Sunny Blue Bland: The Voice of Sacramento Soul & The Legacy of Blue
Rodney Earl Bland, known professionally as Sunny Blue Bland, is a Sacramento, California-based artist whose life story is a rare blend of academic achievement, entrepreneurial spirit, and an inescapable musical destiny tied to one of the greatest names in American music. As the son of the legendary Bobby "Blue" Bland, Sunny’s upbringing was spent between the classrooms of California and the road, traveling with his father from infancy until he reached seventeen.
This unique background shaped a fiercely disciplined individual: Bland graduated Valedictorian of Sacramento High School in 1981 and served as President of both the youth and college chapters of the NAACP. While he excelled in leadership and academics, the world of entertainment was always his natural orbit, leading him into early work in acting, singing, and music promotion, including the founding of his successful promotional company, Blow – U – Up Promotions, established in 1999.
The Calling of the Blues
At the age of 46, driven by a deep sense of commitment following the loss of icons like Johnny Taylor, Johnny Guitar Watson, and Albert King, Bland embraced his truest calling: to sing the blues. His music is manifested from real-life experiences, pain, and sorrow, creating an authentic and compelling sound.
Sunny Blue Bland is celebrated for his chilling stage presence and warm, powerful voice. Internationally recognized for sold-out performances, his primary musical inspiration remains the great Bobby "Blue" Bland, alongside masters like O.V Wright, Johnny Taylor, and Mighty Joe Hicks. His vision is to keep the blues vital and relevant, following his father's footsteps by "bringing you the best of blues you can use."
Performance & Industry Highlights
Sunny Blue Bland leads a lively, high-end professional band—hailed as the "Finest Band in Sacramento"—known for delivering a vast range of styles, from soul and throwback pop to modern tracks. His talent has taken him to prestigious venues and events, including the Hard Rock Café, the Silver Legacy, the Reno’s Blues Festival after party, and the California State Fair. He has shared the stage with notable figures such as Fillmore Slim, E-40, A J Jamal, and performed for Mayor Kevin Johnson’s Sacramento fundraiser.
Currently, Sunny Blue Bland's career is supported by his own successful promotions work and through strategic partnerships with MaddPadd Productions, La Kidd Entertainment, and Global Music Group Canada (a sister company to Global Music Group). Through his distinctive sound and commanding stage shows, Sunny Blue Bland continues to bridge the past and future of the blues.
