One of the infamous Beale Streeters of Memphis (along with BB King, Johnny Ace, Junior Parker and others), Bobby "Blue" Bland was an incredible singer dubbed "The Sinatra of the Blues". As he never went to school and never learned how to read, his illiteracy found him signing contracts at cut-rate royalty deals early in his career. Nevertheless he found great chart success in the late 50s/early 60s with "Farther Up The Road", "I Pity The Fool", "Cry Cry Cry" and "Turn On Your Lovelight". He had a nice comeback during the 70s with His California Album and Dreamer. Despite his illiteracy and lack of training on any instrument, his musical voice and storytelling endeared him to many. And he remained friends with the Beale Streeters throughout their lives.
Here's a full stream of His California Album, from 1973: