Robert Ross is an American blues singer, songwriter, acoustic and electric guitarist, slide guitarist, and harmonica player. He is the leader of the Robert Ross Band and The Jazz-Manian Devils. He also performs as a solo artist.
He was born in Brooklyn, New York, United States.[1] Ross was nominated seven times for a New York Music Award and has won twice, once for Best Blues Artist in 1989, and once for Best Live Blues Artist in 2011. Ross was inducted into the New York Blues Hall of Fame in 2011.[1] He has also won several grants for integrating music into education programs. Ross' original song, "Sittin' in the Jailhouse",[2] was recorded in 1980 by Johnny Winter and appeared on Winter's album, Raisin' Cain[3] and Winter's compilation, A Rock 'n' Roll Collection.
As co-leader of the Dicey Ross Band with harmonica player Bill Dicey, Ross recorded with Big Joe Turner in 1976 for Spivey Records. Ross has also worked with John Lee Hooker, Lightnin' Hopkins, Brownie McGhee, Memphis Slim, Sunnyland Slim, Otis Rush, Dr. John, Bobby Lewis, Pinetop Perkins, Cyril Neville, Big Mama Thornton, Louisiana Red, J.B. Hutto, Eddie Kirkland, Floyd Jones, and Homesick James. The Robert Ross Band tours frequently and has released seven recordings including two albums in Europe on Brambus Records.
in 2020, Ross was a semi-finalist at the International Blues Challenge.[1]
Ross' diverse repertory includes boogie woogie, soul, blues, rock and roll and jazz.[4]