About
Bobby BlackHat, Virginia’s Blues Ambassador, award winning recording artist, harmonica player, vocalist, songwriter, comedian, producer has been playing harmonica for over 50 years. Bobby blends the influences of Chicago, Memphis, Piedmont, and Delta style blues along with a little Gospel into a Toe Tappin’, Finger Poppin’, Hip Shakin’ Blues experience. Bobby is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander with 27 years of distinguished service which included serving as Military Aide to the President and being awarded the Coast Guard Medal for Heroism.
"You Never Know What’s Gonna Happen at a Bobby BlackHat Show!"
"I bought my first harp after hearing Lee Oskar play with WAR in 1972. The sound of his harp just mesmerized me and I knew right then and there I was gonna be a harp player too."
Bobby has opened for music legends: B.B King, Taj Mahal, Delbert McClinton, Patti Labelle, Ramsey Lewis, and Maze. He has also performed with Eddie Shaw, Kenny Neal, Ruthie Foster, Tas Cru, Jason Ricci, Slam Allen, Mick Kolassa, Fernando Jones., Memphis Gold, and Lurrie Bell. BlackHat is a judge for the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.
Accomplishments and Recognition
2026 International Blues Hall of Fame
2026 VEER Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award
2025 Official Blues Ambassador, City of Newport News, VA
2024 VEER Magazine “Musicians Musician Award”
2024 Virginia Beach, African American Music Month Proclamation
2023 Ferguson Center for the Arts Bobby BlackHat Music Series
2022 Appointed to the Newport News Arts Commission
2022 Finalist CDC/TAO - Knowledge is an Art Form Competition
2019 VEER Music Award “Best Blues Band”
2018 Virginia Commission for the Arts Touring Artist Roster
2017 Newport News City Council Recognition Proclamation
2017 Winner USAA/We Are The Mighty Nationwide Competition
2017 Featured Artist 50th Anniversary Hampton Jazz Festival
2017 Selected for the VCA Performing Artists Directory
2016 Finalist International Blues Challenge
2016 Blewzzy Award, “Song of the Year” (Please Mr. BlackHat)
2016 VEER Music Award, “Song of the Year” (HRBT Blues)
2016 VEER Music Award, “Best Blues Band”
2015 Semifinalist International Blues Challenge
2012 Blewzzy Award, "Song of the Year" (I Hear Mama’s Voice)
Affiliations
Virginia Commission for the Arts Tour Artist Roster
Voting Member Recording Academy
Newport News Arts Commission
Member Blues Foundation
River City Blues Society
Life Member Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Life Member National Naval Officers Association
Life Member Society of White House Military Aides