One of the greatest electric blues guitar players who ever lived. I was fortunate enough to see Otis play live several times and on one of his good nights, there was nobody better. A great singer too. Otis Rush gone at age 84.
Last Edited by DanP on Sep 30, 2018 2:22 AM
The NY Times has published a fine write up of this magnificent guitarist, and provides a clear description of his innovative style. He was an incredible vocalist as well, with a clear gospel influence, utterly fantastic and enough to make you stop in your tracks. His vocal on his original version of "I Can't Quit You" is so dynamic as to be a force of nature. ---------- www.ted-burke.com
Just an incredible talent and one of the last of the Chicago blues greats. I'll miss Otis.
I was lucky to spend some time with him and hear him perform numerous times in the late 60's-early 70's.
As a music journalist I traveled with Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac on the West Coast. One time I mentioned to Otis the important infuence he'd had on their great guitarist, Peter Green. Otis knew Peter's playing and his response to my comments was quiet, reserved, no bragging - He closed his eyes, smiling, and said quite simply, "That's nice man."
I also brought up fellow blues guitarist, Luther Tucker's, recollection that among teen friends - Otis, Tucker, Magic Sam, and Freddy King - Otis was the first of them able to play like Muddy Waters: "...He played and he WAS Muddy. He just had it!" - something all the young Chicago players aspired to in the 50's. Otis began laughing and asked, "Tucker tell you 'bout that? Everybody want to be Muddy then. Long time ago man. He still remember that?" His smile, nodding head, closed eyes, and silence told me he was picturing and savoring that long ago moment.
It's been a tough 2018 - Eddie Shaw, Eddy Clearwater, and now, Otis. I miss them, glad each was acknowledged in his lifetime and left us such a rich blues legacy. ---------- BnT
