Happy 73rd Birthday, Otis Rush
The great and mighty Otis Rush turns 73-years old today. I don’t understand why this is not a national holiday. I’m thinking of going home early and running 20 red lights in his honor. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Lord. Sorry- I’m totally mixing my metaphors. I guess the point I’m making is that it’s a fuckin’ shame so few will take notice that a titan of music and pillar of the blues is celebrating his 73rd birthday. Show some respect, you bastards- and fuck your Yankee blue jeans. Sorry, I’ve promised 11 I’ll help him beat that line into the ground.
Otis Rush is my favorite bluesman and today is a day to celebrate! 73 years is no small accomplishment. I’m not betting on seeing 73 and I haven’t lived a bluesman’s life.
If you want to know why Rush is my favorite, do what I’m doing right now. I’m listening to my copy of Right Place, Wrong Time. If you don’t own this album, you should. God will rescue a kitten in your honor for every copy you buy. This is my favorite electric blues record, period. I never need a reason to listen to it, but honoring the birth of its creator seems as good as any I might come up with. The rest of Rush’s discography is a minefield of disposable compilations, uneven albums, out-of-print CDs, and albums only available on used vinyl. Many would point you to his early work on the defunct Cobra label — and you should check that out — but he was never stronger or more consistent than he was when he made Right Place, Wrong Time.
Happy birthday, Otis. Many happy returns.
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