Roomful Of Blues

Biography

Roomful of Blues is a renowned American jump blues and swing revival band that originated in Westerly, Rhode Island, in 1967. Founded by guitarist Duke Robillard and pianist Al Copley, the group began as a four-piece ensemble focused on Chicago blues but soon expanded both its lineup and musical horizons. By 1970, the addition of a horn section, including saxophonists Rich Lataille and Doug James, marked their shift toward the swinging, horn-driven blues and R&B of the 1940s and 1950s. Their energetic live performances quickly earned them a devoted following throughout New England, with a notable 15-year residency at the Knickerbocker Cafe cementing their reputation as a premier live act.[1][2]

The band's national breakthrough came in the late 1970s, aided by the mentorship of songwriter Doc Pomus, who helped secure their first record deal and co-produced their acclaimed self-titled debut album in 1977. Over the decades, Roomful of Blues became known for their precise musicianship and genre-blending style, incorporating elements of boogie-woogie, blues rock, and modern blues. Despite frequent lineup changes—over 60 musicians have been part of the band, including notable members like Ronnie Earl, Lou Ann Barton, and Sugar Ray Norcia—the group has maintained a consistent sound rooted in big band swing and blues tradition. Their discography includes Grammy-nominated albums such as 'Turn It On! Turn It Up!' and collaborations with artists across the blues and rock spectrum.[2][4][3]

Roomful of Blues' legacy lies in their role as torchbearers of classic American blues and swing, revitalizing these genres for new generations. Their influence extends beyond their own recordings and performances, as they have inspired countless musicians and contributed to the broader blues revival movement in the United States. The band's longevity and adaptability have made them a fixture in the blues community for over five decades.[2][1]

Fun Facts

• Roomful of Blues has had over 60 members since its founding, making it one of the most enduring and evolving blues bands in America.
• Count Basie once called them 'the hottest blues band I’ve ever heard' after they opened for him in 1974.
• They were approached by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd to be the original backing band for The Blues Brothers, but declined the offer.
• The band’s horn section and drummer played on Pat Benatar’s hit blues album 'True Love' and toured with her in 1991.

Members

• Lou Ann Barton
• Al Copley
• Ronnie Earl
• Carl Gerhard - trumpet
• Ken "Doc" Grace
• Doug James
• Greg Piccolo
• Duke Robillard
• Rhandy Simmons - bass

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Doc Pomus - Mentor and producer; helped secure their first record deal and co-produced debut album. (Roomful of Blues (1977, debut album)) [mid-1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Duke Robillard - Founding member, guitarist, and early bandleader; shaped the band's sound. (Roomful of Blues (1977), early albums) [1967–1980]
• Al Copley - Founding member and pianist; key in developing the band's boogie-woogie style. (Roomful of Blues (1977), early albums) [1967–1984]
• Ronnie Earl - Guitarist who replaced Duke Robillard and contributed to the band's 1980s sound. (Hot Little Mama, Varrick label albums) [1980–1988]
• Sugar Ray Norcia - Vocalist and harmonica player; revitalized the band in the 1990s. (Dance All Night (1994), Turn It On! Turn It Up! (1995)) [1991–1997]
• Pat Benatar - Roomful horn section and drummer John Rossi featured on her blues album. (True Love (1991)) [1991]

Artists Influenced

• The Blues Brothers (John Belushi & Dan Aykroyd) - Inspired by Roomful's sound and even considered them as a backing band. (Live performances, Blues Brothers act) [late 1970s]
• Curtis Salgado - Introduced Roomful to The Blues Brothers; influenced by their approach to blues. (Live collaborations) [late 1970s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Lower On Your List Of Priorities (Raisin' A Ruckus)
2. Boogie Woogie Country Girl (Raisin' A Ruckus)
3. Phone Zombies (In A Roomful Of Blues)
4. Backlash (Watch You When You Go)
5. That's A Pretty Good Love (Hook, Line & Sinker)
6. In A Roomful of Blues (In A Roomful Of Blues)
7. Every Dog Has Its Day (Raisin' A Ruckus)
8. Big Mamou (Raisin' A Ruckus)
9. New Orleans (Raisin' A Ruckus)
10. What Can I Do? (In A Roomful Of Blues)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #blues, #boogie-woogie, #jazz-fusion