Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup
Arthur Crudup was born to musician Minnie Crudup in Forest, Mississippi, on August 25th, 1905.
He was nicknamed "Big Boy" at a young age because of his size. Although he would sing in his choir, He wouldn't touch a guitar until he was thirty-two.
In 1941 Arthur joined a gospel quartet and moved to Chicago. He eventually broke off to try and make it playing the Blues but ended up homeless playing on street corners. He was spotted playing by a passing talent scout and invited to play at Tampa Red's house party. He made such an impression that he started recording right away.
Arthur recorded over 80 songs during the next 15 years, but the record label received most royalties, leaving Arthur struggling to get by because of shady contracts.
In the late 40's Arthur returned to Mississippi fed up with the music business, but he would continue to perform live for local audiences.
In the '50s, a wiggly hipped fella would record chat topping versions of Arthurs songs. "That's alright," "My baby left me," and "So glad your mine" may have helped launch Elvis into superstardom and earned Arther the title Father of Rock & Roll, but Crudup still saw no money or fame.
In the 60's Arthur began touring the festivals throughout the US and Europe and would continue to do so until his passing of a stroke in 1974
He was nicknamed "Big Boy" at a young age because of his size. Although he would sing in his choir, He wouldn't touch a guitar until he was thirty-two.
In 1941 Arthur joined a gospel quartet and moved to Chicago. He eventually broke off to try and make it playing the Blues but ended up homeless playing on street corners. He was spotted playing by a passing talent scout and invited to play at Tampa Red's house party. He made such an impression that he started recording right away.
Arthur recorded over 80 songs during the next 15 years, but the record label received most royalties, leaving Arthur struggling to get by because of shady contracts.
In the late 40's Arthur returned to Mississippi fed up with the music business, but he would continue to perform live for local audiences.
In the '50s, a wiggly hipped fella would record chat topping versions of Arthurs songs. "That's alright," "My baby left me," and "So glad your mine" may have helped launch Elvis into superstardom and earned Arther the title Father of Rock & Roll, but Crudup still saw no money or fame.
In the 60's Arthur began touring the festivals throughout the US and Europe and would continue to do so until his passing of a stroke in 1974
