Bobby Rush Mississippi Blues Trail Marker

This historical marker commemorates the music career of Bobby Rush, a blues musician and guitarist born as Emmett Ellis, Jr., on November 10, 1935, in Homer, Louisiana. By 2003, Rush launched a successful record label (Deep Rush) where he released special projects. Rush, a recipient of multiple blues awards, was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2006. This site was selected for the marker as it was also the former home of WOKJ, Mississippi's first radio station geared toward an African American audience.

Bobby Rush, originally Emmett Ellis, Jr., was born on November 10, 1935, in Homer, Louisiana. Rush crafted his own one-string “diddley bow” and began sneaking into local juke joints to play on stage with other local bluesmen. Rush played with Elmore James, Boyd Gilmore, and John “Big Moose” Walker. He moved to Chicago in the 50’s, where he met and collaborated with other bluesmen. Rush played guitar, bass, and harmonica. He developed a lively stage act that mixed music, dance, and comedy. Rush later coined his style “folk funk”, blending contemporary sounds with lyrical themes borrowed from African American folklore and traditional blues.

Rush achieved success in the 60’s when his initial 45 rpm singles appeared on numerous Chicago labels. Rush’s success continued through the 70’s and 80’s with hits along the way. Rush’s audience grew in the 1990’s when his music “crossed over” and gained traction with white listeners. By 2003, Rush launched a successful record label (Deep Rush) where he released special projects.

Rush, a recipient of multiple blues awards, was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2006.

Bobby Rush, Mississippi Blues Trail. Accessed June 26th 2021. http://msbluestrail.org/blues-trail-markers/bobby-rush.