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BOBBY RUSH GAINS RECOGNITION FROM
PBS SCORSESE THE BLUES" FILM THE ROAD TO MEMPHIS"
DVD/CD, LIVE AT GROUND ZERO,
HITS THE STREETS ON HEELS OF PBS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2003
JACKSON, Miss. -- Bobby Rush, the Mississippi bluesman heretofore best known as one of the denizens of the Chitlin Circuit, is has been put on the international map thanks to his key appearance in Richard Pearces The Road To Memphis" film, shown on PBS as part of Martin Scorseses The Blues" series.
In addition to a live DVD/CD -- Bobby Rush: Live At Ground Zero (Deep Rush Records) -- which is just now shipping to retail, Bobby Rush has received unprecedented press from publications ranging from Rolling Stone to The New York Times. His colorful portrayal as the itinerant Mississippi bluesman, traveling by bus to gigs along the roughntumble Chitlin Circuit won the hearts of many critics.
68-year-old Bobby Rush delivers a series of galvanizing performances, stealing the film from its primary subject, B.B. King," noted Rolling Stone. Rushs peerless showmanship may well deliver him the crossover success he has worked for his entire life." The Boston Globe added, Rush is a dynamic, largely undiscovered bluesman who has played the Chitlin Circuit for 50 years but whose soulful, somewhat risqué style has been cited as a series highlight." And the Wirelsss Flash news wire summed it up: Bobby Rush is rushing his way to 'overnight sensation -- after working for it for 50 years."
The live DVD and CD combo, recorded live at Morgan Freemans Ground Zero club in the blues mecca of Clarksdale, Miss., vividly captures what critics and audiences saw on PBS -- Rushs rugged soul/blues, his onstage charisma and, not insignificantly, a passel of booty-shaking dancers who are a signature element of his show.
Since the airing of the PBS films, Bobby Rush and his business partner Greg Preston have been asked by many people in the industry whether the appearance bore a tangible effect in furthering Rushs career.
According to Greg Preston, Bobby's partner in the label who also handles management duties, "Creating the right energy behind an artist like Bobby Rush, that is incorporating all the right elements of promotion, marketing, publicity and style, will open the threshold to new audiences that are hungry for something fresh, raw and a little naughty."
Preston also cites an increase in bookings as a result of PBS. We have received numerous calls regarding tours for next year," he says. Touring is a central component of our strategy."
What it did for me is to lift my career to where it had never been before. And it didnt only open doors for Bobby Rush, but others like me as well," Rush added. People have seen me on the street and mentioned that they saw PBS. I see a long and better career for me now. I was just being me, doing what I do -- I had no idea I was going to be such a center of attraction. But like I said, this is great for every blues artist as well as every blues lover and fan."
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For more information on Bobby Rush, contact The Baker/Northrop Media Group:
Cary Baker (818) 986-5200 x 222 cary@bakernorthrop.com
http://www.bobbyrush.com
http://www.bakernorthrop.com
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