BOBBY BLUE BLAND

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 Rosemark, 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 same company. Bland’s fifth single, “I Smell Trouble,” became a moderate 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 1960, “I Pity the Fool,” “Turn On Your Lovelight” and “St. James jinfirmary” all in 1961; “Stormy Monday” and “Yield Not to Temptation” 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-1960’s, however, and the nationwide acclaim that appeared imminent was never realized. Today, after 17 years of recording and dozens of singles, 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 demonstrated that he has time, patience, and talent.