June 23 was a sad day for the music industry....on this day we lost Bobby "Blue" Bland. A giant in the industry, Bobby will be missed. Born Robert Calvin Brooks in Rosemark Tennessee, he moved to Memphis in 1947 and began singing with local gospel groups. After a stint in the Army in the early 1950's Bobby returned to Memphis and began establishing himself as a distinctive R&B singer. Touring with Junior Parker and others, he enjoyed some moderate success with songs like "Farther up the road", and "Little Boy Blue". Most noteworthy are early 1960's recordings especially the brilliant "Two Steps From The Blues", which is still listed by many critics as a top 10 all-time recording. As a live performer Bobby enjoyed success in the 1970's touring with great B.B. King (of which two amazing live records were released). Later in his career Bobby was experiencing a new popularity with his music being used in the movie "Lincoln Lawyer". In 2008 Bobby was honored with a tribute by Mick Hucknall (formerly of Simply Red) called "Tribute to Bobby". The Album reached 18 on the U.K. album chart.
Truly a labor of love, Hucknall succeeds in making a beautiful group of songs. Bobby passed June 23 2013 at his home in Germantown Tennessee. He was 83.
Enjoy "Cry, Cry, Cry" share with someone! http://youtu.be/sNrxz-A19WY
