Musician. He was a versatile guitar and violin player, best known for his work as a bluesman, but also embraced other styles of music. His professional musical career began in 1945, playing drums in Texas, when he was dubbed "Gatemouth" for having a voice like a gate. He began touring with T Bone Walker, was signed to Peacock Records in 1949, which released his first hit "Gatemouth Boogie." With Peacock until 1959, his many hits included "Mary Is Fine," "My Time Is Expensive," "Okie Dokie Stomp," "Boogie Uproar" and "Gate Walks to Board." In the 1960s, he recorded several county records with artist Roy Clark and made several appearances on the television show "Hee Haw." Through the 1970s and 80s, he became an official ambassador for American music, touring the U.S. and Europe, playing between 250 and 300 shows a year. In 1982, he received the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues for his album, "Alright Again." He also was been awarded eight W.C. Hardy Awards, received the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Heroes Award and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1999.
Musician. He was a versatile guitar and violin player, best known for his work as a bluesman, but also embraced other styles of music. His professional musical career began in 1945, playing drums in Texas, when he was dubbed "Gatemouth" for having a voice like a gate. He began touring with T Bone Walker, was signed to Peacock Records in 1949, which released his first hit "Gatemouth Boogie." With Peacock until 1959, his many hits included "Mary Is Fine," "My Time Is Expensive," "Okie Dokie Stomp," "Boogie Uproar" and "Gate Walks to Board." In the 1960s, he recorded several county records with artist Roy Clark and made several appearances on the television show "Hee Haw." Through the 1970s and 80s, he became an official ambassador for American music, touring the U.S. and Europe, playing between 250 and 300 shows a year. In 1982, he received the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues for his album, "Alright Again." He also was been awarded eight W.C. Hardy Awards, received the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Heroes Award and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1999.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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