Johnny Rawls reflects on Mississippi roots, touring with O.V. Wright, and his new album Make Them Dance, while sharing what it means to keep the blues alive in 2025.
Few artists embody the timeless power of soul-blues like Johnny Rawls. With a career spanning more than five decades, Rawls has carried the sound of Mississippi blues from Southern juke joints to stages around the world. From his early days touring with O.V. Wright in the 1970s to earning multiple Blues Music Awards, Rawls has remained a cornerstone of the genre. His latest project, Make Them Dance (2025), proves that his passion for storytelling, groove, and keeping the blues alive remains as strong as ever.
This episode of The Gordie Tamayo Show dives deep into the legacy of a true blues icon. Host Gordie Tamayo, Chief Digital Architect of Boise Beat, welcomes Johnny Rawls for a conversation about his roots, his music, and the enduring spirit of the blues.
Highlights from the Conversation
- Mississippi Roots: Rawls reflects on growing up in the Deep South and the early influences that shaped his path into the blues.
- On the Road with O.V. Wright: Touring in the 1970s gave Rawls first-hand experience with one of the great soul-blues voices of all time.
- Award-Winning Career: With multiple Blues Music Awards under his belt, Rawls explains what industry recognition means after decades of dedication.
- The New Album – Make Them Dance: Rawls shares insights on the making of his 2025 release, why he chose the title, and what listeners can expect from its blend of vintage soul and fresh storytelling.
- Collaborating with Jeff Engelbert: Ahead of their Boise blues concert at the Egyptian Theatre in Boise, Idaho, Rawls talks about sharing the stage with Engelbert and why collaboration keeps the music vibrant.
- Live Show Promise: As Rawls put it himself, “They’re going to leave with a smile on their face, dance a hole in their shoes, and feel their souls stirred — that’s what the blues is all about.”
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About the Guest
Johnny Rawls is a celebrated soul-blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, originally from Mississippi. Known for his work with O.V. Wright, his decades-long solo career, and acclaimed albums such as Walking Heart Attack (2023) and Make Them Dance (2025), Rawls is a multiple Blues Music Awards winner and a fixture of the Mississippi Blues Trail. His music is marked by a signature blend of heartfelt storytelling, smooth guitar grooves, and the soul that defines American blues.
