Three-Time Grammy Winner, Eighteen-Time Blues Music Award Recipient, and Blues Hall of Fame Inductee: The Legendary Bobby Rush Defies Age with His Latest Album 'All My Love For You', Continuing to Inspire Generations! 

Blues Virtuoso Bobby Rush: Defying Time with 'All My Love For You' - A Testament to Legendary Talent and Enduring Influence! 

INTERVIEW BY: GINA SEDMAN, WRITER/JOURNALIST & HEAD EDITOR 

A musical maestro hailed by the industry elite, Bobby Rush is a living legend boasting a trio of GRAMMY accolades and a permanent spot in the Blues Hall of Fame. With a resume adorned with eighteen Blues Music Awards and six Grammy nominations, Rush's star power knows no bounds. Not content with just musical triumphs, he's also made his mark on the silver screen, making a memorable appearance in the Netflix gem "Dolemite Is My Name" alongside Eddie Murphy.  

At an age when most would consider retirement, Rush defies expectations with his electrifying stage presence, leaping into the air with the energy of a performer half his age. His global tour schedule, from commanding European festivals to captivating audiences at renowned venues like Jazz at Lincoln Center, is a testament to his enduring talent and unwavering passion. His upcoming album, 'All My Love For You', set for release under his label, Deep Rush Records, is a testament to his creative spark that shows no signs of dimming. Always looking forward, Rush recently revitalized his classic hit 'Chicken Heads' by collaborating with blues legends Buddy Guy and Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram.  

Rush's journey to fame began in the humble rural landscapes of Louisiana, where he ingeniously crafted his first guitar using everyday items around the house. His story is one of seeking refuge from the cotton fields, finding solace and comfort in the lively juke joints that filled his youthful days. This humble start is a testament to his determination and love for music.   

Throughout the years, Rush has surpassed limitations, captivating audiences that extend far beyond the conventional blues scene. From timeless singles to mesmerizing documentaries, their impact resonates throughout the pages of music history.   

With an impressive list of accomplishments, Rush has managed to stay grounded and committed to his origins. He has continuously supported African American audiences and celebrated the vibrant history of blues folklore. As he prepares for the next phase of his journey, Rush's love for the blues only intensifies, guaranteeing that his impact will be felt for many generations to come. 

Hi, Mr. Rush; meeting and interviewing you today is an honor. Thank you very much for the opportunity.   

Well, it is indeed my pleasure. So, tell me, can you give me a little background on where you are initially from and currently located? Yes, I'm from a little place called Homer Haynesville, Louisiana. 

Awesome! Mr. Rush, could you tell me about your musical journey? Well, I was raised on a family farm. I built my first guitar from scratch using household items after picking cotton, caring for mules, and caring for chickens. After working in the cotton fields, Saturday nights were spent at juke joints, and Mondays were spent working for the man. I left my hometown in 1947 and went to Pine Bluff, AR, with my dad, who was a guitar and harmonica player, as well as a preacher and pastor of two churches. 

Around 1949 and 1950, I felt the desire to become a blues singer. I had some guys help me with that; Elmore James, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf, B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed, and many others. We call them the old guys, but nevertheless, there is nothing new under the sun. In my opinion, the old guys are the best guys. They taught me everything I know about the Blues, life, and everything in between. 

Awesome! What a blessing to be able to say that you were mentored by such great and talented men of music. Thank you, Mr. Rush. Can you tell me a bit about your father's influence on your life? Coming up as a child with my dad being a preacher, I would say that my dad was probably the biggest influence on me because I had so much respect for what he did and what he stood for. 

He never told me to sing, but he never told me not to sing, either. So, to me, that was a green light for me to do what I'm doing today. 

I know I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing today if my dad had said, "Don't sing the blues." I had that type of respect for my dad, and I knew what he said was right for me. And I thank my father for guiding me on some part of my journey. 

That's so amazing! What a blessing to have such an amazing and supportive father. I learned a lot from my dad, too, and I miss him so much. Out of everyone who influenced you, there's nothing like the example you get from a dad who truly loves you and wants to see what's best for you. 

Thank you for sharing that with me. Mr. Rush, you gave me just a little bit of background about how you got started and about the people who helped you get your start in music. How did you know that pursuing a career in music was something that you really wanted to do? That was a combination of a few things. When I was about eight or nine years old, my first cousin gave me a guitar, and I hid it in a loft. It was like a barn because we lived in the country. One day, my dad said, "Junior," and I replied, "Yes, sir." Then he said, "Come here, boy, and bring the guitar." I thought he didn't know I had a guitar. Then he said, "Sit down, boy," and he started tuning it up. I didn't know my daddy could play anything but the harmonica. I knew he played the harmonica, but I didn't know he knew about the guitar. So, he tuned it. 

I thought he was a great player because I wasn't around anyone who could play, so he was my biggest influence. Then he said, "Boy, let me play you this song I used to sing to this little girl when I was a little older than you." I thought the song my dad was going to play was "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah When I Lay My Burden Down." But it wasn't about "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah," and it wasn't about my mama. 

Then my dad started singing this song, and he said, "She fell down, and I saw something." It was right there in the first verse, "She fell down, and he saw something." 

My mama was in the kitchen and heard it, but she didn't want my dad to sing that song. But I wanted him to sing it. (Laughs) That's when I knew I wanted to be a blues singer. I wanted to sing about women of all shapes and sizes. 

Thank you for sharing your story about your first guitar. I loved it! Mr. Rush, I've noticed that you're familiar with numerous accomplished artists from previous generations. It's fascinating how they possessed the skill of playing instruments. Even in my own generation, I grew up surrounded by a plethora of talented musicians, both solo artists and bands. So, I'm curious: do you think that during your upbringing, knowing how to play an instrument and sing was considered a fundamental requirement for success? It wasn't just enough to be a singer, right? Well, if you didn't know how to play it, you had to know how to structure it. Looking back on it, I realize that I had the structure and the talent because I never practiced playing it. It was something that came naturally to me, you know. And now, here I am doing what I do with the harmonica, the guitar, the bass, and even a little drum. But I never had to rehearse for that because it was just a natural thing for me. Also, God gave me the gift of a good memory. Even today, out of the numerous songs I have, I still sing and remember most of them. I can still recite at least 350 songs. My ability to do what I do is an inner gift from God. 

Wow, your memory is amazing! Half of the time, I can't remember what I ate yesterday. (laughs) We're the ones who paved the way for these rappers, you know? They took our style, people like me and James Brown. Without Bobby Rush, there wouldn't be a “50 Cent.” It would be a dime, a quarter, or something like that. (laughs)  

Mr. Rush, that's hilarious! You have to educate the younger generation. (Laughs) I love it! Now, as a young child, you started experimenting with an instrument called the Diddley Bow. What is it, and how do you play it? I didn't know about the "Diddley Bow," all I knew was that I was playing a one-string guitar. I had a broom wire, a brick at the top, and a bottle at the bottom. One day, the brick fell out and hit me on the head, causing it to bleed. So, I got really smart. I decided to reverse it and put the bottle at the top and the brick at the bottom so that if it broke, it wouldn't hit me on the head. Depending on how it's positioned, it will produce a different sound. The bottle will carry the sound (a bottleneck sound), but the brick won't; it hides the sound. 

Very informative and interesting. Thank you for sharing. Mr. Rush, when I was young, the process of getting into the music industry involved the traditional approach of submitting a demo to the label or even performing in person and hoping to get noticed. Nowadays, social media presence and popularity are more important. I would like to hear about your personal experience and process of breaking into the music business. I was listening, learning, and making mistakes. That's how I grew. I learned so much by watching the mistakes of other artists like myself. Let me tell you, many Black blues artists crossed over, but I'm one of the few who did so without losing my Black audience. Sadly, many artists who crossed over ended up in trouble or even dead. 

Bobby Rush is one of the few who slipped through the cracks. Imagine this: when your mom and pop could survive the rat race, and when you're corporate, you can too. But in between, you're stuck, too big for one thing and not big enough for another. People wonder how this guy who wasn't big enough to notice managed to slip through. I was that guy who could read and write decently, but nobody knew because I wasn't a threat. I didn't carry a briefcase like a lawyer, but I heard a lot because I was like a doorkeeper.  

When white folks discussed things, I was in or near the office, listening in. They never thought I could read or write, and I hid that fact so I could keep my position as a doorkeeper.  

By doing that, I learned things I wasn't supposed to. I remember when I was 12, my dad pulled me out of school. He had ten kids, and I was the ninth. He wanted me to leave school so he could afford to send the others. He thought I was smart enough to make it without schooling. At the time, I felt proud, but later, I realized it was a disadvantage. 

He put me in a cotton gin owned by white people. "Junior," he said, "I want you to get a job at the gin. They'll only pay you $3.50 a week." 

The white folks at the gin talked about the Dow Jones—a foreign language to most Black people back then. While they sat around talking, I soaked up all the information. They'd say things like, "We can sell watermelon for this price or okra for that price, but we must keep the cotton price down."  

When I got home, my dad would ask, "Junior, what did you hear today?" I'd tell him, "You can sell okra and peanuts, but not cotton." I shared their secret conversations.  

I gathered this info by shining shoes. I kept sand in one pocket and a rag in the other. I'd throw sand on a white man's shoe and shine it while listening. When my father asked what they said, I'd tell him, "You can't sell this or that." I knew because I had the Dow Jones scoop. Even today, I remember it clearly because of that training and because I never let them know I could read or write.  

Wow, that's incredible! I'm really amazed. So, I'm curious: could you share with me the age at which you first signed your major record deal? I'd love to hear all about it! When I was about 14 or 15 years old, I pretended to be 18 so that I could get into a club and perform.  

At the time, my plan was to write until I found a good writer, produce myself until I found a producer, and book myself until I found an agent. I was determined to handle everything myself until I found trustworthy people to take over. After about 20 years of this, B.B. King approached me and said, "Bobby." I responded, "Yes, sir, Mr. B.B." He said, "You've done so well for yourself; why don't you produce an album for me?"  

I was astonished. "Me?" I thought. Then, I reflected on everything I had learned from my mistakes and the ups and downs. I thought about how I had been misused over the years. This was around 1951. 

I went to Chicago to get a job at Chess Records. When I arrived, I sat at a table with Muddy Waters and J.B. Lenoir. J.B. said, "Come on in here, Bobby Rush, and get this job today!" But I waited patiently for Leonard and Phil Chess, the two brothers who owned Chess Records, to come out of their office. 

Finally, one of them emerged. There was a pamphlet on the table that said, "Local 10 and 208 are merging." I said to the other guys at the table, "This is going to be great for all of us colored men." Then Leonard asked, "What are you guys laughing about?" Bo Diddley said, "Bobby Rush said the union is merging." I didn't understand why he was laughing at me. I didn't know at the time that I shouldn't have been reading it. That pamphlet was meant for white people only.   

Then the other brother walked out, and they were still laughing. Leonard asked Phil what we were laughing about. They told him, "Bobby Rush said the union is merging." Leonard asked me where I got that information, and I told him, "I got it off your desk." He threw a piece of paper at me and said, "What does that say, boy?" I read it to him, and he turned around and told his brother, "We can't hire that [N-word] because he can read." So, I didn't get the job.   

From that moment on, I knew I needed to follow what Sam Cooke was doing. I built a relationship with Sam Cooke and started asking him about contracts, writers, airplay, and everything related to the music business. 

Mr. Rush, it's great that you were smart enough to consult with individuals who possess that kind of expertise in the industry. Many miss out on such opportunities or simply don't bother seeking out such valuable advice, so kudos to you for taking that initiative. Smart individuals always seek guidance from the wise. That seems to be a lost art with many of our young people these days. I miss the days when young people gleaned from the older.   

You know, another one of the things I truly missed from my childhood was attending concerts and witnessing the incredible outfits worn by the bands. It's fascinating to see how they express themselves through their attire. Attire played a significant role in creating that unique atmosphere. It's all part of the experience.  

I've noticed in some videos that you still wear that sparkly, flashy jacket. I'm curious: How do you decide if a particular look represents Bobby Rush? What tends to catch your eye the most? Dressing like an entertainer has always been a priority for me. I often imagine how entertainers used to look and dress in the past. Nowadays, entertainers don't give much thought to their attire. However, what I wear is important because I want you to feel I value dressing up for you. It's important to me that your money is well spent when you come to see me perform. That's why I always strive to give my best and present myself in the best possible way. Every entertainer should feel a sense of responsibility towards their audience. 

Absolutely. When you think of Diana Ross and The Supremes, they had that special something that just captivated you. It wasn't just about the amazing voice and musicianship but the whole package, you know? And now, let's talk about entertainment. I heard that even at your age, Bobby Rush, you're still rocking the stage with so much energy. I can't even imagine doing half the things you do! What's the secret to moving around like you do on stage? I jump around, but not like I used to. (laughs) But, Gina, I'm blessed, and I'm still enthused.  

Now, I'm making a little money doing what I do. I'm really enthused about what I do, and I like what I'm doing. I'm still learning. I'm still educating myself and allowing people to educate me about what they know. And for what they don't know, I strive to do the things I cannot do because the things I can do take care of themselves. That's what I strive to do. 

I'm enthused because I know that a man or a woman can live a long time without water or food, but they can't live long without hope. So, I have hope, and I'm still enthused. 

I've made many mistakes in my life. Some of the things that I've done didn't come out like I thought they would, but I think I would do everything I've done in the past again because I did the best I could do at the time. So, I don't have any regrets. If a man or woman makes a mistake and they know it, they can correct themselves. The Bible teaches me that a man can do wrong for so long that he will think it's right. And if you think you're right, chances are you're wrong. But, if you know you're wrong, you can straighten that up.  

I'm a blues man, but I believe in what the Bible says. I know that I have not always done everything just right, but that's life.  

I want people to know that behind me doing what I do, I don't always get it right. I cross the bridge when I get to it; therefore, I don't ever say what I will or will not do. So, whatever I do that I get wrong, I'll try to do it better next time.  

Oh, absolutely! Let's dive right into the present because you're accomplishing some truly remarkable feats, and it's evident that you've been blessed with extraordinary talents. You're not just a one-time Grammy award winner but a two-time Grammy award-winning legend! On top of that, you've been honored with a place in the prestigious Blues Hall of Fame, and you've received six Grammy nominations and a staggering 14 Blues Awards. It's truly awe-inspiring!  

Now, let's talk about the emotions that come with such incredible achievements. How does it feel to have accomplished all of this? And after that, I'm really eager to explore your ventures in the world of film and music. You've contributed your exceptional skills to various films and projects, and I can't wait to hear more about that. But first, let's bask in the glory of your Grammy wins and the multitude of awards and accolades you've received. How does it feel to have reached such heights of success? I started off small. I have been nominated for a Blues Award 41 times, and I have won 19 awards. I was also nominated for a Grammy seven times, and I won three Grammys. The categories I was nominated for include Contemporary Blues Album for "Hoochie Man," Best Blues Album for "Down In Louisiana," Best Blues Album for "Decisions," and Best Traditional Blues Album for "Sitting On Top Of The Blues." I won a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album for "Porcupine Meat," Best Traditional Blues Album for "Rawer Than Raw," and my current nomination is for Best Traditional Blues Album for "All My Love For You."   

I won my first Grammy at the age of 83. This doesn't mean that I wasn't good or didn't have a good record. It just means that I wasn't recognized for the position I am in now. I don't blame anyone for not voting for me because I believe you should vote for whomever you want to vote for. However, I think as a society, we should strive to vote for what is good. Personally, I want to vote for the best music, whether it's mine or someone else's because if it's good, it's good. That's the standard I strive to set for young people. So, I would say, just be good at what you do. 

Wow, without a doubt, you possess an incredible amount of talent and skill in your craft. Your achievements are truly commendable, and I congratulate you on all your well-deserved successes. Speaking of your remarkable abilities, let's delve into the realm of your movies. I'm intrigued by your works such as "Dolemite" and "Murphy." Could you please share with me the story behind how these amazing opportunities came knocking at your door? Management asked me if I could play myself, Bobby Rush, in the movie. I said, "I'm not an actor; I'm just Bobby Rush." They replied, "We don't want you to be anyone else." When I heard that, I thought, who can be “Me” better than me? 

But here's where I messed up. They had budgeted to hire me for three days, giving me enough time to practice and get it right. I looked at the script and tossed it aside, thinking I would just be myself, Bobby Rush. I went to the studio to record my song live because I was told it would be a live recording.  

What I didn't know was that even though you tape it live, it's not truly live; you pantomime. Based on what I was told, I thought, "This is going to be easy," but it took all night!  

Oh no! (Laughs) Yeah, all night. Since I was one of the main stars, I had three days to get it right. Thankfully, I nailed it after two or three takes.  

Did you meet Eddie Murphy? I told my manager that when Eddie Murphy arrived, I wanted to meet him because I had so much respect for him. My manager said, "I heard he feels the same way about you, Bobby Rush." When Eddie Murphy arrived, he stopped the entire set to come over and hug me. What you saw in the movie wasn't scripted. He actually came up and talked to me. Then they said, "Good cut!"  

He told me that he and his team knew all about me. I was blown away. It was one of the best experiences of my life. It was amazing to know that not only Eddie Murphy but everyone on the set knew about me. He knew more about me than I knew about myself and that made me feel truly special. 

Wow, Mr. Rush, what an incredible story! Thank you so much for sharing it with me and all the readers of The Indie Post Magazine. It's truly a privilege to hear such amazing experiences. Now, let's dive into your latest musical masterpiece, "All My Love For You." I'm dying to know all about it! You know, I was debating on what I was going to name this CD. Then I thought of "All My Love For You." The song is about relationships in general. It's about showing appreciation to everyone who has been kind to me. And even to those who treat me differently, "All My Love For You" is for them too.  

This song is also my way of expressing gratitude to all the DJs, video producers, promoters, hosts, newspapers, and any media, as well as my fans who have been with me throughout the years and are still here. I want to send all my love and give my love to everybody. 

Wow, what a beautiful sentiment! It's truly heartwarming to hear you express such love and appreciation for those who have treated you differently. Your words about love being all-inclusive and your dedication to those who support you through your music are truly inspiring. Love, It's the one thing that we all should embrace, you know? I'm always preaching about love because I truly believe in its power. In a world that's constantly changing and spiraling out of control, love is what can bring us back. If we could just come together and love one another, we could heal so many wounds. Love has the ability to mend even the deepest scars. Your heart is truly golden, Mr. Rush. Thank you. And you're so right. It's funny that you mention that, given our world today. But it is true. It's all about love. I'm not trying to push any agenda on you or make it about religion. 

Go ahead and express your thoughts. No need to apologize. I take pride in declaring that I am a born-again Christian.  

The personal connection I have with Christ Jesus brings me immense joy. I have accepted Him as my Savior and Lord, and I strive to live out this relationship every day. It's not just a weekly routine for me; it's a constant journey. As a follower of Christ, I firmly believe that God's calling for us is to love. 

In the bible, Matthew 22:36-40 says, Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' [a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' [b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."  

Thank you for that. Nowadays, it's important to be cautious when discussing someone's religious background, as it can lead to being excluded based on your beliefs. However, I am a person of faith. I believe that God is present in everything, not just from a religious perspective but as a part of life itself. 

The love of Christ has been a guiding force for me. When I couldn't even pray for myself, the love and prayers of my family and others helped me succeed in what I did, and I'm still doing to this day. 

I don't believe it's a coincidence that I've lived this long. It's not solely because of my goodness but because of the blessings and "favor" that I've received. God has allowed me to live long enough to realize that I have much to learn. 

That's awesome, Mr. Rush! I just have a few more questions before we finish up. I'm curious: where are you currently touring? Where can fans see you perform live? And most importantly, will you be making a stop in the UK? If so, I definitely don't want to miss out on seeing you perform live. I just left the UK not too long ago, and I have a lot of upcoming show dates. I recommend anyone who wants to see me Google "Bobby Rush tour dates." I'm going back to my roots and doing what I love, and now I'm making the same kind of money that I would be making with big corporations, and I like that. 

It's lovely to be independent and to have the opportunity to connect intimately with your audience, sharing your unique creativity with your fans. I hear young black men talking about singing the Blues now, and they want to sound like a white guy trying to sound like a black guy. But I'm the kind of person who sounds like Bobby Ray, and you can see it and hear it in my music.  

I'm proud to be me, proud to be who I am, and proud to be able to learn where I came from. And that doesn't determine where I'll go. 

Thank you, Mr. Rush, for your insightful words. It is crucial for us to always remember our roots and where we come from. By staying grounded and humble, we can ensure that we never lose sight of our true selves. I firmly believe that each one of us is unique, as it is God's design. We should never strive to be mere replicas of others, regardless of their race.  

What truly matters is embracing the person that God has created us to be and striving to become the best version of ourselves. Your wisdom is greatly appreciated. Speaking of wisdom, before we conclude, I have one final question for you. 

As we wrap up this interview, could you kindly share some words of wisdom for aspiring artists who are navigating their way through the industry? Many young individuals often believe they have all the answers, but it is truly valuable to seek guidance from those who have already walked the path they aspire to take. What advice would you offer to emerging artists? To up-and-coming young artists, listen to me. As long as I have some wisdom to share, here's my advice: Be good at what you do. You don't have to look at others and compare yourself. If you're good at what you do, many opportunities will come your way. This is true for both men and women, especially writers. People might steal your work, but don't let that discourage you.  

If it's not worth stealing, it's not worth having. My advice is to do all you can while you can. There will come a time when you cannot do as much, and you don't want to have regrets.   

To all of you, I say this with love. You need to understand this lesson from me. When I was 15 years old, Muddy Waters invited me to his birthday party. He was 29 years old at the time. I forgot to go because I had just gotten married. My wife and I were busy, and I completely missed the party.   

Later that night, I remembered and rushed to where he was. Muddy Waters told me I missed his party and introduced me to some ladies who wanted to meet me. They were older, around 28 to 37 years old. I was so embarrassed that I left immediately.   

I don't want young people to have this same mindset. Just because someone is older doesn't mean they are out of touch. Let me share something my grandson, who is 32 years old, told me. He said, "Grandad, you're way behind. You need to get more with the times." He explained a few things to me, and three days later, he asked for $500 to help him out. 

This taught me that young people should listen to those who have been there and done that. While experience doesn't make someone right about everything, it does mean they've learned valuable lessons from their failures and successes.   

So, to all young artists, learn from those who have walked the path before you. They've faced challenges and overcome them, and their insights can be invaluable.   

In closing, I want everyone to look at what Bobby Rush has been through and know that you, too, can overcome challenges. That's why I share my life experiences – to teach and inspire you. I believe in living fully and doing my best at what I do. 

Mr. Rush, it is truly awe-inspiring to witness your incredible talent and dedication. I feel incredibly privileged to be in your presence today as you generously share a glimpse of your remarkable journey. May God shower His blessings upon every endeavor you undertake, aligning them with His divine purpose for your life. May the Lord safeguard you during all your travels, ensuring your safety and well-being. Furthermore, I pray that the Lord grants you unwavering strength, robust health, and a lifetime brimming with boundless joy and immeasurable happiness. 

I cannot express enough how incredibly proud I am of all your accomplishments. Your determination and hard work have not only paved the way for countless individuals but have also served as an inspiration for them. The impact you've made is immeasurable, and I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on all your remarkable achievements. Well, thank you. And one more thing before we go, I want to say thank you for everything you've done, what you're doing now, and what you plan to do. Your kindness means a lot. 

Thank you so much. I really appreciate this—it's been wonderful. May God bless you. Take care, my friend. Thank you, and God bless you. 

End Of Interview

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