About
Bobby BlackHat, Virginia’s Blues Ambassador, 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. You Never Know What’s Gonna Happen at a Bobby BlackHat Show!
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 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.
He 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.
In 2017, Bobby won the USAA/We Are The Mighty Mission: Music nationwide competition. In 2016, the Bobby BlackHat Band advanced to the finals of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. Bobby has won two Blewzzy Awards for "Song of the Year" (I Hear Mama's Voice, 2012 and Please Mr. BlackHat, 2015). He was also awarded two 2016 VEER Music Awards for "Best Blues" and "Song of the Year" (HRBT Blues).
"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."
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