Universal Attractions Agency: Bobby "Blue" Bland

Bobby "Blue" Bland

A master musician with extraordinary staying power, for decades his evocative vocal style has taken the blues out of the barroom and into the bedroom. - Sean Elder, Salon.com

Routed Avails

Available for domestic and international dates

Isolated dates also available

January 28, 2011 - Hampton, VA

February 4, 2011 - Houston, TX
February 5, 2011 - Shreveport, LA
February 11, 2011 - Atlanta, GA
February 12, 2011 - St Louis, MO
February 18, 2011 - Milwaukee, WI
February 19, 2011 - Detroit, MI
February 25, 2011 - Tallahassee, FL
February 26, 2011 - Miami, FL

May 2, 2011 - New Orleans, LA

The Hit List

- Legendary blues superstar of the loftiest order

- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee

- Known as "The Lion of the Blues"

Hits Include:

    "Little Boy Blue"
    "Cry Cry Cry"
    "I Pity the Fool"

Bobby "Blue" Bland

Born January 27, 1930, Rosemark, Tennessee. Moved to Memphis 1948. Played with Billy 'Red' Love and other influential Delta musicians. First recording was Dry Up Baby (Modern 848). Entered Armed Services 1952, joined Johnny Ace Revue after discharge, having signed with Duke Records. First smash hit, It's My Life Baby, 1955 followed by years of consistent success in R&B market.

In the 50s and early 60s, Bobby "Blue" Bland was one of the main creators of the modern soul-blues sound. Along with such artists as Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Junior Parker, Bland developed a sound that mixed gospel with blues and R&B. Bobby's style of soul-blues was punctuated with a big-band sound and slick, B.B. King-flavored guitar riffs.

Bland was born and raised in Rosemark, a small town just outside Memphis. In 1947 he moved to the city with his mother and began his career, first as a singer in the gospel group the Miniatures, then in the loosely knit blues group the Beale Streeters, which included such future blues stars as Johnny Ace, B.B. King, Junior Parker, and Rosco Gordon .

Bland's first recordings were from 1950 to 1952, when he cut sides for the Modern and Chess labels. Being drafted into the army in 1952 put his career on hold, but shortly after his discharge in 1954, he began a long-term relationship with Duke Records. This would result in dozens of records, many of them big sellers in the R&B market.

Bobby's first Duke single, "It's My Life, Baby," was released in 1955. Two years later, he scored with the seminal Texas shuffle "Farther Up The Road" (115 k, 10 sec.), which went to number 1 ... [read more]

Since 1949

Representing such artists as Dinah Washington and Jimmy Lunceford, Universal Attractions Agency was founded in 1949. In 1958, Universal took on James Brown "The Godfather of Soul" and went on to represent him for more than 40 years.

Today, Universal Attractions boasts the representation of an extensive list of nationally and internationally renowned artists including Brian Mcknight, George Clinton, The Heads of State (featuring Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill & Ralph Tresvant), Bell Biv Devoe, Keith Sweat, MC Hammer and Salt N Pepa ... [read more]

Also Available for Bookings:

SWV

Fantasia