Blues singer and harmonica wiz Bill Rhoades was born in Eugene, Oregon
While in high school in the early 1970’s, Bill formed his first band, The Rhythm Kings.
Mid 1970’s – Bill Rhoades Blues Band, which later became the Party Kings. This band had a two year stretch as the house band at Taylors in Eugene. Also during this time the “Kings” had the honor to back up Albert Collins, Louisiana Red, Sonny Rhodes, J.J. Malone, Troyce Key, and Michael Bloomfield. A young Robert Cray would also sit in with the band. They also opened shows for Son Seals, James Cotton, Buddy Guy & Junior Wells and Bill had the pleasure to sit in with Buckwheat Zydeco and Queen Ida. – Source: Blues GR
For 9 years, Bill hosted Blues Power, the popular blues show on KLCC.
Bill and Ray Varner founded the Oregon Blues Society and the weekly Blues Jam.
Mid 1980’s moved to Portland Oregon and continued the Party Kings
More Details about Bill Rhoades:
An Interview with harp player/ radio host Bill Rhoades, the “Godfather” of the Northwest Blues scene, Blues GR