Bobby Rush (born Emmett Ellis Jr. on November 10, 1933) is an American blues musician and singer known as the "King of the Chitlin' Circuit". Renowned for his high-energy live shows, his unique "folk funk" style blends traditional Delta blues, soul, rap, and funk with comedy.
Born in Homer, Louisiana, he learned the harmonica and built primitive diddley bows as a child. To sneak into juke joints as an underage performer, he famously fashioned a fake mustache. In the early 1950s, he relocated to Chicago, playing with blues legends like Elmore James and Freddie King.
By the 1980s, he settled in Jackson, Mississippi, firmly establishing himself as a southern soul powerhouse. A prolific recording artist, his storied career highlights include:
First GRAMMY Award: Won in 2017 for his album Porcupine Meat.
Second GRAMMY Award: Won in 2021 for Rawer Than Raw.
Third GRAMMY Award: Won in 2024 for All My Love For You.
Hall of Fame: Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2006.
Documentary Features: Appeared in Martin Scorsese's The Blues and the film Take Me to the River.
Biography
Bobby Rush (born Emmett Ellis Jr. on November 10, 1933) is an American blues musician and singer known as the "King of the Chitlin' Circuit". Renowned for his high-energy live shows, his unique "folk funk" style blends traditional Delta blues, soul, rap, and funk with comedy.
Born in Homer, Louisiana, he learned the harmonica and built primitive diddley bows as a child. To sneak into juke joints as an underage performer, he famously fashioned a fake mustache. In the early 1950s, he relocated to Chicago, playing with blues legends like Elmore James and Freddie King.
By the 1980s, he settled in Jackson, Mississippi, firmly establishing himself as a southern soul powerhouse. A prolific recording artist, his storied career highlights include:
First GRAMMY Award: Won in 2017 for his album Porcupine Meat.
Second GRAMMY Award: Won in 2021 for Rawer Than Raw.
Third GRAMMY Award: Won in 2024 for All My Love For You.
Hall of Fame: Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2006.
Documentary Features: Appeared in Martin Scorsese's The Blues and the film Take Me to the River.
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