Theodis Ealey: The Bluesman Lover Talks Legacy, “Stand Up In It,” and the Future of Southern Soul

From the juke joints of Mississippi to center stage across the country, Theodis Ealey has carved out his place as one of the most beloved figures in modern blues. Known affectionately as “The Bluesman Lover,” Ealey’s blend of raw Southern soul, slick guitar licks, and ribald storytelling has earned him a devoted fan base and a timeless spot in R&B history. With chart-topping hits like “Stand Up In It” and a bold new single “Brown Liquor,” Ealey continues to bridge generations—honoring the roots of the blues while embracing the sounds of tomorrow. In this exclusive interview, the singer, songwriter, and label owner opens up about his legendary career, his journey to independence with IFGAM Records, and how he’s keeping the blues alive for a new era of fans.

Your song “Stand Up In It” became an anthem, especially among women, for its bold and relatable message. How did you approach writing that song, and what does it mean to you to have it resonate so deeply with audiences?

Being raised around older fellas, as a youngster, this was something they talked about all the time…that is… “standin’ up in it” when they make “love” to their lady.  When I got older, I drew inspiration from that.  I then asked my older sister prior to writing the song, “Is that what y’all like?”  and she was like “hell yeah, little brother.  That’s exactly what we like”. So, I teamed up with my partner El Willie and we just started writing it.  I really had no idea the song would do what it did, and how much it meant to blues and southern soul fans at all.  I was just making a song that I thought was cool.  I do appreciate the fact that everybody really likes the song.

You’ve mentioned that no matter what genre you play, blues always finds its way into your music. How do you keep the essence of blues alive while incorporating elements of other styles like rock, jazz, and funk?

You’ve hit the nail on the head.  In all my years, I’ve always incorporated jazz, funk, rock, r&b … all of that…into my music.  But the Blues is always at the forefront of my music, at least the feeling of the Blues.  It has a lot to do with my upbringing and my environment that I grew up in down in Sibley, MS.

Starting your own label, IFGAM, was a bold move in an industry that often expects artists to rely on others. What inspired you to take control of your career, and how has it shaped your journey as an artist?

Well… About 40 years ago, me and my friends were jammin’ around one day back in Oakland, CA.  While we were jammin’, my friend and brother Larry Geddings started singing “I Feel Good About Myself (IFGAM)”.  We turned it into a song and that acronym always stuck with me.  Years later…and I’m talking a few decades later, I signed with Ichiban Records.  After they shut down, I decided that it was time to start my own label.   Therefore, IFGAM Records was born.   Fortunately, I launched my biggest record on IFGAM, so God was right on time with inspiring me to go this direction with my career.

You’ve worked with legends like Little Milton and Charles Brown. What is one piece of advice or a moment from those collaborations that left a lasting impact on you as a musician?

It was wonderful.  I learned from Little Milton a better sense of how to put together my own show by working with them,  It’s so important to me that when people come to see me, they receive an extension of what they experience beyond what they get when they to my music in their own private moments.  A professional show is what people pay to see, so I pride myself on giving them their money’s worth. I thank Little Milton and Charles Brown for instilling that awareness.

“Brown Liquor” has been called a future classic. What was the inspiration behind this song, and how do you think it reflects your growth as an artist?

Actually, the song is written by two young writers/producers (Cornelius “Slick” Barnes  and LaMarquis Jefferson).  I’ve wanted to work with these guys ever since I heard their work.  I really admired the fact that even though they were young, they had old souls and their music spoke to me.  It was an honor to hook up with them and have the opportunity to perform this soon to be classic.  It’s important at this stage of my career to connect with younger audiences in this genre.  I have a few more tricks up my sleeve for this song, so stay tuned.

As a bluesman who’s been in the game for decades, what do you see as the future of blues music, and how do you hope to contribute to its evolution for the next generation?

The Blues ain’t goin’ nowhere.  The Blues is just as relevant now than it was since its creation.  So I will continue to represent the Blues through my music and my shows.  Currently, I’m touring with my family on the Blues Is Alright Circuit this year and performing before audiences of all ages.  I’ve expanded into merchandising and recently, set up The Juke Joint Fan Club to create a more organic experience with my fans.  And I’ve just released my first fully animated video Snappin’ Turtle Remix last month, which I’m super excited about.  In the meantime, I’m gonna continue to expand my legacy and continue to entertain everyone who are willing to watch and listen.