Johnny Rawls :: Where Have the Soul Men Gone

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Sat, Sep 28, 2024

Johnny Rawls :: Where Have the Soul Men Gone

Johnny Rawls is a renowned soul blues artist with a career spanning over 50 years. Born in Mississippi in 1951, he began his musical journey as a teenager, backing notable soul artists like ZZ Hill, Little Johnny Taylor

and Joe Tex. Rawls later became the band director for soul singer O.V. Wright and continued to lead Wright's band after his death.

In 1985, Rawls launched his solo career, releasing his debut album "Here We Go" in 1996. He has since released more than 20 albums and is recognized as a prolific songwriter with over 100 recorded songs.

Rawls has received numerous accolades throughout his career. He has been nominated multiple times for Blues Music Awards, with his album "I'm Still Around" winning Soul Blues Album of the Year in 2019. Living Blues Magazine featured him on their cover in 2002, describing him as a "saoul-blues renaissance man".

As a versatile musician, Rawls is not only a singer but also a guitarist, arranger, and record producer. He continues to tour extensively, performing approximately 200 shows annually across North America and overseas.

Johnny Rawls' music is characterized by its blend of deep soul, gospel influences, and contemporary styling. His contributions to the genre have been so significant that the term "soul blues" was coined to describe his unique sound.