Bluesman Bobby Rush given hometown salute

PINE BLUFF — Bluesman and Grammy winner Bobby Rush, who turned 85 in November, was feted by a sold-out crowd on Nov. 30 in the Pine Bluff Convention Center Banquet Hall.

Rush, who lived in Sherrill and Pine Bluff as a youngster, greeted guests before the program, hugging friends and fans. He spoke a little bit about the musical heritage of the area saying, “It hadn’t really been talked about and I want to be the one that sets the record straight. … Arkansas has been set on the back burner. The first stage I went on was right here,” he said, referring to Pine Bluff. “Right here, me and Elmore James.”

Later in a program, it was revealed that he was underage and wore a fake mustache to play in the local clubs.

The evening began with a reception and art show featuring works by local artists of Delta blues musicians followed by a catfish dinner and program.

There were several musical tributes including by The Brian Austin Band, Marcus Cartwright and Ron McAdoo and personal tributes from friends, family and regional mayors. Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington announced that a portion of Pine Bluff’s Third Street will be designated Bobby Rush Way.

Hosted by the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Alliance, the tribute was also a kickoff for the alliance’s Heritage Series. The alliance, headed by Jimmy Cunningham Jr., supports tourism based on the region’s musical and arts heritage.

Cousins of Bobby Rush: Jonny Lee McCoy of Lake Village; Annie Turner McCoy of Pine Bluff; Jackie Turner of Los Angeles; Delois Turner and John Turner, both of Star City; Meredith Ford and Napoleon Ford, both of Flint, Mich.

Juanita Currie, Frances Johnson, Picola Washington, Carmen Bell and Eric Burdette

Bobby Rush with Rodrick Carroll and his daughter, Kamryn Carroll

Ground Zero Blues Club co-owner Bill Luckett of Clarksdale, Miss., with Michelle Paschal and Reggie Remley

Delton Wright, Pamela Thrower and James Fluker

David and Angela Maddox with Earl Goldman

Linda Polk, Linda Holloway, Alice Camp and Dorothy Hayes

Deborah Heard, Louise Sullivan and Esther Coleman

Ted Davis and Michael McCray

Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington with Bobby Rush

Stacey and Ron McAdoo