Blues legend Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland dies at 83

Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland, the influential blues and soul singer, died at age 83 on Sunday. He is best known for the songs “Turn on Your Love Light” and “Further on Up the Road.”

His son, Rodd Bland, confirmed the news to The Associated Press. He said that his father died in his Memphis home from complications of an illness. He was surrounded by family.

According to Rolling Stone, Bland was nicknamed the “Sinatra of Blues,” with smooth vocals influenced by Nat King Cole. He joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and was considered among the last living links to early blues.

He moved to Memphis when he was a teenager and co-founded the Beale Streeters with B.B. King and Johnny Ace. After serving in the Army, he recorded for Sun Records’ Sam Phillips, but had little success until 1957’s “Further on Up the Road.” That sparked a string of hits that included 1960’s “I'll Take Care of You” and 1961’s “Turn Your Love Light On.” Other hits included “Lean on Me,” “That’s the Way Love Is” and “Call on Me.” Eric Clapton and David Bowie both recorded Bland songs during their early careers.

“He’s always been the type of guy that if he could help you in any way, form or fashion, he would,” Rodd Bland told the AP.

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