Isaac Hayes & David Porter

Growing up in Memphis, I was lucky to work with some of the greats in the music business there. I once recorded for Estelle Axton, and at one time or another gigged with wonderfully talented sidemen who knew a thing or two about making great soul music.This NPR piece highlights two of my favorite writers from that era, David Porter and Isaac Hayes. This is fun stuff, folks.

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Stax - Volt

A few years ago, mrs doss and I joined Rufus Thomas and Delmark Golfarb for lunch at the Sun Studio Cafe in Memphis. Delmark pitched the Rose City Blues Festival to Rufus, in hopes of enticing Rufus to join the Memphis contingent (Jessie Mae Hemphill and myself) in making the trip out west. Delmark explained that the festival was sponsored by Miller Breweries and by Seagram Distilleries.

Rufus interrupted. "Wait a minute. Let me see if I've got this straight. You're going to have both whiskey AND beer? Hmmmmmm... you can't go wrong there!"

Several times during our meal, waiters came to our table to inform Rufus that some tourists from Germany, Japan, or other foreign lands wanted a picture. Rufus honored each request warmly, and graciously. A real gentleman.

Rufus, we miss you.

Rufus Thomas - "The Funky Chicken"

Rufus Thomas - "Walking the Dog"

[via FoxyTunes / Rufus Thomas]

Carla Thomas - "Gee Whiz"

[via FoxyTunes / Carla Thomas]

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Booker T and the MG's

(Pictured from left to right - Booker T. Jones, Donald
"Duck" Dunn, Steve Cropper, and Carla Thomas)

Okay, if you like good music, you'll dig Booker T.



Or try here, for another look, from Shindig.

Booker T & The MG's - Green Onions

[via FoxyTunes / Booker T. & The MG's]

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Cool Pic of Rufus

Believe it or not, this is Rufus Thomas.

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