The Southern Miss School of Media and Communication recently hosted a live conversation with Bobby Rush, a three-time GRAMMY winner, Blues Hall of Famer, and 18-time Blues Music Award recipient. The event was part of the Established Artists and Recording Students (EARS) series, which connects aspiring sound and video students with accomplished music artists.
Rush, known for his role in the Netflix film Dolemite Is My Name and his recent autobiography, participated in a conversation with SMTV news anchor Bethal Miles. He shared stories about his life, career, and experiences in the music industry.
During the conversation, Rush was asked if his passion for blues was sparked by personal heartbreak.
“Yes, but you can sing the blues if she stays too long,” he replied.
Rush recounted his early love for music, describing how he first learned to play guitar as a child. He recalled his cousin, who owned a guitar, allowing him to play when girls visited. When Rush was around eight years old, his cousin gave him the guitar, which he hid under his bed from his father. Eventually, his father discovered the instrument, tuned it, and played music for him, sparking Rush’s lifelong passion for the blues.
Reflecting on his love for the genre, Rush added, “If you don’t like the blues, you probably don’t like your momma.”
Rush also shared anecdotes from his time touring with famous musicians. He noted that during a tour with Chuck Berry, his performances gained so much attention that the billing shifted from “Chuck Berry and Bobby Rush” to “Bobby Rush and Chuck Berry,” causing some friction between the two artists.
In addition to his musical career, Rush described how he used to sell hot dogs outside a club where he performed. He would tell patrons that it was the best hot dog he had ever tasted, making more money from sales than from his performances.
Rush, who has a diverse family background, spoke about the experiences that shaped his identity.
“I’ve lived on both sides,” he said, referring to his biracial heritage.
His personal history, he said, has greatly influenced his life and career, and he expressed immense gratitude for the opportunities he’s had.
The EARS series, organized by Dr. Will Thompson, assistant professor of sound, provides students the opportunity to produce professional-level sound recordings and collaborate on promotional videos with visiting artists. The program is funded by a grant from Partners for the Arts. It continues to provide Southern Miss students with unique opportunities to learn from established artists like Bobby Rush, enhancing their education with real-world experience in the music industry.
