Tommy Ridgley | |
|---|---|
 Tommy Ridgley at the Dream Palace in New Orleans (1996) | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Thomas Herman Ridgley |
| Born | October 30, 1925 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States |
| Died | August 11, 1999 (aged 73) Metairie, Louisiana |
| Genres | Blues, R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, singer, piano player |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, piano |
| Years active | 1949–1999 |
| Labels | Imperial, Decca, Herald, Atlantic, Ric, Ronn, River City, Black Top |
| Website | Tommyridgley.com/ |
Thomas Herman Ridgley (October 30, 1925 – August 11, 1999)[1][2] was an American R&B singer, pianist, songwriter and bandleader in New Orleans, Louisiana.[3] In a musical career lasting half a century Ridgley was a stalwart of the New Orleans rhythm and blues scene.[3] Although he never had a national hit, unlike several of his contemporaries, he made numerous, popular recordings that sold mainly in New Orleans and Louisiana beginning in 1949 with a final release in 1995. His voice was variously described as similar to Roy Brown and Bull Moose Jackson[4] and thus able to adapt to a variety of styles: blues, jump blues, rhythm and blues and soul.[1] In the late 1950s, he became bandleader of The Untouchables with whom he held residencies at important night venues often backing visiting artists. His recording career consisted of over forty singles and three albums. Most of his recordings have been anthologised on compilations in vinyl and CDs.[5]
- ^ a b Tony Rounce, Tommy Ridgley 'In The Same Old Way': The Complete Ric, Ron and Sho-Biz recordings, Ace records UK (2015).
- ^ Talevski, Nick (7 April 2010). Rock Obituaries: Knocking On Heaven's Door. Omnibus Press. ISBN 9780857121172. Retrieved June 9, 2022 – via Google Books.
- ^ a b Jeff Hanusch, The Soul Of New Orleans: A Legacy of Rhythm and Blues, Chapter four on Tommy Ridgley: The New Orleans King Of The Stroll, Swallow publications, Ville Platte, Louisiana, USA (2001). ISBN 0961424583
- ^ New Orleans Soul 60s: The Watch Label, Mardi Gras Records, sleeve notes (2000)
- ^ "Tommy Ridgley discography". Soulfulkindamusic.net. Retrieved 22 March 2023.