Blues legend Bobby Bland passed away at the age of 83 on Sunday, at his Memphis home, surrounded by family. His death resulted from complications related to an ongoing illness, according to his son, Rodd Bland.
Bobby Bland, often referred to as “the Sinatra of the blues,” left a significant mark on the blues genre with his unique style. He was heavily influenced by Nat King Cole and was known for his smooth vocals, often accompanied by elaborate musical arrangements. His admiration for Frank Sinatra was evident, even to the point of emulating Sinatra on the cover of his album *Two Steps From The Blues*, where he posed in a manner reminiscent of the famous singer, with a coat draped over his shoulder in front of a building.
Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, the son of renowned musician and producer Willie Mitchell, remarked on Bland’s influence, noting that he brought a level of sophistication to the blues that elevated the genre.
Bland’s life and career were closely intertwined with other blues greats, particularly BB King, with whom he shared a deep connection. Early in his career, Bland worked as King’s valet and chauffeur. This connection to the roots of the blues made Bland one of the last living links to the genre’s origins. His contributions to music were recognized in 1992 when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Born in Rosemark, Tennessee, Bland moved to Memphis as a teenager. His rise to prominence in the blues scene began in the vibrant musical environment of Memphis’s Beale Street, a scene that also produced BB King. According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Bland was second only to King in terms of influence as a product of Beale Street’s blues tradition.
After serving in the army, Bland started recording with Sam Phillips at Sun Records in the early 1950s, but his early efforts yielded little success. However, by the late 1950s, Bland began to find his stride. His breakthrough came in 1957 with the release of “Further On Up the Road,” which became his first number one hit on the R&B charts.
The early 1960s marked a period of sustained success for Bland, beginning with the release of “I’ll Take Care of You” in 1960. He went on to release a string of R&B hits, including the classics “Turn On Your Love Light” and “I Pity the Fool,” both from 1961. “I Pity the Fool” became so influential that it was covered by numerous rock artists, including David Bowie and Eric Clapton. Clapton even made “Further On Up the Road” a regular part of his performances.
Reflecting on his father’s legacy, Rodd Bland highlighted Bobby’s generosity and willingness to help others, describing him as a person who was always ready to offer assistance in any way possible.
