In 1994, African-American bluesman Luther Allison was looking for a new label to release his albums. He then contacted his agent in Europe, Thomas Ruf. Since he can’t find a record deal that meets his expectations, he decides to start his own record label. This is how Ruf Records was born, whose slogan “When the blues leaves the box” will accompany the fate of dozens of artists. 30 years later, Bernard Allison (Luther’s son), Big Daddy Wilson, the BB King Blues Band, Cyril Neville, Canned Heat, Kenny Neal and Mitch Ryder can be proud to be or have been the leaders of this artisan company based on its values.
This unique human and artistic adventure begins in the heart of Germany. Thomas Ruf was 29 years old in 1994. He certainly did not imagine that his complicity with the late Luther Allison would radically change his daily life. And yet his name soon becomes a brand and a guarantee of quality for many blues fans. The trust placed in him by Luther Allison gives Thomas reputation credibility in the eyes of the public and critics. The musicians are also fascinated by the young label boss, who is designing his record catalog step by step. When Luther Allison died in August 1997 at just 57 years old, it was a crucial wake-up call. Will Ruf Records withstand this painful absence?
It was Luther’s own son, Bernard Allison, who continued this musical epic by releasing his albums under the Ruf Records label. This impulse will encourage other brilliant instrumentalists to follow his example. For three decades, many virtuosos have trusted Thomas Ruf and this independent label, which has retained its original spirit. The intention is not of a commercial nature. The question of creative relevance is more important. Of course, profitability is a prerequisite for producing new artists and supporting stylistic developments, but Thomas Ruf is guided by his favorites and his personal beliefs. Whether from Finland or Serbia, the musicians welcomed into the Ruf family just have to be sincere and authentic. Nationality or skin color doesn’t matter as long as the blues flows through the instrumentalists’ works.
Since 2005, Thomas Ruf has created an annual gathering, the “Blues Caravan,” which allows young aspiring artists to tour Europe and undertake the dangerous but exciting task of defending a repertoire on stage. It is also an opportunity to introduce the various personalities of the Ruf Records label. Ana Popović, Joanne Shaw Taylor and Ghalia Volt were able to emerge from anonymity and delight curious and enthusiastic viewers. As in the past with the “Stax Revue”, the Ruf Records artists are always present at these traveling performances in order to make them accessible to as many people as possible. Ruf Records’ 30th anniversary celebration in Paris took place on February 7, 2024 at New Morning in the presence of Bernard Allison, the pillar of the label, and two very talented young guitarists and singers, Ally Venable and Katie Henry. The future seems secured!
► The website of Ruf Records.
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