Rufus Thomas was an American rhythm and blues, funk, soul and comedy singer, radio personality, and recording artist, who carved an indelible mark on the Memphis music scene. Born on March 26, 1917, in Cayce, Mississippi, Thomas embarked on his musical journey at a young age. He began his career by performing in talent shows, which eventually led to a role with the Rabbit Foot Minstrels, a touring black vaudeville company. In the 1950s, he began recording for Sun Records, where he released "Bear Cat" in 1953, an answer song to Big Mama Thornton's "Hound Dog", and it became one of the label's earliest hits.

Thomas's career spanned several decades and was marked by his vivid character and infectious sense of fun. He is perhaps best-known for hits like "Do the Funky Chicken", which showcased his funky style and dance-focused performances. This track, along with others like "Walking the Dog" and "Funky Penguin", have cemented Thomas as a quintessential artist in the development of the funk genre. His live performances were electrifying, as shown in his dynamic work "The Breakdown", recorded live at Wattstax in 1972. Even well into his later years, Rufus Thomas continued to perform and record, as evidenced by his appearance at the 1989 Memphis Music & Heritage Festival. His extensive work was continually celebrated, notably in compilations like "Stax Profiles: Rufus Thomas". Known as the "world's oldest teenager" for his boundless energy, Rufus Thomas passed away on December 15, 2001, but his legacy lives on through his impactful contributions to American music.

Genres

Memphis Blues

Memphis Soul

Southern Soul

Related Artists

Otis Redding

Wilson Pickett

Carla Thomas

Sam & Dave

Isaac Hayes

Eddie Floyd

James Brown

Booker T. & the M.G.'s

Albert King

William Bell

The Bar-Kays

Ray Charles

Latest Release

Sun Records Originals: Bear Cat

Rufus Thomas

Album - 8 Tracks - Released August 4, 2023