So it turns out I’m a fan of Otis Rush’s music and I didn’t even know it. After taking a closer look at some of the song credits from musicians like Joe Bonamassa and Matt Scofield, some of the tunes I’ve really been digging were written by Otis Rush. That brings up a good point about music: the performers get most of the attention, but often it’s the writers behind the scenes that are responsible for the music and lyrics we love today. And musicians have been covering older songs since the dawn of popular music. Well, since Otis Rush has been a common songwriter behind a few artists I’m enjoying today, I thought it would be cool to share some performances from Otis and his band. I hope you enjoy the videos as much as I did!
The videos I found to share with you span much time in Otis’ career. Let’s start way back in the beginning with a young version of “I Can’t Quit You” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy2tEP3I3DM.
[youtube_sc url=”http://youtu.be/Uy2tEP3I3DM” height=”420″ rel=”0″]
Now let’s jump to the middle of his career with another one of his hit songs, “Gambler’s Blues.” Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCynaoAdP4g.
[youtube_sc url=”http://youtu.be/jCynaoAdP4g” height=”420″ rel=”0″]
Lastly, one of my personal favorites from Otis, “Three Times A Fool.” Enjoy this live performance at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BzTPNX4v_I.
[youtube_sc url=”http://youtu.be/0BzTPNX4v_I” height=”420″ rel=”0″]
I hope you enjoyed all these performances from Otis Rush and his band. The next time you come across a song you really enjoy, do yourself a favor and check out the song credits from the album. It may turn out that there’s another performer who wrote the original song and you may enjoy that version even more. There’s more coming your way at Blues Guitar Unleashed so stay tuned for more!
Thanks,
Griff
8 replies to "Blues Guitarist And Songwriter Otis Rush"
very fine post, i indeed love this website, keep proceeding it
That was so good brought me back to the good old days when a farm boy could just let it hang out and have some fun.
I think Otis is still with us, but he’s had severe health issues so he doesn’t perform anymore.
Just an added tidbit for those unfamiliar with Otis: Stevie Ray Vaughan’s band’s name (Double Trouble) was inspired by the Otis Rush song by the same name.
So soulful. I think Otis is on my top whatever list.
Hey Griff, great stuff, love the older video. how about something on Jimmy Reed?
“It may turn out that there’s another performer who wrote the original song and you may enjoy that version even more.”….great point…we see it more often than we realize…thanks..,later.
cowboy
Yeah, through you, he’s been getting more of my attention here lately! Thanks Griff!
Wow, I have also been an Otis fan and didn’t know it!
Thanks, Griff