Lurrie Bell, a prominent figure in the blues world, follows in the footsteps of his late father, harmonica maestro Carey Bell, who was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2023. Born on December 13, 1958, in Chicago, Lurrie developed into an extraordinary blues guitarist during the 1970s, displaying remarkable talent even as a teenager. Despite facing personal trauma and tragedy throughout his life, Lurrie’s enduring passion for music has carried him into his senior years with the same youthful exuberance. Growing up in a musical environment, Lurrie drew inspiration from his father’s musical circle, notably guitarist Eddie Taylor.
His early experiences included playing in a band with pianist Lovie Lee, the musician credited with bringing Carey Bell to Chicago from Mississippi. Lurrie’s childhood also involved living in Mississippi and Alabama, where he played gospel music in church alongside his Bell brothers, collectively known as “The Ding Dongs.” Lurrie’s journey into professional music began in 1977 when he recorded on a session with his father, Carey Bell, and played bass on an Eddie C. Campbell album. That same year, he joined forces with Billy Branch and other emerging blues musicians in the “New Generation of Chicago Blues” package in Berlin. The collaboration with Branch evolved into the Sons of the Blues (S.O.B.) band, solidifying Lurrie’s status as one of the rising stars in the blues scene. His guitar skills and innate understanding of the blues genre gained recognition as he recorded with various artists, including Koko Taylor, Eddy Clearwater, Sunnyland Slim, and Louisiana Red. Despite personal challenges, including periods of depression, isolation, and life on the streets, Lurrie’s musical talents continued to captivate audiences.
His life took a challenging turn with the passing of his partner, photographer Susan Greenberg, and the heartbreaking loss of their twin babies. Carey Bell’s death in 2007 added to the hardships, yet Lurrie’s unique musical abilities served as a lifeline, bringing him back to a sense of sanity. Over the years, Lurrie faced personal challenges, but his musical journey persisted. Amberly Stokes, a devoted supporter and former Rosa’s Lounge employee, became Lurrie Bell’s advocate. Under her care and management, he found stability, a supportive home life, and renewed worldwide acclaim for his remarkable talent. Lurrie’s enduring contribution to the blues genre, resilience, and captivating performances solidified his place in the Blues Hall of Fame.