Curley Bridges facts for kids

Curley Wilson Bridges (born February 7, 1934 – died November 27, 2014) was an American musician. He was a talented singer, pianist, and songwriter. Curley was known for his amazing electric blues, rock and roll, and rhythm and blues music.

Curley's Early Life and Music Journey

Curley Bridges was born in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. Music was a big part of his family. His dad, Gleason Bridges, was a farmer and played music part-time. He even knew the famous musician Fats Waller! Curley's mom, Ophelia, played the organ at their church.

When Curley was young, he saw famous musicians like Joe Turner and Louis Jordan perform. This inspired him a lot. He also loved singing in church.

Learning to Play Piano

At 19, Curley joined the U.S. Army. While in the army, he heard amazing piano players like Albert Ammons and Piano Red. This made him want to learn the piano really well. He decided he had to master the instrument!

After leaving the army, Curley moved back to Washington, D.C.. This had been his home since he was a child.

Starting His Music Career

Curley often spent time backstage at the Howard Theatre. There, he met and became friends with the legendary singer Billie Holiday.

In 1953, Curley teamed up with trumpet player Frank Motley. They formed a band called the Motley Crew. Curley was the lead singer and played the piano. Sometimes, he even played the trombone or drums! He performed with this band for many years, until 1966.

Recording Songs and Touring

In 1954, Curley and the Motley Crew recorded a lively version of the song "Hound Dog". They called their version "New Hound Dog." It was released by Big Town Records.

They released many more songs, including "A Prayer of Love" and "Are You Satisfied." Their music was released on different record labels in America and Canada. The band traveled all over North America, performing for many people. In 1959, they even performed for soldiers in a United Service Organizations (USO Show).

In 1962, Curley and Frank Motley also worked on an album with the famous rock and roll star Jerry Lee Lewis. The album was called Rockin' with Jerry Lee Lewis.

Moving to Canada and New Bands

By 1966, the Motley Crew band had moved to Toronto, Canada. Curley decided to leave the group later that year. He then started a new band called the Rounders. They performed in Northern Ontario.

In 1968, Curley played the electric organ on an album called Jackie Shane Live!. Later, he led another band called Bridge Crossing. They worked with Frank Motley again to record Chip Dip in 1972.

Curley kept performing music. In 1981, he moved to Barrie, Central Ontario. He played with other local musicians as the house band at Ruanne's nightclub. He also performed by himself and with a band called the Fig Leaf Jazz Band.

Later Career and Solo Albums

In 1997, Curley performed at the Harbourfront Soul 'n' Blues Festival in Toronto.

In 1999, Curley Bridges recorded his first solo album. It was called Keys to the Blues and was released by Electro-Fi Records. This album featured his own versions of classic songs like "Honey Hush" and "Rock Me Baby".

His second album, Mr. Rock N Soul, came out in 2001. It included Curley's version of Fats Domino's song "My Girl Josephine". A musician named Pat Carey played saxophone on this album.

In 2009, Curley released Curley Bridges Live at the Silver Dollar Room. This album was a special way to celebrate his 75th birthday!

In August 2005, Curley performed at the Edmonton's Labatt Blues Festival.

In 2011, Curley won the Excellence in the Arts Award at the Barrie Arts Awards. This was a great honor for his musical talent. In March 2014, he performed for a sold-out crowd to celebrate his 80th birthday.

Curley Bridges passed away in Barrie on November 27, 2014, at the age of 80.

Solo Albums