Listen to Beautifully Composed Rhythm and Blues Music
Words and Melodies That Speak to the Soul
Listen to Beautifully Composed Rhythm and Blues Music
Words and Melodies That Speak to the Soul
Listen to Beautifully Composed Rhythm and Blues Music
Words and Melodies That Speak to the Soul
Composer, Blues Musician, Theater Performer,
and Actor
I am Doktu Rhute Muuzic, and I have enjoyed a career that spans more than 50 years. Aside from being a rhythm and blues musician that tours all over the world, I also do theater acts, movie and television appearances, as well as educational sessions.
“...my father, he had one of his favorite songs he’d like to play, 'Going Back to Tennessee,' and, I remember, he would sing, 'Go--ing back, tooooo Tennessee...,' and he would hit that melody line... and something would just, grab me, and I knew then I was going to be a guitar player.”
- Doktu Rhute Muuzic
The Origin of My Name
Pronounced as Doctor Root Music
My father, who was an herb doctor, was my inspiration for a song I wrote called “Root Doctor.” Ever since I published this song, fans around the world had started calling me “Doctor Root”—and this is where “Doktu Rhute” came from.
The Significance of Kwanzaa
I regularly celebrate Kwanzaa. Along with “Root Doctor,” Kwanzaa plays a big part in the etymology and cognate of my name. The “K” in my first name (Doktu) comes from the word Kwanzaa. This word has seven principles, and on my father’s side, I am also the seventh child.
Why ‘Muuzic’
My last name is derived from the combination of “music” and “Kuumba.” I used the former because I am a musician and the latter because it’s the sixth principle of Kwanzaa. On my mother’s side, I am also the sixth child.
Why ‘Rhute’
When it comes to my diet, I only prefer eating plants. With that, I used Rhute as my middle name—with the word “root” as the inspiration. It is spelled differently since I wanted to incorporate my father’s initials, R.H. (Reuben Hytower). Now that you know, you can call me Rhute!
Listen to My Music
Biography
You may know me as Roy Hytower, but my new real name is DoktuRhuteMuuzic, a native of Coffeeville, AL. I first made a name for myself in the Chicago blues scene during the 1960s, replacing rhythm guitarist Mighty Joe Young in Otis Rush's band. Before I came to Chicago, I was in a group in Mobile, Alabama called the Castanets. We frequently opened at the Harlem Duke Social Club for groups like Fast Domino, Ray Charles, and James Brown. Our group broke up when John Storks, drummer, and Fred Wesley, trombone, left the group to join James Brown.
A Versatile Artist
One of my best-known recordings was the 1988’s “The Root Doctor.” However, most people recognize me for my portrayal of Muddy Waters in a Chicago stage production of “The Hoochie Coochie Man.” I played leading roles in musicals based on the life of Otis Redding and Jimmy Reed. In addition, I picked up small screen parts in “The Babe,” “Poltergeist III,” as well as in “Novocain” alongside Kevin Bacon.
"The blues is something you need, an element that helps you survive."
- Doktu Rhute Muuzic
Biography
You may know me as Doktu Rhute Muuzic, but my real name is Roy Hytower, a native of Coffeeville, AL. I first made a name for myself in the Chicago blues scene during the 1960s, replacing rhythm guitarist Mighty Joe Young in Otis Rush's band. Before I came to Chicago, I was in a group in Mobile, Alabama called the Castanets. We frequently opened at the Harlem Duke Social Club for groups like Fast Domino, Ray Charles, and James Brown. Our group broke up when John Storks, drummer, and Fred Wesley, trombone, left the group to join James Brown.
A Versatile Artist
One of my best-known recordings was the 1988’s “The Root Doctor.” However, most people recognize me for my portrayal of Muddy Waters in a Chicago stage production of “The Hoochie Coochie Man.” I played leading roles in musicals based on the life of Otis Redding and Jimmy Reed. In addition, I picked up small screen parts in “The Babe,” “Poltergeist III,” as well as in “Novocain” alongside Kevin Bacon.
"The blues is something you need, an element that helps you survive."
- Doktu Rhute Muuzic
Get in Touch With Me
Got any requests, letters, or suggestions? Send me your messages by filling out the contact form below. I will be happy to answer them all.
