Bobby Bland
USA, 1952–2013
American singer (1930-2013), known as Bobby 'Blue' Bland, who combined blues with gospel phrasing, including a characteristic vocal 'squall', on 'Turn On Your Love Light' and 'Cry Cry Cry'.
MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced Bobby Bland and 1 artist Bobby Bland influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.
Who influenced Bobby Bland?
- B.B. King — Bland came up in Memphis alongside B.B. King in the Beale Streeters — King's blues guitar and singing were a direct model for Bland's soul-blues.
- Nat King Cole — Bland's smooth, sophisticated balladry drew on pop-jazz crooners, Nat King Cole among them, softening his gospel-blues into supper-club soul.
Which artists did Bobby Bland influence?
- Small Faces — One of the soul and R&B singers Steve Marriott took from, with Ray Charles.