Biography
Born in Eugene, Oregon, Bill Rhoades built his reputation as a blues singer and harmonica virtuoso. British Invasion acts such as the Rolling Stones, the Animals, and the Yardbirds first captured his attention during junior high, prompting him to explore the original recordings of Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, Howlin' Wolf, Slim Harpo, and additional American blues figures frequently interpreted by those British groups. The music took hold completely, leading him to take up the harmonica. While still in high school he began performing on harp and vocals with the Rhythm Kings; following graduation the group evolved into the Party Kings. In Eugene the Party Kings served as the house band at Taylor's, regularly supporting touring blues performers including Albert Collins and Michael Bloomfield.
A dedicated advocate for the music he embraced, Rhoades played a key role in establishing the Oregon Blues Society during the late 1970s. After moving to Portland, Oregon, he helped create the Cascade Blues Association several years afterward. During the 1980s in Portland he launched the long-running radio program Blue Monday on KBOO, led the band Blues Deluxe, and later revived the Party Kings. A period with the Switchmasters followed, yet Rhoades increasingly focused on the Party Kings, who issued the albums Don't Lose Your Kool and Voodoo Lovin'. He also teamed with guitarist Alan Hager in a country blues acoustic duo that released Runnin' & Ramblin' in 1998.
A dedicated advocate for the music he embraced, Rhoades played a key role in establishing the Oregon Blues Society during the late 1970s. After moving to Portland, Oregon, he helped create the Cascade Blues Association several years afterward. During the 1980s in Portland he launched the long-running radio program Blue Monday on KBOO, led the band Blues Deluxe, and later revived the Party Kings. A period with the Switchmasters followed, yet Rhoades increasingly focused on the Party Kings, who issued the albums Don't Lose Your Kool and Voodoo Lovin'. He also teamed with guitarist Alan Hager in a country blues acoustic duo that released Runnin' & Ramblin' in 1998.
Albums
