Bob Gaddy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bob Gaddy
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| Background information | |
| Born | February 4, 1924 Vivian, West Virginia, United States |
| Died | July 24, 1997 (aged 73) The Bronx, New York, United States |
| Genres | East Coast blues, rhythm and blues |
| Occupation(s) | Pianist, singer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Piano, vocals |
| Years active | 1947–1997 |
| Labels | Various |
Bob Gaddy (born February 4, 1924 – died July 24, 1997) was an American musician. He was a talented pianist, singer, and songwriter. Bob Gaddy played East Coast blues and rhythm-and-blues music. He is best known for his songs "Operator" and "Rip and Run." He also worked with other famous musicians like Larry Dale and Sonny Terry.
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Bob Gaddy's Early Life and Music
Bob Gaddy was born in a small town called Vivian, West Virginia. This town was known for coal mining. He started playing the piano and singing at a young age. He learned music in his local church.
In 1943, Bob Gaddy joined the Navy. He was stationed in California. During this time, he learned more about the blues style of music. He also used his gospel background to play boogie-woogie music.
Moving to New York City
After World War II ended, Bob Gaddy played in blues clubs. He performed in cities like Oakland and San Francisco. In 1946, he moved to New York. He had planned to just visit, but he ended up staying. New York became his home.
Bob Gaddy's Music Career
In New York, Bob Gaddy became a blues pianist. In the late 1940s, he played with Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry. He also played with Larry Dale. Bob Gaddy became good friends with Champion Jack Dupree. Dupree wrote the song "Operator" for him. This song became one of Gaddy's most popular hits.
Recording His Music
Bob Gaddy's first song was "Bicycle Boogie." It was released in 1952. He recorded music for several different record labels. These included Jackson, Jax, and Dot. In 1956, he joined Old Town Records. This was his most successful time. He released popular songs like "I Love My Baby" and "Rip and Run."
For his early songs, Brownie McGhee often joined him in the studio. For his Old Town recordings, he worked with guitarists Jimmy Spruill and Joe Ruffin. He also worked with saxophonist Jimmy Wright.
Later Years and Legacy
Bob Gaddy stopped recording new music around 1960. However, he continued to be a big part of the New York blues scene. He often played with his friend Larry Dale.
In 1988, Gaddy, Dale, and Spruill played together again. They performed at a club called Tramps in New York. Bob Gaddy passed away in July 1997. He was 73 years old.
Bob Gaddy's Music Releases
Singles
- "I (Believe You Got a Sidekick)" / "Bicycle Boogie", Bob Gaddy & His Alley Cats (1952), Jackson Records
- "No Help Wanted" / "Little Girl's Boogie", Bob Gaddy & His Alley Cats (1953), Jax Records
- "Evil Man Blues" / "Doctor Gaddy's Blues", Doctor Gaddy & His Orchestra (1954), Dot Records
- "Blues Has Walked in My Room" / "Slow Down Baby" (1955), Harlem Records
- "Operator" / "I Love My Baby", Doctor Gaddy & His Keys (1956), Old Town Records
- "Paper Lady" / "Out of My Name", Doctor Gaddy & His Keys (1957), Old Town Records
- "Woe Woe Is Me" / "Rip and Run", Doctor Gaddy & His Keys (1958), Old Town Records
- "Take My Advice" / "You Are the One" (1959), Old Town Records
- "Till the Day I Die"/ "I'll Go My Way" (1959), Old Town Records
Compilation Albums
- Rip and Run (1986), Ace
- Bob Gaddy & Friends: Bicycle Boogie 1947–1960 (1987), Moonshine
- Harlem Blues Operator (1995), Ace
See also
- List of East Coast blues musicians
