R.L. Boyce Passed Away Mississippi, Como-born blues singer and songwriter died at 68
American blues singer R.L. Boyce dead at 68. What happened? Learn more about R.L. Boyce obituary and death...
R.L. Boyce Death – R.L. Boyce, an American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist has passed away. R.L. Boyce was announced dead today, Thursday, the 9th of November 2023. He died at the age of 68. There was no cause of death reported for R.L. Boyce at the time of this publication. Thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.
RL BOYCE Big Blues Mane Picnic released a statement regarding the passing of R.L. Boyce: “With heavy hearts, we share with all of you that R.L. Boyce passed away peacefully at home early this morning. Big Blues Mane we love you.”
R.L. Boyce’s personal life
R.L. Boyce was born on August 15, 1955. Hailing from Como, Mississippi, in the United States, he emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of American blues, distinguished for his roles as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Boyce’s upbringing in Como facilitated his apprenticeship under the guidance of renowned Hill country blues artists, notably R. L. Burnside and Mississippi Fred McDowell.
Career
Boyce initiated his career in the early 1960s, initially taking up the role of a drummer for his uncle, the fife and drum musician Othar Turner. Later on, he assumed the position of drummer for Jessie Mae Hemphill and can be heard on her 1990 release, Feelin’ Good.
His first-ever album, titled Ain’t the Man’s Alright, was launched in 2013, showcasing the talents of notable musicians such as Cedric Burnside, Luther Dickinson, and Calvin Jackson.
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Following this, his second album, Roll and Tumble, was made available on September 8, 2017, through Waxploitation Records. Notably, the album featured the combined drumming prowess of Cedric Burnside (grandson and drummer of R.L. Burnside) and Calvin Jackson, a father-son duo.
Luther Dickinson of The Black Crowes and North Mississippi Allstars, along with David Katznelson, served as the producers for this record. As a testament to its quality, the album received a nomination for the 2018 Grammy Award in the category of Best Traditional Blues Album. The cover art for Roll and Tumble comprises a portrait of R.L. Boyce, skillfully crafted by the contemporary artist James Jean.
Studio albums
- Ain’t the Man’s Alright (Sutro Park, 2013)
- Roll and Tumble (Waxploitation Records, 2017)
- Rattlesnake Boogie (Waxploitation, 2018)
- Ain’t Gonna Play Too Long (Waxploitation, 2018)
Documentaries featuring Boyce
- Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues: A Musical Journey (2003) featured the song “Shortnin’/ Henduck
- Traditional” by Otha Turner which included Boyce on bass and snare drums.
- M for Mississippi (2008) included an interview with Boyce
- Moonshine & Mojo Hands (2014) included an interview with Boyce
- I Am The Blues (2015) included a performance by Boyce
Awards and honors
- 2018: Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album
- 2018: Blues Music Award nomination for Traditional Blues Male Artist
- 2018: Blues Music Award nomination for Best Emerging Artist Album (Roll and Tumble)
- 2022: Blues Music Award nomination for Traditional Blues Album (Boogie w/ R.L. Boyce Live)
- 2023: recipient of a National Heritage Fellowship awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts, which is the United States government’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts.
The family will release an obituary and funeral arrangements for R.L. Boyce.
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