Bobby Blue Bland

Robert Calvin Bland (born Robert Calvin Brooks; January 27, 1930 – June 23, 2013) Born in the small town of Barretville, Tennessee.

The Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison was an early adherent, covering “Turn On Your Love Light” while with the band Them (he later covered “Ain’t Nothing You Can’t Do” on his 1974 live album It’s Too Late to Stop Now ), and Bland was an occasional guest singer at Morrison’s concerts. In 2008 the British singer and lead vocalist of Simply Red, Mick Hucknall, released the album Tribute to Bobby, containing songs associated with Bland. The album reached 18 in the UK Albums Chart.

Bland was nominated for seven Grammy Awards in the course of his career and received the following honors: Blues Hall of Fame – inducted 1981, Rhythm and Blues Pioneer Award – 1992, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – inducted 1992, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award – 1997, Grammy Hall of Fame – “Turn On Your Lovelight” (1999), and Memphis Music Hall of Fame – inducted 2012.