She stands a mere five feet tall, but don't let her tiny stature fool you, Kellie Rucker is a very BIG talent. Over the course of a professional career that has spanned more than 25 years, she has appeared on the bill or onstage with such legends as Dizzy Gillespie, Stephen Stills, Albert Collins, James Cotton, ZZ Top, Dan Hicks, Warren Zevon, Little Feat and B.B. King.
Kellie has become a recording artist in her own right, with two CD releases, "Ain't Hit Bottom" and "Church of Texas", that have proven to be strong representations of her talent as a writer, singer and harmonica player.
Her command of the blues harp and her powerful singing voice have made her a key ingredient in recordings and live shows of legendary blues guitarist and Grammy nominee, Jon Butcher. Her work can also be found on discs by such diverse artists as Jon Butcher, L.A. Guns, Corey Stevens, B.B. Chung King and the Screaming Buddaheads, TV Commercials and film.
Born in Oklahoma City, Rucker and her family moved often, making stops in Texas, Virginia and the Florida Keys before settling in Mystic, CT. She took up the harmonica at the age of twelve, and as a teenager had the habit of sneaking into blues clubs to see influential performances by Johnny Winter, James Cotton, James Montgomery, and Roomful of Blues. At age seventeen, she headed west and set up shop in Denver, where she formed her first blues band, Blues for Breakfast. She loved the Rocky Mountains, but longed for the warmth of the Southeast and returned to the Florida Keys. There she happened to join forces with the Bill Blue Band, with whom she eventually toured in Scandinavia.
In 1985, Rucker came to Southern California and settled briefly in the San Diego scene before migrating north to Los Angeles, where she Albert Collins' guitarist Debbie Davies. She and Davies formed a band that toured extensively along the 'left coast' for over two years. As her harmonica playing evolved, Rucker began to feel limited by her role in a traditional blues band and she sought to expand her musical horizons. She caught the attention of noted electric blues guitarist, B.B. Chung King, and after sitting in a few times was invited to join his band, The Screaming Buddaheads. She recorded and toured with BBCK for over five years, becoming a sought after 'gun-for-hire' harmonica player and singer.
These days, Kellie continues to perform in concerts all over Europe performing her own material from two CDs to date - in 2008, she appears in Italy, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands and Sweden, hoping to win over even more music fans. She will begin new recording projects while in Europe in between tour dates.
Miss Rucker is proving herself to be one busy lady! ...and one talent you won't want to miss!
Kellie is seeking distribution, representation and is available for sessions when available.
For booking email kellierucker@hotmail.com, or killerharmonica@yahoo.com.
I really enjoyed the show last night. What a great band and a real good sound. I love to hear you sing and play harmonica as well! Was nice to meet you. Best wishes Wolfgang
Kellie you arre all over Europe like a rash Honey, and the Blues Foundation are busy merely honouring time spent in the job. Don't look for justice as this is the real world.
Hello Kellie! I heard that you're heading for Sweden again this summer. Sure hope to be able to catch your act this time. Bjorn, who's going to join you on drums on the Swedish/Danish leg, is one of my "Backyard Bluesfriends". An excellent drummer and a nice guy. Take care, Mike
Hello Kellie, thanks for the words, how do you do ? not too tired with your European tour? I hope to meet you again in the futur and spend good time to play our harp together. Best whishes !
Hi Kellie, the two of us are on YouTube now! Just watch it on my profile!Doesn..t sound(and look;-)) too bad! Have a great day wherever you are greetings Jürgen
Thanks! It was also very nice to have you as a guest at our place for diner, in the studio for the interview and see you in De Weegbrug doing a great performance!!! TIME FLEW!!! So WHEN are you coming back? Send me your mobile phone number please, just in case. Keep on bluesin'and less travelling, Koos
