At the end of 2007, Mick Hucknall announced that he would disband Simply Red, the band with which he became world famous, in 2009. A year earlier he already released his first solo album. It is a tribute to Memphis rhythm and blues singer Bobby 'Blue' Bland, who built a big name in the blues world in the 1950s and 1960s. Hucknall cites Bland as one of the most important influences on his singing
… style. Only now, at the age of forty-seven, does he dare to venture into the repertoire of his idol. Tribute To Bobby is quite a traditional R&B record, without the familiar dance influences. He did, however, allow himself the necessary freedom in phrasing, compared to the original album versions. This with the approval of Bland, who has been very pleased with Mick's performances ("You 'more
