The Unsung Genius of Otis Rush: Remembering a Blues Icon

Otis Rush, a blues legend whose raw, emotive sound and innovative guitar work left an indelible mark on the genre, passed away on September 29, 2018. As a longtime blues enthusiast and a native of Chicago, the city that served as the epicenter of electric blues, I'm honored to commemorate the life and legacy of this unsung hero of the blues world.

Uncovering the Extraordinary Life and Music of a Blues Trailblazer

From Mississippi Sharecropper to Chicago Blues Virtuoso

Otis Rush's journey from the poverty of a Mississippi sharecropper's life to international fame as one of the most passionate singers and brilliant guitarists in the blues world is a testament to his unwavering determination and raw talent. Born in 1935 (or 1934, according to some biographies) in Neshoba County, Mississippi, Rush was the sixth of seven children raised by his mother, Julia Campbell Boyd, on farms in Neshoba and Kemper counties. Growing up during the Great Depression in a segregated society, Rush's early life was marked by hardship, with the children often missing school to work in the cotton fields. However, it was in this environment that Rush's musical journey began, as he was exposed to blues records at home and on jukeboxes in the nearby town of Philadelphia.

Developing a Unique and Influential Playing Style

With no formal musical training, Rush developed his own unorthodox playing style, performing left-handed with the guitar upside down. This self-taught technique, combined with his ability to transform the sounds he heard into captivating guitar lines, would become the foundation of his distinctive style. One of the sounds that particularly inspired Rush was the whistling of his older brother, Leroy Boyd, which he would later incorporate into his own playing.

The Pivotal Move to Chicago and the Birth of the "West Side Sound"

It was a visit to his sister in Chicago that truly ignited Rush's passion for music and set him on the path to becoming a professional musician. Witnessing a Muddy Waters performance, Rush was awestruck and knew that this was his calling. Relocating to Chicago in the late 1940s, Rush quickly immersed himself in the city's vibrant blues scene, honing his skills and developing a modernized variant of the Chicago blues sound that came to be known as the "West Side sound."

Pioneering the West Side Sound and Leaving an Indelible Mark

In contrast to the down-home, amplified sound of Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf, Rush's West Side sound was more lyrical and rhythmically complex, showcasing his lacerating, vibrato-laden electric guitar lines and his gritty, gospel-inspired vocals. This innovative approach, which was embraced by a small circle of late-1950s blues innovators, including Buddy Guy and Magic Sam, would go on to influence a new generation of blues-rock musicians.

Otis Rush's Enduring Legacy and Lasting Impact

Despite never achieving the commercial success of some of his contemporaries, Otis Rush's impact on the blues world is undeniable. His early recordings for the Cobra label, such as the seminal "I Can't Quit You Baby" and "Double Trouble," have become blues standards, serving as a rich repository of material for the blues-rock bands of the 1960s. Even in the later stages of his career, when a debilitating stroke in 2003 ended his touring and performing, Rush's influence continued to be felt, as evidenced by his 1999 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Recording for his album "Any Place I'm Going."Otis Rush's story is a testament to the power of raw talent, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of the blues. Though he may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of his peers, his music and his unique playing style have left an indelible mark on the genre, inspiring generations of musicians and captivating blues enthusiasts around the world. As we remember the anniversary of his passing, let us celebrate the life and legacy of this unsung blues icon, whose music continues to resonate with the same passion and intensity that defined his extraordinary journey.