Bobby 'Blue' Bland's voice inspired rockers worldwide

Often called "The Lion of the Blues” and the “Sinatra of the Blues” – due to being heavily influenced by Frank Sinatra – Bland packed elements of gospel, blues, pop, country, jazz and R&B into emotionally raw performances that became a standard for the Bobby "Blue" Bland was known as the Frank Sinatra of the blues. He smoothed out Southern soul with the elegance of jazz and big-band music, sparked it with elements of country and pop, and influenced musicians like Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles.GRENADA, Miss. (AP) — Bobby "Blue" Bland, a distinguished singer who blended Southern blues and soul in songs such as "Turn on Your Love Light" and "Further On Up the Road," died Sunday. He was 83.Over a number of years – in conjunction with books I've written with B.B. King and Aretha Franklin – I've had the great

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