Categories: Chicago

Famous Chicago Bluesman Otis Rush Dies at 84

Otis Rush, a well-known Chicago musician, died on Saturday. Famous for his blues and jazz sounds, he was a living legend in his 84-year-old.

Otis Rush had a stroke in 2003 and a poor health. Despite this, he was still participating in the cultural life of the city. His last appearance on the stage in Chicago was in 2016, he was a special guest on the Blues Festival.

The musician was born in Philadelphia but his life passed in Chicago. He played guitar in a lot of local clubs on the West Side of Chicago, recorded his sounds and created unusual improvisations. According to Gregg Parker, founder of the Chicago Blues Museum, Rush was “one of the last great blues guitar heroes, electric God”.

Rush did not pay attention to promoting his music or building a business career. His golden era was from the late 1950s into the 1970s. He dedicated his life to playing and musical experiment. He won Grammy in 1999 and his name was mentioned in the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame. His heritage influenced Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, and many other famous musicians.

Jackson Sorbo

Managing editor of the Chicago Morning Star

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