Roy Brown (blues musician)

Roy Brown
Roy Brown
Background information
Birth name	Roy James Brown
Born	September 10, 1920 or 1925; Kinder, Louisiana, U.S.
Died	May 25, 1981; San Fernando, California, U.S.
Genres	Jump blues; R&B; rock and roll;
Occupation(s)	Singer
Years active	1945–1981

Roy James Brown (September 10, 1920^[1] or 1925^[2] – May 25, 1981) was an American blues singer who had a significant influence on the early development of rock and roll and the direction of R&B. His original song and hit recording "Good Rockin' Tonight" has been covered by many artists including Wynonie Harris, Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Joe Ely, Ricky Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Pat Boone, James Brown, the Doors, and the rock group Montrose. Brown was one of the first popular R&B singers to perform songs with a gospel-steeped delivery, which was then considered taboo by many churches. In addition, his melismatic, pleading vocal style influenced notable artists such as B.B. King, Bobby Bland, Elvis Presley, Jackie Wilson, James Brown and Little Richard.^[2]^[3]

^ Eagle, Bob; LeBlanc, Eric S. (2013). Blues: A Regional Experience. Santa Barbara, California: Praeger. pp. 381, 492. ISBN 978-0313344237.
^ ^a ^b Cite error: The named reference amg was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ "Very Best of Roy Brown: Rockin' at Midnight". Cduniverse.com. August 17, 2004. Retrieved June 14, 2014.