Larry Birdsong facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Larry Birdsong
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| Birth name | Lawrence E. Birdsong |
| Born | June 15, 1934 Pulaski, Tennessee, United States |
| Died | August 7, 1990 (aged 56) Nashville, Tennessee |
| Genres | R&B, blues, jazz, pop, gospel |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 1955–1973 |
| Labels | Excello, Calvert, Vee-Jay, Champion, Home of the Blues, Sur-Speed, Ref-O-Ree |
| Associated acts | Louis Brooks |
Lawrence E. Birdsong (born June 15, 1934 – died August 7, 1990) was an American R&B singer. He made music from the 1950s to the 1970s. His most famous song was "Pleadin' For Love." It became a hit on the Billboard R&B chart in 1956.
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Larry Birdsong's Early Life and Music
Larry Birdsong was born in Pulaski, Tennessee. He grew up in a family where everyone loved to sing. As a teenager, he was sent to Pikeville Reformatory School.
While there, a music promoter from Nashville named Ted Jarrett discovered him. Ted Jarrett helped Larry get a recording deal with Excello Records. This deal helped Larry leave the reform school.
First Recordings and Big Hit
Larry Birdsong started recording music in 1955. He first worked with Louis Brooks and his band, the Hi-Toppers.
His second song, "Pleadin' For Love," became a big hit. It reached number 11 on the R&B chart in 1956. This was his only song to make it onto the music charts.
Recording with Different Labels
After his hit, Larry Birdsong recorded for the Calvert label. This label was owned by Ted Jarrett. One of his songs, "Let's Try It Again," was released by Decca Records, but it did not become popular.
In 1957, Larry signed with Vee-Jay Records. He recorded several songs at a famous studio in New Orleans. Musicians like Lee Allen and Red Tyler played on his records. However, his songs for Vee-Jay Records did not sell well.
Later Recordings
After leaving Vee-Jay, Ted Jarrett released some of Larry's older songs on his other label, Champion. People described Larry as a very talented singer. He could sing many styles, including blues, jazz, gospel, and rock and roll.
In 1961, Larry recorded for the Home of the Blues label in Memphis. Willie Mitchell produced these recordings. Sometimes, his backup singers were called the Larryettes. Still, he did not find more success.
Larry Birdsong did not record again until 1966. He then signed with the Sur-Sound label. In the late 1960s, he recorded for Ted Jarrett's Ref-O-Ree label. His last recording was a gospel song called "I Felt Alright" in 1981.
Larry Birdsong passed away in Nashville in 1990. He was 56 years old.
