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Fame, notoriously Fickle toward
blues singers, has been hovering close to
Bobby Bland for almost two decades;
always close but never quite touching
him. His rich blend of gospel and blues
has won him a steady, devoted (though
not overly large) following, particularly
in Chicago and Houston, his two
adopted homes. Although -his records
are consistent sellers, he ' s never had the
big hit. the spectacular success. That's
like the man himself ; consistent, steady,
even and dependable. His warm
baritone, tailored band arrangements
and his involvement with his audiences
have earned him the sobriquet “king of
the gospel blues."
Bland was born January 27, 1930,in
Roscmark, Tenn. His family moved to
Memphis, where he grew up absorbing
that city's gospel and blues influences.
He worked as driver and valet for B.B.
King and later drove for Roscoe
Gordon, the great Memphis blues singer.
Bland began singing professionally in
1949 with Adolph Duncan ' s band. His
career was interrupted when he was
drafted into the Army in 1952 after
recording “Drifting From Town to
Town" for the Modern label.
He signed with Duke Records (which
was formed in Memphis and moved to
Houston ) in 1955 and is still with the
Smell Trouble. * became a moderate
same company. Bland's fifth single. “ I
R&B hit in 1957 as did “Farther On Up
the Road " later that year and he was on
his way. His biggest hits were to come
during the next seven years ; " I 'll Take
Care of You, " in 1959. “ Cry Cry Cry "
in I960, “I Pity the Fool, " “Turn On
Your Lovelight " and “St. James
Infirmary" all in 1961; “Stormy
Monday" and “Yield Not to Tempta-
tion" in 1962; “Call On Me" and
“That's The Way Love Is " in 1963;and
“Ain ' t Doin' That Bad " and “Ain’t
Nothin You Can Do " in 1964.
*
He was named No. 1 rhythm and
blues vocalist in 1961 by Cash Box and
Bobby “Blue" Bland ( he later dropped
“Blue " to try to attract a wider
audience) seemed headed for the top.
His appeal reached its peak in the
mid- l960’s, however, and the nation-
wide acclaim that appeared imminent
years of recording and dozens of singles.
was never realized. Today, after 17
Bland is an undisputed blues pillar but
public recognition has not kept pace
with his achievements. There s still time,
'
however, and Bobby Bland has demon-
strated that he has time, patience, and
talent.
Chet Hippo
caecm