Bobby Rush headlines Big River Blues Classic

Bobby Rush headlines Big River Blues Classic

West Memphis plays host to Grammy- winning artist and friends

news@theeveningtimes.com Bobby Rush welcomed guests to his dressing room Saturday evening before the inaugural Big River Blues Classic at the West Memphis Civic Auditorium. He offered warm greetings to everyone that walked into the room for a visit.

“He loves to talk to everybody,” said Classic promoter and West Memphis City Councilor Marco McClendon. “He loves meeting people and telling stories.”

As the first visitors were escorted into the dressing room the entire Bobby Rush Band and dancers were enjoying a tray of fresh fruit.

In an instant Rush had everyone introduced. The most junior member of the group had been with Rush for a generation.

“All these guys been with me forever,” said Rush. “I make sure they all have a little food on the table.

We are a family like that.”

Rush offered a big smooth smile and eased into his life story. He tells it often according to McClendon and obviously loved to sharing it again.

“I tell what I know,” said Rush.

“If I a man tell what he know, he won’t talk long. Because, like women know, men don’t know nothing.”

The harmonica playing bluesman has earned a living singing and dancing for 60 years.

“I went to Chicago to start recording in 1957,” said Rush. “The late Muddy Waters bought me a beer. I had three. Since then I haven’t drinked, smoked, nothin’. I have problems but alcohol ain’t one.”

The octogenarian with the rugged face took on a stone cold serious look, but it was just to set up a final joke and offer one more flash of his huge smile.

“This November 10, I am 84 years old,” said Rush. “I am the oldest Black blues entertainer in the category — If I am not the oldest, I am the ugliest.”

On stage, performing past midnight, Rush played and moved like a man half his age. To the audience it appeared there was no end to his charm or energy.

By John Rech