Tommy Ridgley

Tommy Ridgley, known as "The New Orleans King of the Stroll," was a charismatic R&B singer and bandleader who helped shape the city’s vibrant sound in the 1950s and ’60s. Born in 1925, he burst onto the scene post-World War II with a smooth, soulful voice and a knack for blending blues, jazz, and early rock ‘n’ roll. Tracks like "Ooh Poo Pah Doo" and "Shrewsbury Blues" showcased his energetic style, while his role as a bandleader put him alongside legends like Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew. Ridgley’s music, captured on labels like Imperial and Decca, became a staple of the “stroll” dance craze, earning him a loyal following.

Though he never achieved mainstream stardom, Ridgley remained a beloved figure in New Orleans, gigging locally and mentoring younger musicians until his passing in 1999. His legacy lives on through compilations like *The Tommy Ridgley Collection 1949-61* and his reputation as a bridge between classic blues and the R&B explosion that followed. For fans of raw, joyful grooves, his music remains a time capsule of the Crescent City’s golden era.

Genres

Northern Soul

Latest Release

Tommy Ridgley

Tommy Ridgley

Album - 7 Tracks - Released April 2, 2024