Emmett Ellis Jr
b. November 10th, 1933 in Homer (Louisiana)
CHICKEN HEADS
Omnivore
1964 - 1971
IT'S ALRIGHT
Ronn
1972 - 1974
Entre 1972 et 1974, Bobby Rush enregistra substantiellement pour les labels Jewel et Ronn de Stan Lewis. Les séances furent parfois produites par Lewis ou par Calvin Carter. Mais, le plus souvent, c'est Bobby lui-même qui les produit. Il grava des morceaux entre Blues cuivré et Soul sudiste au rythme souvent brut et excitant : It's alright" (trois versions), "She's a good un" (deux versions), "Get it on with me", "Bowlegged woman knock kneed man", "Dust my broom / Baby what you want me to do", "Am I good enough for you".
Between 1972 and 1974, Bobby Rush recorded extensively for Stan Lewis’s Jewel and Ronn labels. The sessions were sometimes produced by Lewis or Calvin Carter, but more often than not, Bobby produced them himself. He cut tracks that blended brassy blues with southern soul, characterized by raw and exciting rhythms : It's alright" (three versions), "She's a good un" (two versions), "Get it on with me", "Bowlegged woman knock kneed man", "Dust my broom / Baby what you want me to do", "Am I good enough for you".
RUSH HOUR
Philadelphia International
Charly
Westside
1979
Voici une incursion de Bobby Rush dans la musique Funk sous la houlette des producteurs Kenneth Gamble et Leon Huff. Un programme plaisant et dansant qui mérite une écoute attentive. On apprécie, en particulier, "I wanna do the do", "I can't find my keys", "Let's do it together" et "Nickname". La réédition CD de Westside ajoute une version allongée de "I wanna do the do".
Here is a foray by Bobby Rush into funk music, under the guidance of producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. It is an enjoyable, danceable collection that warrants a close listen. Standout tracks include "I wanna do the do", "I can't find my keys", "Let's do it together" and "Nickname". The CD reissue from Westside includes an extended version of "I wanna do the do".
SUE
LaJam
1982
Désormais installé à Jackson (Mississippi), Bobby Rush souhaite profiter de la vogue du Soul-Blues du début des années 80 et signe chez LaJam, le label du disquaire James Bennett. Enregistré aux studios Malaco, voilà un programme efficace et accrocheur avec les titres "Woman's name is trouble", "Staddle the fence", "Sue", "Think" et "In the morning".
Now based in Jackson (Mississippi), Bobby Rush sought to capitalize on the Soul-Blues trend of the early 1980's and signed with LaJam, a label owned by record dealer James Bennett. Recorded at Malaco Studios, the resulting collection is an effective and catchy set featuring tracks such as "Woman's name is trouble", "Staddle the fence", "Sue", "Think" and "In the morning".
WEARING IT OUT
LaJam
1983
A l'aise dans le sillon de la soul sudiste, Bobby Rush poursuit sa collaboration avec le label régional LaJam. Un album sympathique - quoique moins consistant que "Sue - avec des titres funky qui méritent l'écoute : "Making a decision", "Party till' the break of day", "Wearing it out", "Boom boom".
Comfortably rooted in the tradition of southern soul, Bobby Rush continues his collaboration with the regional label LaJam. It is an enjoyable album — though less substantial than "Sue" — featuring funky tracks worth a listen : "Making a decision", "Party till' the break of day", "Wearing it out", "Boom boom".
GOTTA HAVE MONEY
LaJam
1984
WHAT'S GOOD FOR THE GOOSE IS GOOD FOR THE GANDER
LaJam
1985
A MAN CAN GIVE IT BUT HE CAN'T TAKE IT
LaJam
1988
I AIN'T STUDDIN' YOU
Urgent
1991
Après une longue et fructueuse collaboration avec LaJam, Bobby enregistre pour Urgent (un label appartenant à Ichiban). Il grave un disque entre Soul et Funk aux arrangements lourds (batterie et synthétiseur en avant) en particulier sur "You you you" ou "Hand jive". On apprécie, tout de même, quand il se souvient de ses racines sur le beau "Time to hit the road".
Following a long and fruitful collaboration with LaJam, Bobby recorded for Urgent (a label owned by Ichiban). He cut a record between soul and funk, featuring heavy arrangements (drums and synthesizers too loud) most notably on tracks like "You you you" or "Hand jive". We can, therefore, appreciate when he revisits his roots on the nice "Time to hit the road".
INSTANT REPLAYS : THE HITS
Urgent
1992
HANDY MAN
Urgent
Ichiban
1992
Comme sur ses précédents albums pour Urgent, Bobby Rush est uniquement entouré de Vernon Morrison et de Vasti Jackson qui s'occupent de l'ensemble des instruments et de la programmation. Excellent chanteur, il poursuit dans son style caractéristique de soul sudiste moderne et dansant avec "Handy man", "What's that", "Easy baby", "Love somebody" sans oublier les slow blues "Crazy 'bout you" et "Flashback".
As on his previous albums for Urgent, Bobby Rush is joined only by Vernon Morrison and Vasti Jackson, who handle all the instrumentation and programming. An excellent vocalist, he continues in his signature style — modern, danceable southern soul — on tracks like "Handy man", "What's that", "Easy baby", "Love somebody" while also including the slow blues numbers "Crazy 'bout you" and "Flashback".
ONE MONKEY DON'T STOP NO SHOW
Waldoxy
1995
Toujours son propre producteur, Bobby passe chez Waldoxy (un label appartenant à Malaco) et enregistre cet album entre Miami, Memphis et Jackson. Avec ses compères habituels (Vernon Morrison, Vasti Jackson), il continue dans sa veine soul sudiste et ses arrangements modernes avec des titres accrocheurs et excitants : "One monkey don't stop no show", "Hen pecked", "Cut me in", "I wanna get close to ya" sans oublier une belle piste acoustique "Jezabel".
Still his own producer, Bobby moved to Waldoxy (a label owned by Malaco) and recorded this album across Miami, Memphis and Jackson. Working with his usual collaborators (Vernon Morrison and Vasti Jackson) he continues in his signature southern soul style with modern arrangements on catchy, exciting tracks : "One monkey don't stop no show", "Hen pecked", "Cut me in", "I wanna get close to ya" not to mention a fine acoustic track "Jezabel".
LOVIN' A BIG FAT WOMAN
Waldoxy
1997
Second album pour Waldoxy dans la directe continuation du précédent avec les mêmes musiciens. Bobby propose quelques titres de bonne facture comme "Big fat woman", "Booga bear", "Me and my harp", "Buttermilk bottom", "Cold hearted woman" ou son originale reprise de "Bottle up and go".
This is the second album from Waldoxy, a direct continuation of the previous one and featuring the same musicians. Bobby delivers several well-crafted tracks, such as "Big fat woman", "Booga bear", "Me and my harp", "Buttermilk bottom", "Cold hearted woman" along with an original cover of "Bottle up and go".
BLUES HARP HOTSHOTS
Easydisc
CHICAGO BLUES vol.2
JSP
1998
Un duo de chanteurs-harmonicistes Bobby Rush et Jordan Patterson sur le bon "No educated woman".
A duo of singer-harmonicists, Bobby Rush and Jordan Patterson, on the nice track "No educated woman".
SOUTHERN SOUL
Cannonball
1998 ?
HOOCHIE MAN
Waldoxy
2000
Cet album - le troisième et dernier pour Waldoxy - regroupe une poignée d'excellentes compositions Soul-Blues. Un programme intense et consistant duquel on peut ressortir "I like it", "Hoochie man", "2 eyes full of tears", "Feelin' bad", "Bare mouth woman", "Too short too little", "Scootchin'" (où il démontre ses qualités d'harmoniciste). Bobby s'occupe de la production et des arrangements avec l'apport décisif de Vasti Jackson et de Victor Allen.
This album — the third and final one for Waldoxy — brings together a handful of excellent Soul-Blues compositions. It is an intense and substantial collection from which tracks such as "I like it", "Hoochie man", "2 eyes full of tears", "Feelin' bad", "Bare mouth woman", "Too short too little", "Scootchin'" (on which he showcases his skills as a harmonica player) stand out. Bobby handled the production and arrangements with key contributions from Vasti Jackson and Victor Allen.
LIVE AT THE W.C. HANDY AWARDS vol.1
Rykodisc
May 2001
LAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI JUKES
Sanctuary
April 2002
UNDERCOVER LOVER
Deep Rush
2003
En dépit d'un grave accident de la route en 2001, Bobby continue d'enregistrer très régulièrement. Soucieux d'être plus indépendant, il crée son propre label, Deep Rush, en 2003 avec Greg Preston et renouvelle son équipe et ses musiciens. Une fois de plus, l'inspiration est présente et débouche sur un solide programme entre Blues, Soul et Funk avec notamment "Undercover lover", "Tough titty", "Love jones", "Play with your poodle", "Love is a gamble", "You ain't gonna worry me".
Despite a serious road accident in 2001, Bobby continued to record very regularly. Seeking greater independence, he founded his own label, Deep Rush, in 2003 alongside Greg Preston, while also assembling a new team and a fresh group of musicians. Once again, inspiration struck resulting in a solid collection of tracks blending Blues, Soul and Funk notably "Undercover lover", "Tough titty", "Love jones", "Play with your poodle", "Love is a gamble", "You ain't gonna worry me".
MARTIN SCORSESE PRESENTS THE BLUES : THE ROAD TO MEMPHIS
Columbia
Hip-O
2003
LIVE AT GROUND ZERO
Deep Rush
2003
Ce concert, édité en CD/DVD, a été capturé sur la scène du Ground Zero, le club de Morgan Freeman. Bobby Rush - pilier du Chitlin' Circuit depuis deux décennies - y montre ses qualités de showman dans un spectacle Soul-Blues bouillant et dansant. Un excellent programme permettant de se rendre compte de la ferveur et de la chaleur d'un concert de Bobby Rush bien supporté par des sidemen dynamiques.
This concert, released on CD/DVD, was captured on the stage of Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero club. Bobby Rush - a mainstay of the Chitlin' Circuit for two decades - showcases his skills as a showman in a sizzling, danceable Soul-Blues performance. It is an excellent set that captures the fervor and warmth of a Bobby Rush concert bolstered by a dynamic backing band.
THE ESSENTIAL RECORDINGS vol. 1 & 2
Deep Rush Archives
2000's
Ces deux compilations, consacrées aux morceaux des époques LaJam et Urgent, possèdent chacune deux morceaux inédits issus de séances non identifiées des années 2000 : "Take me to the river", "Dedication", "Same thing", "Help me".
These two compilations, dedicated to tracks from the LaJam and Urgent eras, each contain two previously unreleased songs from unidentified sessions dating back to the 2000's : "Take me to the river", "Dedication", "Same thing", "Help me".
FOLK FUNK
Deep Rush
Ruf
January 2004
Bobby Rush aborde ici le blues brut et terrien de ses origines mississippiennes. Accompagné de son fidèle co-producteur Greg Preston et de sidemen réguliers (Steve Johnson, Charlie Jenkins), il bénéficie aussi de la présence déterminante du guitariste Alvin "Youngblood" Hart. Bobby, en forme au chant et inspiré à l'harmonica, délivre un album totalement abouti, constellé de superbes titres : "Feeling good" (en deux parties), "Ninety nine", "Everybody wants to know", "Voodoo man", "Get back" et une nouvelle version de son classique "Chicken heads".
Here, Bobby Rush taps into the raw, down-home blues of his Mississippi roots. Accompanied by his longtime co-producer Greg Preston and regular sidemen (Steve Johnson, Charlie Jenkins), he also benefits from the pivotal contribution of guitarist Alvin "Youngblood" Hart. In fine form on vocals and inspired on the harmonica, Bobby delivers a thoroughly accomplished album, studded with superb tracks : "Feeling good" (in two parts), "Ninety nine", "Everybody wants to know", "Voodoo man", "Get back" and a new version of his classic "Chicken heads".
NIGHT FISHIN'
Deep Rush
2005
Un bon programme de soul sudiste moderne avec des compositions personnelles de bonne facture pour sa propre marque Deep Rush : "Night fishin'", "I'm tired of that who said mess", "Who's fooling who", "Skip trip fell in love", "Hot air".
A solid program of modern southern soul featuring well-crafted original compositions released on his own label, Deep Rush : "Night fishin'", "I'm tired of that who said mess", "Who's fooling who", "Skip trip fell in love", "Hot air".
TEXAS HARMONICA RUMBLE
Dialtone
2006
RAW
Deep Rush
2006
Cet album s'inscrit dans la continuité de "Folkfunk" explorant les racines blues de l'artiste. Bobby Rush seul au chant, à la guitare et à l'harmonica (avec l'aide de Shawn Kellerman sur trois titres) délivre une superbe tranche de blues campagnard avec de magnifiques titres : "Boney Maroney", "Glad to get you back", "Knockin' at your door", "9 below zero", "You don't love me", "Uncle Esau", "I got 3 problems".
This album follows in the footsteps of "Folkfunk" exploring the artist's blues roots. Bobby Rush handling vocals, guitar and harmonica on his own (with assistance from Shawn Kellerman on three tracks) delivers a superb slice of country blues featuring magnificent songs : "Boney Maroney", "Glad to get you back", "Knockin' at your door", "9 below zero", "You don't love me", "Uncle Esau", "I got 3 problems".
LOOK AT WHAT YOU GETTIN'
Deep Rush
2008
Retour à la soul sudiste avec cet album publié sous sa propre marque Deep Rush. Bon chanteur et compositeur, Bobby propose, une fois encore, un sympathique programme avec des titres qui valent l'écoute comme "Ain't no love like my baby's love", "Look at what you gettin'", "I got a problem", "I am hooked on your love", "She ain't lovin' me like she oughta".
A return to southern soul with this album released on his own label, Deep Rush. A talented singer and songwriter, Bobby once again delivers an enjoyable collection featuring tracks well worth a listen—such as "Ain't no love like my baby's love", "Look at what you gettin'", "I got a problem", "I am hooked on your love", "She ain't lovin' me like she oughta".
BLIND SNAKE
Deep Rush
2009
Un excellent de blues excitant et moderne que Bobby Rush a concocté et produit avec ses musiciens et arrangeurs Cedric Vance et Bryan Ward. On apprécie, en particulier, les titres accrocheurs que sont "Blind snake", "If you don't treat me better", "No hard feelin' with me", "Make love to you" sans oublier la superbe reprise de Slim & The Supreme Angels, "People don't do".
An excellent, exciting and modern blues record, crafted and produced by Bobby Rush alongside his musicians and arrangers, Cedric Vance and Bryan Ward. We can point out catchy tracks such as "Blind snake", "If you don't treat me better", "No hard feelin' with me", "Make love to you" not to mention a superb cover of Slim & The Supreme Angels' "People don't do".
SHOW YOU A GOOD TIME
Deep Rush
2011
Cet album possède des compositions moins percutantes qu'à l'habitude et des arrangements un peu lourds (faux cuivres et batterie synthétique trop présents). On retiendra, cependant, le doux "My friend" qui vaut une écoute attentive.
This album features compositions that are less impactful than usual along with somewhat heavy-handed arrangements (with overly prominent synthetic horns and drums). One track worth noting, however, is the gentle "My friend" which merits a careful listen.
DOWN IN LOUISIANA
Deep Rush
2012
Bobby a su renouveler sa musique avec cet album entre Blues et Soul avec des accents louisianais. Toujours inspiré au chant, à la guitare et à l'harmonica, il est accompagné de beaux sidemen (notamment son compère Paul Brown aux claviers) qui le supporte parfaitement. Un programme brut et intense avec "Down in Louisiana", "You just like a dresser", "Tight money", "Raining in my heart", "Bowlegged woman".
With this album, Bobby has successfully refreshed his sound, blending blues and soul with a distinct Louisiana flavor. Always inspired in his vocal, guitar and harmonica performances, he is backed by a fine group of sidemen (most notably his collaborator Paul Brown on keyboards) who provide the perfect support. It is a raw, intense collection featuring tracks such as "Down in Louisiana", "You just like a dresser", "Tight money", "Raining in my heart", "Bowlegged woman".
LIVE AT THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2012
Munck Music
April 2012
DECISIONS
Silver Talon
2014
Pour cet album, Bobby Rush s'est associé avec le groupe Blinddog Smokin'. Le programme mélange parfaitement Blues, Soul et Funk avec enthousiasme et inspiration. On peut ressortir les titres aboutis que sont "Another murder in New Orleans", "Bobby Rush's bus", "Decisions", "If that's the way you like it I like it", "Stand back", "Skinny little women".
For this album, Bobby Rush has teamed up with the band Blinddog Smokin'. The program blends Blues, Soul and Funk to perfection with both enthusiasm and inspiration. Standout tracks include "Another murder in New Orleans", "Bobby Rush's bus", "Decisions", "If that's the way you like it I like it", "Stand back", "Skinny little women".
PORCUPINE MEAT
Rounder
March - May 2016
Enregistré à La Nouvelle Orléans sous la supervision du producteur Scott Billington, Bobby Rush est, ici, entouré de solides musiciens comme David Torkanowsky, Jeffrey "Jellybean" Alexander, Cornell Williams, Kirk Joseph et son ami Vasti Jackson. Encore une fois, le mélange Blues-Soul-Funk, avec des accents louisianais, fonctionne parfaitement : "I don't want nobody hanging around", "Porcupine meat", "Got me accused", "Me myself and I" (avec Joe Bonamassa), "It's your move", "Standing on shaky ground".
Recorded in New Orleans under the supervision of producer Scott Billington, Bobby Rush is joined here by a solid group of musicians including David Torkanowsky, Jeffrey "Jellybean" Alexander, Cornell Williams, Kirk Joseph and his friend Vasti Jackson. Once again, the blend of Blues-Soul-Funk, infused with a distinct Louisiana flavor, works perfectly : "I don't want nobody hanging around", "Porcupine meat", "Got me accused", "Me myself and I" (featuring Joe Bonamassa), "It's your move", "Standing on shaky ground".
SITTING ON TOP OF THE BLUES
Deep Rush
2019
Un bon opus de blues moderne avec de bons moments comme "Hey hey Bobby Rush", "Good stuff", "Get out of here", "Pooky Poo", "Slow motion", "Shake 'til you get enough". Bien que Bobby Rush soit - comme souvent - son propre producteur, on note, ici, la participation du producteur Scott Billington sur certains titres.
A good modern blues release featuring nice moments such as "Hey hey Bobby Rush", "Good stuff", "Get out of here", "Pooky Poo", "Slow motion", "Shake 'til you get enough". Although Bobby Rush — as is often the case — serves as his own producer, this record also features contributions from producer Scott Billington on several tracks.
RAWER THAN RAW
Deep Rush
2020
Retour au blues acoustique des origines pour Bobby Rush : l'album se place, d'ailleurs, dans la continuité de son "Raw", réalisé 15 ans plus tôt. Le programme est constitué de 5 compositions originales et de 6 reprises dans lesquelles Bobby chante et joue seul guitare et harmonica avec feeling. Parmi ceux-ci, on peut retenir "Down in Mississippi", "Let me in your house", "Smokestack lightning", "Let's make love again", "Garbage man", "Dust my broom".
Bobby Rush returns to the roots of acoustic blues : in fact, this album serves as a follow-up to his "Raw", released 15 years earlier. The tracklist consists of 5 original compositions and 6 covers, all performed by Bobby, who sings and plays both guitar and harmonica with genuine feeling. Notable tracks include "Down in Mississippi", "Let me in your house", "Smokestack lightning", "Let's make love again", "Garbage man", "Dust my broom".
ALL MY LOVE FOR YOU
Deep Rush
2023
Toujours fringant malgré son âge, Bobby Rush délivre un solide album de Soul-Blues accompagné de deux bons musiciens (Joey Robinson, Dexter Allen). Comme d'habitude, il propose une poignée de titres accrocheurs comme "I'm free", "Running in and out", "I want to", "TV mama", "I'm the one".
Still sprightly despite his age, Bobby Rush delivers a solid Soul-Blues album accompanied by two fine musicians (Joey Robinson, Dexter Allen). As usual, he offers a handful of catchy tracks such as "I'm free", "Running in and out", "I want to", "TV mama", "I'm the one".
YOUNG FASHIONED WAYS
Deep Rush
2025
Désormais nonagénaire, Bobby Rush s'associe, ici, avec le guitariste Kenny Wayne Shepherd pour un bon album de blues traditionnel : le premier chante et joue de l'harmonica, le second s'occupe de la guitare électrique. Un programme inégal qui comporte de bons moments comme "Who was that", "Uncle Esau", "Make love to you", "G string", "Young ways".
Now in his nineties, Bobby Rush teams up here with guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd for a solid traditional blues album : the first provides vocals and harmonica while the second handles the electric guitar. It is an uneven collection though it features some nice moments such as "Who was that", "Uncle Esau", "Make love to you", "G string", "Young ways".
SINNERS
Proximity Media
2025
Pour la bande-son du film réalisé par Ryan Coogler, Bobby Rush reprend brièvement "Juke" à l'harmonica accompagné de Miles Caton.
For the soundtrack of the film directed by Ryan Coogler, Bobby Rush performs a brief rendition of "Juke" on the harmonica, accompanied by Miles Caton.