JACOB
SCHULZ
Jacob Schulz is a young Blues Singer from Chicago, Illinois. He was introduced to the Blues, at an early age, by an elderly babysitter. When he was little, his babysitter used to play Pervis Spann “The Blues Man” on WVON. By the time Jacob was 9, he was calling Spann requesting Muddy Waters and Koko Taylor tunes. Growing up in the age of technology, Jacob used the internet as a guide to research Blues Music. He has been known to say, "If it wasn't for Real One Rhapsody, I would have never become a die-hard Blues fan."
When he was 11 he met Blues Professor Caleb Dube of Depaul University. Professor Dube was so impressed by Jacob’s knowledge of the Blues that he invited Jacob to lecture to his students. It was a rare and unique sight for Depaul Students, as Jacob spoke about his experiences with the Blues and the history of the Blues. He would say things such as “Hound Dog wasn’t Elvis Presley’s song, that was Big Mama Thornton’s tune!” As Jacob likes to say “I like to tell it like it is.”
On June 10, 2004, Jacob made his official debut as a Blues Singer at the Chicago Blues Festival. He appeared with the “Oscar Mayer Wieners” in affiliation with the Blues in the School Programs. Their instructor was the internationally-known Blues Legend, Deitra Farr. This marked Jacob’s debut as a Blues Singer.
As time progressed, he became more active in the Blues world. Sitting in at open jams and becoming acquainted with the legends he looked up to. They supported and encouraged him to continue singing the Blues.
He believes "It is imperative that we keep the Blues alive. I want to sing the Blues because it's just always been a part of me. So I'll keep the Blues alive through my singing." Jacob currently attends the University of Illinois at Chicago. When he is not in class or at home studying, he is out somewhere doing what he loves the best.
Jacob has had the pleasure of performing at the Chicago Blues Festival, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Buddy Guy’s Legends, Rosa’s Lounge, Lee’s Unleaded, South Shore Cultural Center, and Blues Heaven (the old Chess Records building). Jacob has opened for the legendary Otis Clay and shared the stage with Blues Greats: Bobby Rush, Billy Branch and the SOB's,Zora Young, Deitra Farr , Nellie "Tiger" Travis, James Wheeler, Fernando Jones, Shirley Johnson, Gloria Thompson, Demetria Taylor, Billy Flynn, Charlie Love, Toronzo Cannon, Marie Dixon (Willie Dixon's wife), Sir Walter Scott, Killa Ray Allison, Delores Scott, Sherman "Moody" Thomas, Jimmy Pryor, and Gary Gand.
Zora Young- " Jacob is the Prince of the Blues"
