Bobby Rush

Born as Emmit Ellis, Jr. on Novermber 10 n1940 in Homer, Louisiana, Bobby Rush has become a blues legend with a signature sound he calls "Folk Funk". While initially a Chicago blues singer he eventually broke through with his funkified, soul/blues with risqué subject matter. In 1971 he scored a #34 R & B hit with "Chicken Heads" and soon followed that up with regional hits on Jewel Records like "It's Alright", "Bow-Legged Woman, Knock Kneed Man" & "She's A Good'un". Bobby began crafting a unique style that incorporated blues, funk and folk. From Jewel, he went to Warner Brothers then to Philadelphia International Records. By 1982, Rush had signed with LaJam Records out of Jackson, Mississippi, where he released five albums, one of which was the phenomenally successful hit Sue, and became a major attraction in the South. But it was in 1995 that Bobby found a home at Malaco's Waldoxy label. At Waldoxy, he released One Monkey Don't Stop No Show which was nominated for two W. C. Handy Awards. The Living Blues Critics' Poll named him the year's Best Live Performer in 1995. In 1996 and 1997, he captured the Real Blues Magazine Award as The Best Soul/R & B Live Performer. After leaving Waldoxy 2003 was a pivotal year for Rush as he was prominently featured in Richard Pearce's documentary film "The Road To Memphis," broadcast on PBS as part of Martin Scorsese's film series "The Blues" and also saw the launch of his Deep Rush record label. He's released three excellent albums to date on the label. His live shows are a riot with his vaudevillian instincts, horny showmanship, and knack for writing tunes that brim with playful down-home wit.