, was a legendary blues pianist whose career spanned eight decades. His boogie-woogie style and influence on the blues genre remain unmatched.

1999 Award Recipient

Howard Armstrong

Howard Armstrong, a versatile blues musician, blended diverse musical traditions, influenced American roots music, and left a lasting legacy through his recordings and charismatic performances.

1999 Award Recipient

Francis Clay

Francis Clay, influential blues drummer, shaped the Chicago blues sound with Muddy Waters. His blend of jazz and blues rhythms left a lasting impact on the genre and future generations.

1998 Award Recipient

John Jackson

John Jackson, a master of Piedmont blues, rose from humble beginnings to preserve traditional blues, inspiring future generations with his authentic style and soulful performances.

1998 Award Recipient

Jay McShann

Jay McShann, a pioneering pianist and bandleader, blended blues and jazz, shaping Kansas City jazz and mentoring talents like Charlie Parker, leaving a lasting musical legacy.

1997 Award Recipient

Snooky Pryor

Snooky Pryor, a pioneering blues harmonica player, revolutionized the genre with his amplified sound. His influential career and innovative style left a lasting legacy on the blues.

1997 Award Recipient

Franz Jackson

Franz Jackson, a jazz and blues legend, bridged New Orleans jazz and Chicago blues, leaving a lasting legacy through his recordings, performances, and mentorship of young musicians.

1996 Award Recipient

Robert Lockwood Jr.

Robert Lockwood Jr., a pioneering blues guitarist mentored by Robert Johnson, fused delta and Chicago blues, leaving a lasting legacy through his recordings and mentorship.

1995 Award Recipient

David “Honeyboy” Edwards

David "Honeyboy" Edwards, a Delta blues legend, preserved traditional blues while inspiring future generations with his emotive guitar work and rich storytelling. His legacy endures.

2012 Award Recipient

Bobby Rush

A Blues Legend

Bobby Rush, born Emmett Ellis Jr. on November 10, 1933, in Homer, Louisiana, grew up in a deeply musical environment. His father, a pastor, was a key influence, nurturing his son’s talent and passion for music. The young Bobby Rush was surrounded by the sounds of the church and the vibrant music scene of the South, which would lay the foundation for his future in the blues.

In the 1940s, his family relocated to Pine Bluff, Arkansas. It was here that Rush’s fascination with the blues deepened. Despite the challenges of growing up in the segregated South, he found solace and expression through music. His early experiences in this racially divided environment profoundly shaped his artistic voice, infusing his music with themes of resilience and joy.

Introduction to Music and Early Influences

Rush’s musical journey began in earnest during his teenage years. By the age of 13, he had crafted his first makeshift guitar by attaching a broom wire to the side of his house. His early influences included blues legends like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Elmore James, who would later become not only his idols but also his peers.

In the late 1940s, Rush moved to Chicago, the epicenter of the blues. This city, bustling with musical innovation, became a crucial training ground for the aspiring artist. He adopted the stage name “Bobby Rush” to avoid embarrassing his preacher father with his nightclub performances. In Chicago, he connected with iconic figures such as Buddy Guy, Freddie King, and Luther Allison, soaking up their styles and honing his craft.

Key Moments and Milestones in His Career

Bobby Rush’s career spans over seven decades, marked by numerous milestones that underscore his status as a blues legend. In the 1960s, he began recording with labels like Chess and ABC Records. His single “Sock Boo Ga Loo” became a regional hit, showcasing his ability to blend traditional blues with contemporary sounds.

The 1970s saw Rush’s breakthrough with the hit single “Chicken Heads,” which became his first certified gold record. This song’s funky, humorous style became a signature of Rush’s performances, highlighting his knack for storytelling and audience engagement.

Rush continued to release a series of successful albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including “Sue” and “A Man Can Give It.” His energetic stage presence, complete with flamboyant costumes and a dynamic band, set him apart as a live performer, earning him a devoted following.

Significant Albums, Songs, and Performances

One of Bobby Rush’s most acclaimed albums is “Porcupine Meat,” released in 2016. This record won him his first Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album, a testament to his enduring talent and relevance. Songs like “I Don’t Want Nobody Hanging Around” and “Porcupine Meat” are celebrated for their authentic blues sound and Rush’s charismatic delivery.

His live performances are legendary, known for their high energy and engagement. Notable performances include appearances at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the Chicago Blues Festival. Rush’s ability to connect with his audience, often weaving humorous anecdotes into his sets, makes his shows memorable experiences.

Impact on the Blues Genre and Music Industry

Bobby Rush’s influence on the blues genre and the broader music industry is profound. He has been a bridge between the traditional blues of the past and the evolving sounds of the present. His innovative approach, blending blues with funk, soul, and elements of hip-hop, has broadened the genre’s appeal to new generations.

Rush’s work ethic and dedication to his craft have inspired countless musicians. His perseverance in an industry that has often marginalized African American artists is a testament to his resilience and passion for the blues.

Personal Anecdotes or Notable Stories

One of the most endearing aspects of Bobby Rush’s career is his ability to find humor and joy in the blues. He often shares stories of his early days in Chicago, playing alongside legends and scraping by to make a living. His anecdotes about creating makeshift guitars and sneaking into clubs to watch his idols paint a vivid picture of his determination and love for music.

A notable story is his collaboration with the late bluesman Elmore James. Rush recounts how, as a young man, he was awestruck by James’s talent and generosity. These experiences, playing with and learning from blues greats, deeply influenced his musical style and philosophy.

Legacy and Influence on Future Generations

Bobby Rush’s legacy is cemented as one of the most versatile and enduring blues artists. His ability to adapt and innovate has kept his music relevant through the decades. Rush has received numerous accolades, including multiple Blues Music Awards and a Grammy.

His influence extends beyond his music. As a mentor, Rush has guided young artists, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience. He remains a vibrant and active figure in the blues community, continuing to perform and record well into his 80s.

In conclusion, Bobby Rush’s life and career encapsulate the spirit of the blues. From his humble beginnings in Louisiana to his rise as a Grammy-winning artist, his journey is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and passion. His contributions to the blues genre and his impact on future generations of musicians ensure that his legacy will endure for many years to come.

A Poem for Bobby

Truth Beneath Humor

For you, the experience
you know become lyrics
you sing and dance
no matter how you frame

the truth people
face in their quest
to be human, ordinary
folks doing everyday things.

For “Sue” and “The Sniffer”
are just ordinary folk
doing ordinary things
in an everyday fashion.

We laugh and dance
to your music, get
the truth beneath humor,
heal the wounds our faults

multiply daily because
as long as we breathe,
we stumble, fall down, get up
and keep on going.

It’s your music that lifts
us up, jump-starts
our days, yeah, pushes us
forward.

— Sterling D. Plumpp

Background

BornNovember 10, 1933
Homer, Louisiana, United States
GenresBlues, electric blues, soul, R&B, funk, disco, acoustic blues, soul-blues
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, record producer
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar, harmonica
LabelsVarious