Bobby Radcliff
| Bobby Radcliff | |
|---|---|
Bobby Radcliff, June 2016
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Robert Radcliff Ewan |
| Born |
September 22, 1951 Washington, D.C., United States |
| Genres | Blues, rhythm and blues, jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Guitar, Vocals |
| Years active | 1964–present |
| Labels | A-Okay, Black Top, Rollo, Krellno |
| Website | www |
Bobby Radcliff, born Robert Radcliff Ewan, is an American blues guitarist, singer, songwriter and painter. Radcliff, raised in Bethesda, Maryland, began playing guitar at the early age of 12, attending a variety of concerts that would come through the area (Blues, Bluegrass, Rockabilly, Country, Rock, Jazz, etc.). Radcliff played in a number of bands beginning at age 13, as both a guitarist and vocalist.
He is known for his position in the band “The Yarbs” (bandleader Chris Pestalozzi) which played cover of songs, standards and originals, crossing many genres, with an emphasis on original compositions and Blues. In 1968, Radcliff also joined "The Northside Blues Band", alongside Brett Littlehales (harmonica), Guy Dorsey (keyboard), William Bowman (bass), and Van Holmead (drums).
Radcliff's spectrum of musical inspirations expanded as he continued to explore different artists. He was particularly inspired by the Butterfield Blues Band (Paul Butterfield, Mike Bloomfield, and Elvin Bishop), but also drew from country guitarist James Burton (from Ricky Nelson’s band), Kenneth “Thumbs” Carllile (from Jimmy Dickens band), Don Rich (from Buck Owen’s Band), Steve Cropper, Slim Harpo, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, The Ventures and many others. He was also influenced by the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and many other British Blues Bands. Radcliff met many blues musicians during this period, such as Freddy King and Buddy Guy (1968).
A seminal moment in Radcliff’s musical development came when he attended the Ann Arbor Blues Festival in 1969. Not only did he meet Dick Watermen, who became a friend, but he also saw Magic Sam live for the first time. Sam’s Chicago West Side Blues sound captivated Radcliff as it was unlike anything he’d ever heard. This performance inspired Radcliff to form his own band – a trio he modeled after Sam’s band. Radcliff was so inspired by Magic Sam that he soon boarded a bus to Chicago, venturing to meet his newfound guitar idol. Radcliff arrived in Chicago only to learn Magic Sam had suffered a major heart attack and was in Cook County Hospital. Radcliff sat by his bedside until Sam woke up. He explained that he had seen him at the Ann Arbor festival and Sam was receptive to young Radcliff's pilgrimage to meet him.
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