Legend Bobby Rush talks longevity and the blues

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — This year’s Juneteenth special was shot on location at the legendary Dew Drop Inn, newly refurbished and reopened this year.

Many great musical acts performed during the club’s heyday, and a handful are still around. Among those is blues great Bobby Rush.

At 90 years old, Rush is also one of the most accomplished artists on the circuit. As winner of three Grammy awards, he’s spent thousands of hours in the recording studio.

“Albums, 73 but it’s my 429th record,” said Rush.

The bluesman is also a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to the music. He travels the world, spreading his own brand of the blues and his advice to young artists is to remain true to yourself.

“It makes me sad to hear young black men trying to sound like white men, trying to sound like black men because they are afraid to be themselves,” according to Rush.

Rush admits that music will always grow and develop, but there are important roots that must be honored.

“When I was a boy from Homer, Louisiana, we didn’t have electricity out in the country. We didn’t have an inside toilet. You go outside to the toilet, they looked bad, they smelled bad. Now I have nine bathrooms in my house. They look good, they smell good, but you do the same thing in them (laughs) that haven’t changed,” said Rush.

WGNO’s LBJ and Rush caught up during a recent soundcheck at the Dew Drop and the good news is that for fans, Rush has no plans to go anywhere.

“I’m still learning, I’m still enthused. I’m still excited about what I do. And I’m thankful that God has given me the strength to do what I’m doing,” expressed Rush.

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