Bobby "Blue" Bland, the sound of Southern blues and voice of Turn On Your Love Light and That's the Way Love Is died Sunday evening in his Memphis-area home at age 83.

Neil Portnow, President/CEO, The Recording AcademyRecording Academy made the following statement, "Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Bobby "Blue" Bland was a prolific blues singer and balladeer.

His signature performance style seamlessly blended a mix of blues, country, gospel, jazz and pop music to create his unique sound..."