The Sun Years Plus [PA]

Performer: Rufus Thomas
Distributor: Infinity Entertainment Gr

Notes: Rufus Thomas's role in the history of rock & roll and R&B is often overlooked or dismissed as a novelty. While this is sometimes justified where his later work is concerned, his early recordings have a raw, energetic appeal that's difficult to resist. THE SUN YEARS, PLUS HIS R&B RECORDINGS 1949-1956 collects those early recordings, bringing together the cream of Thomas's pioneering sides. On cuts like "I'm So Worried," "Crazy About You Baby," and "Bear Cat," Thomas is already in full-fledged wild man mode, blending the raucous energy of early rock & roll with the hard-driving grooves of raw R&B. The 29 tracks here, which include his very first recordings for the Star Talent label, previously unissued tracks, and interviews, are sure to please fans of vintage rock-&-roll and R&B.

The Crown Prince of Dance, Rufus Thomas is one of the most significant figures in Memphis music history, and is also an important contributor to the development of early rock & roll, classic Southern soul, and funk. Thomas began singing in the 1940s and made his name as a radio DJ in Memphis before recording the classic Sun Records side "Bear Cat." Thomas signed on with the legendary Stax Records in the early '60s where he released a series of fun yet hard-hitting soul records, many of which--"Do the Funky Chicken," "Do the Penguin," "Walking the Dog"--were directives for the latest dance crazes. Although Thomas was a genial entertainer, he was also one mean soulster, a reputation he upheld dutifully until his death in 2001.

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