Bobby 'Blue' Bland Dead at 83: 'Aint No Love' Singer Remembered Fondly
Bobby "Blue" Bland, the famed soul and blues singer, died this past Sunday June 23 in Memphis, Tenn. He was 83 years old when he passed away this week.
Bland often called "The Frank Sinatra of the Blues," or "The Lion of the Blues" is perhaps best known for his songs "Stormy Monday Blues," "That's the Way Love Is," "Turn on Your Love Light," and "Aint No Love."
Bland was a heralded musician who became a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the early 1990s. He was awarded a lifetime achievement Grammy in 1997, the The Los Angeles Times reports.
Bland's loss is felt heavily throughout the music community.
"He brought a certain level of class to the blues genre," Boo Mitchell, son of musician and producer Willie Mitchell, said of Bland.
Bland will not just be remembered for his music, but also for his personal influence on other musicians.
"He was a teacher, a mentor. He was a legend and he really enjoyed passing his knowledge onto the younger generation. He didn't care if they were rapping or singing, " Mitchell continued.
Bobby Bland's son, Rodd Bland, also spoke to his father's helpful nature.
"He's always been the type of guy that if he could help you in any way, form or fashion, he would," his son Rodd Bland said.
Bobby "Blue" Bland died late in the afternoon on Sunday from an ongoing illness, Fox News reports. Bland was surrounded by family when he passed. He was 83 years old.