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I Ain't Studdin' Ya: My American Blues Story Hardcover – June 22, 2021

by Bobby Rush (Author), Herb Powell

179 ratings

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Experience music history with this memoir by one of the last of the genuine old school Blues and R&B legends, the Grammy-winning dynamic showman Bobby Rush.

This memoir charts the extraordinary rise to fame of living blues legend, Bobby Rush. Born Emmett Ellis, Jr. in Homer, Louisiana, he adopted the stage name Bobby Rush out of respect for his father, a pastor. As a teenager, Rush acquired his first real guitar and started playing in juke joints in Little Rock, Arkansas, donning a fake mustache to trick club owners into thinking he was old enough to gain entry. He led his first band in Arkansas between Little Rock and Pine Bluff in the 1950s. It was there he first had Elmore James play in his band. Rush later relocated to Chicago to pursue his musical career and started to work with Earl Hooker, Luther Allison, and Freddie King, and sat in with many of his musical heroes, such as Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed and Little Walter. Rush eventually began leading his own band in the 1960s, crafting his own distinct style of funky blues, and recording a succession of singles for various labels. It wasn't until the early 1970s that Rush finally scored a hit with "Chicken Heads." More recordings followed, including an album which went on to be listed in the Top 10 blues albums of the 1970s by Rolling Stone and a handful of regional jukebox favorites including "Sue" and "I Ain't Studdin' Ya."

And Rush's career shows no signs of slowing down now. The man once beloved for performing in local jukejoints is now headlining major music/blues festivals, clubs, and theaters across the U.S. and as far as Japan and Australia. At age eighty-six, he is still on the road for over 200 days a year. His lifelong hectic tour schedule has earned him the affectionate title "King of the Chitlin' Circuit," from Rolling Stone. In 2007, he earned the distinction of being the first blues artist to play at the Great Wall of China. His renowned stage act features his famed shake dancers, who personify his funky blues and his ribald sense of humor. He was featured in Martin Scorcese's The Blues docuseries on PBS, a documentary film called Take Me to the River, performed with Dan Aykroyd on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and most recently had a cameo in the Golden Globe nominated Netflix film, Dolemite Is My Name, starring Eddie Murphy. He was recently given the highest Blues Music Award honor of B.B. King Entertainer of the Year. His songs have also been featured in TV shows and films including HBO's Ballers and major motion pictures like Black Snake Moan, starring Samuel L. Jackson.

Considered by many to be the greatest bluesman currently performing, this book will give readers unparalleled access into the man, the myth, the legend: Bobby Rush.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing my friend Bobby for over forty years. He’s a born entertainer and a riot.”―Mavis Staples

“Merely living and surviving nine decades would be marked as a huge accomplishment for anyone but then pack in thousands of nights filled with music, dancing, laughter, raucousness, professionalism, showmanship, all done with passion plus compassion and you have the life of Bobby Rush. This book is a must read for all serious followers of the American Rhythm and Blues cultural explosion by one of its extant founders.”―Dan Aykroyd

“Bobby Rush’s I Ain’t Studdin’ Ya could be called ‘the spark of stayin' in the moment.’ Bobby’s indefatigable spirit and energy leap from the page of this delightful chronicle of a life well lived, and he is always in the moment. Bobby may be the only bluesman alive who can speak of a personal journey that extends from picking cotton in his youth to an active recording and performing career in 2021. Bobby personally knew many of the mythic artists who we think of when we explore the history of the blues. I recommend this book to any lover of the blues and any lover a good story.”―Jerry Harrison, founding member of Talking Heads

“It’s Bobby Rush! Bobby is the real deal with an investment of a lifetime of raw effort and true talent. It's made Bobby Rush the overnight sensation he was destined to become. This is it!”―Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top

"Bobby Rush rode the blues from the southern farm to the northern city and then back home, becoming one of the kings of the modern Chitlin Circuit. He’s got a great memory, a sharp eye for details, and he’s always been a great entertainer, so I Ain’t Studdin’ Ya is full of great tales. Reading this is like listening to Bobby Rush talk us through his life, which is a great contemporary blues story."―Robert Gordon, author of It Came from Memphis and Can’t Be Satisfied: The Life and Times of Muddy Waters

“Bobby Rush is one of my favorite performers, and this book is as smart, funny, and soulful as his shows. He is also a profoundly thoughtful man and his warmth and wisdom come through on every page. Rush has been everywhere, known everyone, and is the greatest road warrior on the blues scene. He has eighty years of wonderful stories, and I'm already waiting for volume two.”―Elijah Wald, author of Escaping the Delta: Robert Johnson and the Invention of the Blues and How the Beatles Destroyed Rock and Roll: An Alternative History of American Popular Music

"Rush’s memoir... is frank about many things, including the reason he’s received so many standing ovations in recent years." ―New York Times

"Rush never fails to put on an electrifying performance, and his entertaining autobiography is no exception. Reading this is like sitting backstage with Rush listening to him tell story after story of his life and long career."―No Depression

"In I Ain’t Studdin’ Ya, Rush gives readers intimate access into his life and career like never before.... Bobby Rush is the American success story. Hail to the King!"
―American Blues Scene

“In addition to its entertainment and cultural value, Rush’s memoir holds the wisdom he’s gained during a long and active life.” ―The Advocate

"A fascinating story well told... A richly detailed account of a bluesman’s full life."
―Kirkus Reviews

"[I Ain't Studdin' Ya features] short, conversational chapters written in a leisurely, friendly, and down-home style.” ―Booklist

"I Ain’t Studdin’ Ya reads like the raw and mostly uncut version of how Emmett Ellis, Jr. became Bobby Rush."―Jackson Advocate Online

"In I Ain’t Studdin' Ya, Rush recalls with great detail his lifelong journey in the music business beginning with his father pulling out an old harmonica from his overalls pocket where a young Rush instantly got hooked on the blues... Rush’s determination and hard work is admirable and evident in his life story."―Houston Press

A "SUMMER MUST-READ" [Slate, Chicago Tribune]

About the Author

Bobby Rush is a Grammy award-winning blues musician who has recorded over 400 songs over the course of five decades in the music industry. He is a Blues Hall of Famer, a 13-time Blues Music Award winner, and a B.B. King Entertainer of the Year. I Aint't Studdin' Ya is his first book.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Da Capo
Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 22, 2021
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0306874806
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0306874802
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.2 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.38 x 1.4 x 9.25 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #665,528 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #116 in R&B & Soul
- #163 in Blues Music (Books)
- #186 in R&B & Soul Artist Biographies
Customer Reviews:
179 ratings

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Customers find the book readable and appreciate the author's musicianship, with one review highlighting their determination to succeed as a musician. They praise the author's personality, with one describing them as a true American hero.

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9 customers mention "Readability"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with one describing it as a very interesting read.

"Great item!" Read more

"One of the most compeling books I ever read!..." Read more

"...Really an excellent and moving book about a true American hero and a solid man." Read more

"Very interesting read. Bought his book after I went to his show." Read more

4 customers mention "Musicianship"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the musician's talent, with one noting their determination to succeed and another describing them as a consummate performer.

"...In addition to great musician, unique blues icon Mr. Rush is a great and unique human being! I'm so priviledge to have read this book...." Read more

"I loves me some Bobby Rush! He's a consummate performer, and a really nice guy!..." Read more

"...particular skill set as well as his persistence and determination to make it as a musician...." Read more

"Bobby Rush is one of my favorite blues singer and I feel he did a great job with his book." Read more

4 customers mention "Personality"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's personality, describing him as a unique human being and a true American hero.

"...to great musician, unique blues icon Mr. Rush is a great and unique human being! I'm so priviledge to have read this book...." Read more

"...Really an excellent and moving book about a true American hero and a solid man." Read more

"I loves me some Bobby Rush! He's a consummate performer, and a really nice guy!..." Read more

"World's Greatest Living Blues Man..." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

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Jaami Dawan
I ain’t studdin’ ya
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Great item!

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Readingone
Inspirational!
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2021
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
One of the most compeling books I ever read! I'm amazed at how Mr Rush has been able to stay positive and acomplish what he has during all his life overcoming such adversity. In addition to great musician, unique blues icon Mr. Rush is a great and unique human being! I'm so priviledge to have read this book. As he wrote "If I could, you can" NOTHING is impossible. THANK you Mr. Bobby Rush for such gem. As great of a gift as your music Sir.

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4 people found this helpful

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David Inman
Wow, what a ride!
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2021
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Wow, what a ride! I am so glad that I read this book. The American blues music has been one of my best friends for decades now and it's a pleasure to spend some time with the greats.

I love Bobby Rush. When I break out my hand drums, we play his music for hours on end, getting down and freeing up our souls.

Really an excellent and moving book about a true American hero and a solid man.

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5 people found this helpful

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Mike Hunt
Bobby's story is a great story!
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2022
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
I loves me some Bobby Rush! He's a consummate performer, and a really nice guy! I've talked to him several times over the years, but this book tells me a lot more about his story than I ever knew! My only complaint is that at one time he mentioned possibly using some of my photos in the book, but it never happened sadly. Nonetheless, I heartily recommend this book, as well as recommend that you go catch him live in concert!

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Mike Hunt

Bobby's story is a great story!

Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2022
I loves me some Bobby Rush! He's a consummate performer, and a really nice guy! I've talked to him several times over the years, but this book tells me a lot more about his story than I ever knew! My only complaint is that at one time he mentioned possibly using some of my photos in the book, but it never happened sadly. Nonetheless, I heartily recommend this book, as well as recommend that you go catch him live in concert!

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Amazon Customer
Bobby Rush is a national treasure. Everyone who loves the blues should see this real blues man.
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2021
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
I loved his entire life story--especially his devotion to God, to his family and to his community. Bobby Rush has never forgotten where he came from.

What impressed me is his particular skill set as well as his persistence and determination to make it as a musician. From running a hot dog stand, to having a barbecue business, as well as song writing, and performing! He does it all with such grace and humility!

In spite of his losses throughout life, Mr. Rush is truly an inspiration and an American success story!

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3 people found this helpful

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Jersey
Bobby Rush
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2023
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Very interesting read. Bought his book after I went to his show.

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Sharon Burgmon
Husband was pleased.
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2024
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Husband requested this book a while ago. He loved it.

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LESTER REGINA DODSON
A very good read.
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2021
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Bobby Rush is one of my favorite blues singer and I feel he did a great job with his book.

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Kevin Herron
Bobby Rush!
Reviewed in Canada on November 29, 2021
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Very interesting read about one of America's greatest living bluesmen.

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CM14
Good read for fans
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 15, 2024
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
For fans only rather than general consumers but Dad enjoyed it.

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mike bartlett
The compelling story of one of America's musical giants. Bobby Rush !!
Reviewed in Canada on July 13, 2021
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Very informative with life lessons on happiness and survival. We love Bobby Rush

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bibliotech
Class act.....
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 14, 2022
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Interesting book about a genuine blues icon.

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peter donaldson
excellent musical biography
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 11, 2022
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
authentic and often amusing autobiography.

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I Ain't Studdin' Ya: My American Blues Story Hardcover – June 22, 2021

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5.0 out of 5 stars Bobby Rush!

5.0 out of 5 stars Good read for fans

5.0 out of 5 stars The compelling story of one of America's musical giants. Bobby Rush !!

5.0 out of 5 stars Class act.....

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent musical biography

Bobby Rush!

Good read for fans

The compelling story of one of America's musical giants. Bobby Rush !!

Class act.....

excellent musical biography