Rosco Gordon

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Rosco Gordon (born April 10, 1928 in Memphis , Tennessee , † July 11, 2002 in New York City ) was an American blues pianist and singer who was particularly successful in the 1950s. His best known hits include Bootin ', No More Doggin' and Just a Little Bit . He is said to have had a major influence on the development of reggae and ska music in Jamaica .

Life

Gordon began his musical career on Beale Street in his hometown, performing with musicians such as Ike Turner , Howlin 'Wolf , BB King , Johnny Ace , Bobby "Blue" Bland , Earl Forest and Little Milton . From 1955 to 1958, several singles were released on Sun Records .

In the 1960s, Gordon retired from the music business to devote himself to his family. He moved to New York with his second wife, Barbara Kerr. After his wife's death in 1984, he returned to the stage but struggled to buck the latest trends.

In 2000 the album Memphis, Tennessee was released , which was created in cooperation with the guitarist Duke Robillard and his band. Gordon was then nominated for the Handy Award in the Comeback Artist of the Year category.

Despite health problems, Gordon plunged into his regained popularity. He played at festivals and performed again with old friends.

Rosco Gordon died in his Queens apartment in 2002.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ For the recordings for Sun Records see: Escott, Colin / Hawkins, Martin: Good Rockin 'Tonight. Sun Records and the Birth of Rock 'n' Roll . New York City, New York: St. Martin's Press, 1991, pp. 55-57

Web links

personal data
SURNAME Gordon, Rosco
BRIEF DESCRIPTION American blues pianist and singer
DATE OF BIRTH April 10, 1928
PLACE OF BIRTH Memphis , Tennessee
DATE OF DEATH July 11, 2002
Place of death New York City