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Paul Spencer

Bobby Bland: Two Steps from the Blues

Documentaries

Factual: Life Stories

Music: Jazz & Blues: Blues

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media: Arts

02/05/2009

BBC Four - Bobby Bland: Two Steps from the Blues

Documentary about the life and music of gospel, jazz and blues singer Bobby 'Blue' Bland.

Documentary about the life and music of Bobby 'Blue' Bland, one of America's classic vocalists. It traces his path from its gospel roots, through jazz and into the blues.

Documentary telling the story of the life and music of Bobby 'Blue' Bland, one of America's classic vocalists, listed high in Rolling Stone magazine's Top 100 greatest voices and admired by Elvis Presley, Van Morrison and Mick Hucknall among others. 

In 1947, Bland's mother brought her son from the country town of Rosemark to Memphis in search of a better life. A year later, Gladys Presley and her son made a similar journey from neighbouring Tupelo. At that time, Memphis was a musical melting pot and BB King reports that 'everyone who was anyone' turned up there sooner or later. Bland offered his services as a driver, but soon secured a spot singing with King's band, while the young Elvis hung around Beale Street taking it all in.

The film traces Bobby's musical path from its gospel roots, through jazz and into the blues, which he infused with a unique sophistication, becoming a major singing star in black America in the 50s and 60s. His songs were covered by the Allman Brothers, the Grateful Dead and many others, and drummer Jab'o Starks recalls recording classic tracks like Stormy Monday, with which Bobby achieved great chart success.

Contributors include Van Morrison, Quincy Jones, BB King, Mick Hucknall, Dan Penn and Grammy nominee Susan Tedeschi.

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