Bobby “Blue” Bland is one of countless blues singers who started in gospel. He passed this evening at the age of 83.
According to his bio on the Malaco Records site, it was while singing with the gospel group The Miniatures after moving to Memphis in 1947 that he acquired his signature blues snort. He’s said to have learned it by watching Rev. C.L. Franklin’s sermons.
See the announcement here: Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland dies
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.