School Days: Homework

Otis Rush: Homework

[purchase]


Otis Rush was born on April 29, 1934 in Philadelphia, Mississippi. In 1948, he moved to Chicago, where he became friends with Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon and developed a mean vibrato guitar style.

During 1956, he secured a contract with Cobra Records. His first single, I Can't Quit You Baby, reached #6 on the R&B Charts. After the label went bankrupt in 1959, Rush signed with Chess Records, where he recorded eight tracks before moving on to Duke, where his output was one solitary single, 1962's Homework, which is today's selection.

Otis suffered a stroke in 2004, which he's since recovered from, but has hampered his return to performing. Here's hoping he's soon healthy enough to bring his unique brand of electric Chicago Blues to a stage near you.