BOBBY RUSH

Biography

Bobby Rush, born Emmett Ellis, Jr. in Homer, Louisiana, in 1937, is a legendary American blues musician renowned for his dynamic stage presence and innovative blend of blues, soul, and funk. Growing up in rural Louisiana and later Arkansas, Rush built his first guitar from broom wire and household items, developing his musical skills in juke joints while still a teenager. He adopted the stage name 'Bobby Rush' out of respect for his father, a preacher, and began performing with blues luminaries such as Elmore James and Boyd Gilmore in his youth.

In the 1950s, Rush moved to Chicago, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant blues scene and collaborating with icons like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, Earl Hooker, and Luther Allison. He developed a unique style he called 'folk funk,' fusing traditional blues with contemporary soul and funk elements, and became known for his lively, sometimes risqué performances that combined music, dance, and comedy. His 1971 hit 'Chicken Heads' marked his national breakthrough, and he continued to record prolifically, eventually earning the title 'King of the Chitlin’ Circuit' for his tireless touring across the network of African American clubs in the South.

Relocating to Jackson, Mississippi, in the early 1980s, Rush expanded his audience and garnered critical acclaim, winning multiple Blues Music Awards and three Grammy Awards. His influence extends across generations, and his late-career resurgence has brought him international recognition, including a historic performance at the Great Wall of China and features in major documentaries. Rush remains a vital force in blues, celebrated for both preserving tradition and pushing the genre forward.

Fun Facts

• Bobby Rush built his first guitar out of broom wire, nails, bottles, and bricks as a child in rural Louisiana.
• He often wore a fake mustache as a teenager to sneak into clubs and perform at juke joints before he was of legal age.
• Rush is recognized as the first blues artist to perform at the Great Wall of China in 2007.
• He is known for his entrepreneurial spirit, sometimes disguising himself as an emcee to collect double pay at his own shows.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Little Walter - Neighbor and inspiration in Chicago; inspired Rush to master the harmonica (Chicago blues sessions) [1950s]
• Elmore James - Bandmate in Rush's early band in Arkansas and Chicago (Live performances at Jackrabbit club) [late 1940s–1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Earl Hooker - Worked together in Chicago blues scene (Chicago blues sessions) [1950s]
• Luther Allison - Collaborated in Chicago; featured on later projects (Album 'Decisions' and live performances) [1950s, 2010s]
• Dr. John - Guest appearance on album (Album 'Decisions') [2014]
• Blinddog Smokin’ - Backing band on album (Album 'Decisions') [2014]

Artists Influenced

• Southern soul and blues performers - Inspired countless artists through his 'folk funk' style and energetic live shows; regarded as a model for contemporary blues entertainers (General influence on modern blues and soul) [1980s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Hey Baby (What Are We Gonna Do)
2. Juke (Sinners (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack))
3. You So Fine (Young Fashioned Ways)
4. I've Got Three Problems
5. Who Was That (Young Fashioned Ways)
6. Chicken Heads (Chicken Heads: A 50-Year History Of Bobby Rush)
7. Who Was That
8. Why I Sing The Blues (B.B. King's Blues Summit 100, Vol. I)
9. Chicken Heads
10. 99 And 1/2 Won't Do

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia