Robben Ford’s calling in life was to be a musician. In many ways you could even say that he was destined to write and perform, which is exactly what he’s been doing now for more than 60 years.
The revered man you see today has contributed to best-selling albums, sold out venues across the world and even received five nominations for a Grammy Award. He is – in every sense of the word – a true artist.
Now 70-years-old and still producing music, there’s still time for many more highs before he gets to the end of his remarkable story. The story’s start, however, is already well established – and it began when he was bitten by the blues bug…
All in the family
Star quality is often something that you’re born with. But when it comes to musical talent, that’s usually something that you’re taught. Ford didn’t have to look too far from home to see this in action, with his father having a knack for the guitar and his mother for the piano.
It was no surprise that him and his brothers all felt the lure of their own instruments, with a young Ford first picking up a saxophone when he was eight. By the age of 13 he had followed in his father’s footsteps by turning to the guitar. Quite remarkably, he was self-taught.
The family home was alive through the 1960s with the sounds of artists such as Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding, as well as blues legends like B.B. King and Mike Bloomfield. You can almost imagine how much inspiration must have been running through Ford’s veins.
Ford’s brothers Patrick and Mark must have felt the same because – after learning the drums and harmonica – they joined with their sibling to form a band. It was called The Charles Ford Band, in honour of their father.
The early years
The band’s first real taste of success came when they were recruited to join the tour of harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite. Alongside such an esteemed name, Ford and his siblings gained great footing in the industry and soon turned their attention to releasing their own records.
Two albums were released from the band (the self-titled The Charles Ford Band and Discovering the Blues) before they would eventually go their separate ways.
It was onwards and upwards for Ford, who soon found himself becoming a member of the jazz fusion band L.A. Express. It wasn’t long until he was turning the heads of some renowned names in the industry. Ford might have got his big break with Charlie Musselwhite, but Musselwhite was far from the last famous face who would recognise his talents…
Rubbing shoulders
Robben Ford is now an established artist in his own right. In part, this stems from how many household names he’s worked alongside. Yes, there has been no shortage of stars clamouring to have him provide support on their albums or appear with them on stage.
In 1974, Ford was supporting George Harrison on his tour across the United States. This then led to him joining Joni Mitchell in the studio when she recorded her albums The Hissing of Summer Lawns and Miles of Aisles.
The star-studded connections didn’t end there. Ford also enjoyed runs alongside greats such as Bob Dylan and Miles David. With his trusted guitar in hand, Ford managed to incorporate his recognisable bluesy sound into some of the most well attended gigs of the 1970s.
Going solo
Ford, however, is more than just an ensemble. Instead, he proved he could go it alone when he left L.A. Express and recorded his first solo album, titled The Inside Story, in 1977.
At the time he was accompanied by his band, which would later go onto be known by the name Yellowjackets. Tours would soon follow, with both Ford and Yellowjackets becoming a very popular act into the 80s. There was no disputing their popularity when Ford released the album Talk to Your Daughter in 1988.
The record was met with universal acclaim and even led to the first of his five nominations for a Grammy in the category of Best Contemporary Blues Recording. In the music industry, it doesn’t get much bigger than that!
More than just accolades
Ford would eventually begin to tour under his own name and – as well as picking up more award nominations – would keep performing alongside some of the world’s biggest acts.
But when asked what drives him, it’s much more complicated than just the allure of winning awards and selling out venues. In an interview music producer Rick Beato, Ford revealed there was a ‘reason’ for what he does.
“I pick up the guitar for a reason, I don’t pick it up just to play guitar, I pick it up because I want to write something or work on something that comes to mind,” explained Ford. He added: “I don’t sit and play for enjoyment very much, generally it’s for a reason…”
Giving back
These days you’ll find Ford living in Nashville, Tennessee. He still produces music, with some of his latest work garnering some of the most positive reaction of his career.
After so many decades living out his calling, one of his new passions is ensuring that others also have the same opportunity to make roads in the music industry. He’s started the Robben Ford Guitar Dojo, in which the artists of tomorrow can hone their craft and realise their potential.
“It makes me very happy if I’m teaching a masterclass and I see the light bulb go off over somebody’s head,” Ford told Guitar World.
He added: “Whenever I hear somebody who can really play the guitar, that’s very exciting. If I can be of service, I’m happy to help…”
The future
Ford is ultimately a great example of what it looks like when someone answers their calling. Along the way he’ll have no doubt inspired countless artists and this – along with his own back catalogue – is one of the reasons why he’s had such a profound impact on the music industry.
Now that he’s playing his part in teaching the next generation, it’s safe to say that the distinct blues sound that’s made him such a standout will no doubt carry on in the future – and it’s that which could very well be his true legacy.
