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The soul of Johnny Rawls

Johnny Rawls at 9 p.m. Friday at the Back Street Jazz and Blues Club, 614 West Port Plaza; 314-469-6692

Mississippi-bred soul-blues singer Johnny Rawls, known for his own band as well as backing up legends such as Johnnie Taylor, Z.Z. Hill and O.V. Wright, is bringing his own style to West Port Plaza. The late Wright was the one to influence Rawls most; Rawls served as Wright's guitarist and band leader from 1974 until Wright's death six years later. "It was a great experience playing with him. I (learned) a lot. He was one of the greatest singers that has ever lived. He was a friend of mine," Rawls said. "I picked up a lot of soul influences from him." $12-$15.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch