Mississippi bluesman Bobby Rush to perform April 9 at Delta Symposium XVI

March 16, 2010 -- Mississippi bluesman Bobby Rush returns to Arkansas State University-Jonesboro to Centennial Hall in the Reng Student Services Center/Student Union, 101 N. Caraway Road, Jonesboro, on Friday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. His performance is part of the sixteenth annual Delta Symposium XVI, running Wednesday-Saturday, April 7-10. Bobby Rush in concert, like all symposium events, is free and open to the public. Rush’s performance at ASU is co-sponsored by the ASU Lecture-Concert Series and by ASU’s Office of the Provost.

Bobby Rush (born Emmit Ellis Jr.) is the son of a Baptist minister who was also a blues musician. Rush was born in Louisiana and moved to Pine Bluff at the age of eight. When Rush was 13, his family moved to Chicago, where Rush performed with such blues greats as Freddie King, Luther Johnson, Bobby King and Luther Allison. In 1983, he moved to Jackson, Miss., where he currently lives.

Rush has recorded for several labels, including ABC Records, Jewel, Warner Brothers, Philadelphia International, and LaJam. Among the numerous awards and recognitions for his music are "Best Live Performer of the Year," "Best Blues Entertainer of the Year," and "Best Soul/Blues Albums of the Year." In 2000, the Mississippi Senate passed a resolution honoring Rush’s music. Rush also appeared in the documentary, “The Road to Memphis,” directed by Richard Pearce, and the documentary is part of Martin Scorsese’s seven-part film series, “The Blues.”

When he is not performing at festivals and concerts, Rush and his wife work to raise money for research on sickle cell anemia. Additionally, they have opened their home as an emergency shelter to children leaving a local youth correctional facility. Rush is also involved in local Blues in the Schools programs.

For more information, contact Dr. Gregory Hansen (ghansen@astate.edu), Department of English and Philosophy, Symposium Committee, at (870) 972-3043. Visit the symposium’s website at www.clt.astate.edu/blues.

Photo of Bobby Rush at ASU, 2002,
is courtesy of Dr. Rick Burns.
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