Bobby Blue Bland<div hidden>Bobby Bland</div>
Bobby "Blue" Bland, born Robert Calvin Bland on January 27, 1930, in Rosemark, Tennessee, was a prominent American blues singer known for his soulful voice and influential contributions to the genre. He spent his early years in Rosemark before moving to Memphis in 1948, where he immersed himself in the local music scene and began collaborating with legendary musicians like Billy "Red" Love and other Delta artists, which shaped his musical style and career trajectory.
Bland's breakthrough came in 1957 with his hit song "Farther Up the Road," which marked the beginning of his successful recording career. Over the years, he gained recognition for his unique blend of blues, gospel, and R&B, captivating audiences with his velvety yet powerful vocal delivery.
Throughout his lifetime, Bland released numerous albums and singles, becoming a prominent figure in the blues music landscape. His influence extended beyond his own recordings, as he inspired many artists who followed in his footsteps. Bland continued to perform and record music until his later years, maintaining a loyal fan base.
Bobby "Blue" Bland passed away on June 23, 2013, in Germantown, Tennessee, leaving behind a rich legacy as one of the most beloved and influential blues singers of his time. His contributions to music have earned him a place in the history of American blues and R&B.<div hidden>Bobby Bland Bobby Blue Bland</div>
Dreamer
Written-By – Dan Walsh, Michael Price
3:51
A2 I Wouldn't Treat A Dog (The Way You Treated Me)
Written-By – Dan Walsh, Michael Omartian, Michael Price, Steve Barri
3:15
A3 Lovin' On Borrowed Time
Written-By – C. O'Hara, N. Garfield
3:19
A4 The End Of The Road
Written-By – Oscar Perry
3:06
A5 I Ain't Gonna Be The First To Cry
Written-By – Dan Walsh, Michael Price, Mitch Bottler
3:36
B1 Dreamer
Written-By – J. Zaremba
4:09
B2 Yolanda
Written-By – Daniel Moore
3:43
B3 Twenty-Four Hour Blues
Written-By – Dan Walsh, Michael Price, Steve Barri
3:59
B4 Cold Day In Hell
Written-By – Oscar Perry
2:43
B5 Who's Foolin' Who
Written-By – Dan Walsh, Michael Omartian, Michael Price, Steve Barri
4:18
Label: ABC Records – ABCL 5053
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Rhythm & Blues, Soul
Released in 1974 on ABC/Dunhill, Bobby Bland’s Dreamer is a critically acclaimed landmark album that successfully transitioned his gritty Southern blues sound into polished, sophisticated West Coast soul. Featuring the iconic hit "Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City," the album is praised for its stellar, consistent production, elite session musicians, and powerful vocals.
Produced by Steve Barri and Michael Omartian, the album features a full, lush, and somewhat "pendulous" sound, incorporating brass sections and strings. It marked a shift towards a more polished, soul-blues fusion compared to his earlier work.
The album is backed by top-tier L.A. session musicians, including guitarists Dean Parks and Larry Carlton, bassist Wilton Felder, and drummer Ed Green.
Key Tracks: "Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City" is the standout hit, with others like "I Wouldn't Treat A Dog (The Way You Treated Me)," "Yolanda," and "I Ain't Gonna Be The First To Cry" also receiving high praise for their quality.
Dreamer is considered a masterpiece of its genre and a crucial, essential album for fans of 1970s soul and blues. It solidified Bland's reputation as one of the best soul voices, even with the shift toward a more modern, produced sound.
While some initial, contemporary reviews were mixed regarding the polished production, retrospective reviews are overwhelmingly positive, often rating it as a "must-have" or "5-star" album.
It is frequently regarded as a high point in Bland's career, blending emotional depth with a more commercial, polished sound. Modern listeners highly recommend the Bear Family Records 180g vinyl reissue for its superior mastering and restored gatefold design.
Here We Go Again
Written-By – Monk Higgins
4:04
A2 Recess In Heaven
Written-By – Joyce Stiger, Vee Pea
4:37
A3 Never Let Me Go
Written-By – Joe Scott
4:23
A4 Country Love
Written-By – L. V. Johnson, Roger Minor
3:12
A5 Exactly, Where It's At
Written-By – Alvertis Isbell, Vee Pea
3:53
B1 You're About To Win
Written-By – Alvertis Isbell, Vee Pea
4:48
B2 Is This The Blues
Written-By – L. V. Johnson, Roger Minor
4:24
B3 Don't Go To Strangers
Written-By – A. Kent, D. Mann
3:59
B4 We've Had A Good Time
Written-By – Milton Bland
4:12
Label: MCA Records – MCA-5297
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1982
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Southern Soul
Released in 1982, Bobby "Blue" Bland's Here We Go Again finds the veteran soul-blues singer in fine vocal form, delivering his signature passionate, gritty performances over a mix of slow, seductive ballads. While not considered a seminal classic compared to his 1950s work, the album showcases his enduring talent and ability to navigate soul-blues with professional, yet polished, arrangements.
Bland's voice remains strong, described as growling and seductive, particularly on the slower tracks. The album blends electric Texas blues, soul-blues, and traditional soul.
As a 1982 release, it reflects a slightly more modern, polished R&B production sound rather than the gritty, live feel of his earlier, highly regarded recordings.
It serves as a solid entry in his later-career catalog, demonstrating his consistency in delivering emotional, heartfelt performances decades into his career.
Here We Go Again is a reputable addition for collectors of 1980s soul-blues, highlighting that even in his later years, Bland was still capable of delivering strong vocal performances.
His California Album
Written-By – D. Malone, O. Perry 3:32
A2 Up And Down World
Written-By – D. Malone, V. Morrison 3:33
A3 It's Not The Spotlight
Written-By – B. Goldberg, G. Goffin 3:52
A4 (If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want To Be Right
Written-By – L. Ingram, M. Rice 3:50
A5 Goin' Down Slow
Written-By – J. D. Odom 5:35
B1 The Right Place At The Right Time
Written-By – D. Malone 2:55
B2 Help Me Through The Day
Written-By – L. Russell 3:50
B3 Where Baby Went
Written-By – D. Malone 3:19
B4 Friday The 13th Child
Written-By – D. C. Thomas 3:14
B5 I've Got To Use My Imagination
Written-By – B. Goldberg, G. Goffin 4:14
Label: ABC/Dunhill Records – DSX-50163
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Rhythm & Blues, Soul
Bobby "Blue" Bland's 1973 release, His California Album, is widely considered a "lost classic" and a masterpiece of gritty, urban crossover soul. It marked a significant artistic shift, moving from his raw, Houston-based sound to a more polished, Los Angeles studio production, which garnered critical acclaim and commercial success.
Reviews of His California Album are overwhelmingly positive, with many fans and critics rating it as one of the best soul-blues albums ever recorded.
The album is frequently described as a "masterpiece of gritty crossover soul" that successfully merges deep Southern soul and blues with the smooth, laid-back feel of L.A. production.
Bland's vocal performance is universally praised. His "exquisite, huskily expressive voice" delivers powerful lyrics with raw honesty, emotion, and elegance, backed by a stellar cast of L.A. session musicians including Larry Carlton and Dean Parks on guitar.
Despite being a product of its time (the 1970s), reviewers note the album has a "timeless quality" that sounds fresh decades later.
It is considered a landmark recording in Bland's discography, showcasing a creative renewal and a sophisticated urban sound while retaining his soulful essence.
His California Album is considered an essential listen for fans of soul and blues music, capturing a transformative period in Bobby "Blue" Bland's career where his powerful voice blended seamlessly with sophisticated studio production to create an enduring work of art.
Bobby Bland Bobby Blue Bland
Spotlighting The Man
Written-By – V. Walls, A. Nugeire
3:15
A2 Georgia
Written-By – Carmichael, S. Gorrell
3:32
A3 Since I Fell For You
Written-By – Johnson
2:27
A4 Who Can I Turn To
Written-By – A. Newley, L. Bricusse
2:56
A5 Wouldn’t You Rather Have Me
Written-By – D. Malone, V. Morrison
4:20
B1 Rockin’ In The Same Old Boat
Written-By – D. Malone, V. Morrison
3:32
B2 I’m On My Way
Written-By – D. Malone, H. Boozier
3:05
B3 Ask Me ‘Bout Nothing But The Blues
Written-By – D. Malone, H. Boozier
3:40
B4 You Ought To Be Ashamed
Written-By – C. Smith
2:52
B5 Gotta Get To Know You
Written-By – A. Williams, D. Malone
2:34
Label: Duke – DLP 89
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Soul-Blues
Bobby Bland's 1969 album Spotlighting the Man, released under the Duke label (DLP-89), is often described as a masterful blend of soulful R&B and jazzy arrangements. Released during a transitional period in his career, it was his last new LP for four years until he signed with ABC-Dunhill.
A soulful fusion of Blues, Funk, Soul, and Rhythm & Blues, with lush, jazzy touches in the instrumentation that highlights Bland's expressive, husky voice, described as persuasive and powerful. Considered a classic, capturing Bland at his peak with a mix of raw blues feeling and polished soul production.
The standout track "Ask Me 'Bout Nothing But The Blues" is frequently cited as a definitive performance that articulates Bland's deep expertise in the genre. Other key tracks include "Wouldn’t You Rather Have Me," "Gotta Get To Know You," and his rendition of "Georgia".
Reviewers noted Bland's ability to merge blues with soul, maintaining his distinctive sound. Fans praise the audiophile sound quality on some pressings and its overall fantastic feel.
Spotlighting The Man is a must-have for fans of classic soul-blues, offering a rich mix of powerful vocals and sophisticated arrangements from one of the genre's legends.
The album cover is iconic for its raw imagery, showing Bland onstage in a "full gospel sweat," capturing the intense, spiritual energy of his live performances. It serves as a bridge between his classic big-band Duke era and the more pop-oriented productions of the early 1970s.
Bobby Bland Bobby Blue Bland
Touch Of The Blues
Written-By – D. Malone
3:15
A2 Set Me Free
Written-By – D. Malone
2:33
A3 That Did It
Written-By – D. Clark, P. Woods
3:38
A4 Road Of Broken Hearted Men
Written-By – D. Malone
2:25
A5 Sweet Loving
Written-By – D. Malone, J. Scott
2:35
B1 Driftin' Blues
Written-By – C. Brown, E. Williams, J. Moore
3:25
B2 Sweet Lips Of Joy
Written-By – D. Malone, J. Scott
2:35
B3 Sad Feeling
Written-By – D. Malone
3:10
B4 Shoes
Written-By – D. Malone
2:37
B5 One Horse Town
Written-By – D. Malone, J. Scott
2:40
Label: Duke – DLP 88
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1968
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Soul-Blues
Bobby "Blue" Bland’s A Touch of the Blues is a highly regarded 1960s soul-blues album showcasing his dramatic, rich vocal peak during his prime AllMusic. It blends heartfelt ballads with electric Texas blues, noted for its incredible production quality, making it a must-have for fans of the genre.
Known for his signature, smooth-yet-gritty voice, Bland delivers intense emotional depth, often overcoming overly orchestrated or sentimental material.
The album represents a pinnacle of 1960s soul-blues, characterized by a refined, polished sound that stands out from the raw, gritty blues of the era.
Audiophiles have praised the recording and mastering of this era's material, often describing it as "fantastic" and "must-have". Often paired with Spotlighting the Man on reissues, it is considered a crucial, high-quality document of Bobby Bland’s peak.
Often considered a definitive example of early-60s soul-blues, the album is a testament to Bobby "Blue" Bland's ability to bridge blues, R&B, and soul with a truly unique, commanding voice. Released toward the end of his prolific Duke era, it remains one of the last major works before his transition to the ABC/Dunhill label in the 1970s.
Two Steps From The Blues
Written-By – Malone, Brown
A2 Cry Cry Cry
Written-By – Malone
A3 I'm Not Ashamed
Written-By – Robey, Scott
A4 Don't Cry No More
Written-By – Malone
A5 Lead Me On
Written-By – Malone
A6 I Pity The Fool
Written-By – Malone
B1 I've Just Got To Forget You
Written-By – Malone
B2 Little Boy Blue
Written-By – Harper
B3 St. James Infirmary
Written-By – Primrose
B4 I'll Take Care Of You
Written-By – Benton
B5 I Don't Want No Woman
Written-By – Robey
B6 I've Been Wrong So Long
Written-By – Malone, Agee
Label: Duke – DLP 74
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1962
Genre: R&B Blues
Style: Soul-Blues
Bobby "Blue" Bland's Two Steps From The Blues (1961) is a landmark album hailed as a masterclass in soul-blues, praised for seamlessly blending juke joint blues with gospel and Southern soul through Bland's powerful, emotive vocals and Joe Scott's stellar horn arrangements on hits like "I Pity the Fool" and "Cry, Cry, Cry," making it a quintessential, influential record in modern blues.
Critics and fans alike laud its raw emotion, sophisticated arrangements, and status as a perfect entry point for newcomers to Bland's work, earning spots on 'greatest albums' lists from Rolling Stone and DownBeat. It's considered a pivotal album that helped shape the soul-blues sound, bridging traditional blues with R&B and gospel.
Key Tracks :-
"I Pity the Fool": A chart-topping R&B hit noted for its power and Bland's signature squalls.
"Cry, Cry, Cry": Highlighted for its emotional intensity and seamless blend of aggression and vulnerability.
"I'll Take Care of You": A minor-key ballad praised for its stark atmosphere and Bland's sympathetic phrasing.
"Lead Me On": Often cited as a standout ballad that showcases his "gospel highway preacher" influence.
Bland's ability to convey deep anguish, vulnerability, and raw power is a central highlight, with critics noting his unique expressive range.
The memorable horn charts and instrumentation by Joe Scott are frequently praised for complementing Bland's vocals perfectly.
Widely regarded as a classic, it's recommended as a starting point for anyone exploring Bobby Bland's extensive catalog.
The album is Ranked #217 on Rolling Stone Magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time". It offers deep emotional resonance, turning heartbreak into powerful, cathartic music rather than just sadness.
Fans find it consistently excellent, with no wasted tracks, and a strong representation of Bland's genius.
As of early 2026, the album maintains high ratings on community platforms like Discogs, with an average score of roughly 4.4 to 4.7 out of 5 based on hundreds of user ratings.