Mississippi soulman Johnny Rawls can affect a blues-stained growl, then slip seamlessly into the most natural almost R&B vocals.
The Mississippi native learned a lot of that from his years spent backing guys like Joe Tex, the Sweet Inspirations and Z.Z. Hill while he was still in high school.
He took that experience to the helm of Little Johnny Taylor's band until he broke out as a solo artist in 1985. That's when all the wonderful lessons he had been taught came to the fore.
He has recorded 13 albums including his 2007 release "Heart and Soul," which was nominated for the Blues Foundation's Best Soul Blues Album of the Year.
Rawls brings his dynamic and soulful live show to Tucson Friday night at 7:30 at Plaza Palomino, on the southeast corner of Swan and Fort Lowell roads. Tickets are $15 in advance at www.rhythmandroots.org or $18 at the door; 319-9966.
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Cathalena E. Burch
