Rufus Thomas date of birth:
March 26, 1917
How old was Rufus Thomas when died?
84
Where was Rufus Thomas born?
Cayce, Mississippi, United States
When did Rufus Thomas die?
December 15, 2001
What is Rufus Thomas's occupation?
Singer, comedian, television host, disc jockey
What genre is Rufus Thomas's work?
R&B, Memphis soul, southern soul, blues, funk, novelty
What instruments does Rufus Thomas play?
Vocals
Short Biography
Rufus Thomas, Jr. (March 26, 1917 – December 15, 2001) was an American rhythm and blues, funk, soul and blues singer, songwriter, dancer, DJ and comic entertainer from Memphis, Tennessee. He recorded for several labels including Chess and Sun in the 1950s, before becoming established in the 1960s and 1970s at Stax Records. He is best known for his novelty dance records including "Walking the Dog" (1963), "Do the Funky Chicken" (1969) and "(Do the) Push and Pull" (1970). According to the Mississippi Blues Commission, "Rufus Thomas embodied the spirit of Memphis music perhaps more than any other artist, and from the early 1940s until his death... occupied many important roles in the local scene."