Today on another brand new episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast, we bring you part one of two episodes with Rodd Bland, son of the genius blues, soul, gospel & rhythm & blues singer Bobby “Blue” Bland. Best friends with B.B. King, & called the Frank Sinatra of the Blues – Bobby has more inductions into more museums and Hall of Fame’s than an Amana Radar Range. Known for his soulful voice and his signature phrasing, Bobby was truly one of the greats. He also was also known for a guttural sound he made while singing that we get into on this episode. What started as a cue from a preacher became a sound that the ladies loved. No one did it like Bobby.
Our conversation with Rodd dovetailed into many topics, including musicians such as ZZ Top to Pearl Jam, Taylor Hawkins to Jay-Z who were all influenced by “Blue.” We also talk about his father’s late career resurgence thanks to films and television. From Spiderman the Animated Movie, to The Lincoln Lawyer and American Gangster, all roads seemed to lead back to “Blue”’s tunes in trailers, opening scenes in films and the like. Rodd tells us a rather touching story about when his father first heard one of his songs in a film that left us misty eyed.
Along the way, we discuss what it was like touring in the Chitlin’ Circuit, we touch on – albeit briefly – Don Robey and the Duke / Peacock years at the beginning of his career and a little known fact about Bobby that perhaps makes this episode an unleavened experience with a singer nicknamed as Sonny Boy that even Rodd didn’t know. We had to call his mom to confirm it and she pretty much did.
So sit back, take a listen to this episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast with Rodd Bland discussing everything from “Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City,” and “Further Up The Road” “Cry, Cry, Cry” & “I Pity The Fool.” But not, “Member’s Only.” That one we saved for our Patreon page where we hear an exclusive, bonus episode, you won’t hear anywhere else. Another child of a celebrity, interviewed by a child of a celebrity. Everyone has a story.
