Rabon Tarrant facts for kids

Robert W. Tarrant, also known as Rabon, was an American musician. He was a drummer, singer, and songwriter who played jump blues and jazz music. He was born on December 25, 1908, and passed away on October 11, 1975.

He wrote a famous song called "Blues with a Feeling". Many other musicians, like Little Walter, later recorded this song. It became a very well-known blues standard.

Early Life and Music

Rabon Tarrant was born in Ennis, Texas. He later moved to Wichita Falls and lived with his uncle. His uncle led a brass band, which is a group of musicians who play brass instruments like trumpets and trombones.

Rabon started playing drums in different bands. He played with groups led by Otis Stafford (who played the banjo) and Roy McCloud (a trumpet player). In the early 1930s, he joined Lafayette Thompson's Golden Dragon Orchestra. He traveled with them, performing in places like Colorado and Texas. He also toured with another band called Bert Johnson's Sharps and Flats.

Moving to California

By the mid-1930s, Rabon moved to California. He played with Edith Turnham's Orchestra in San Diego. After that, he joined the orchestra of Cee Pee Johnson in Hollywood. Cee Pee Johnson was Bert Johnson's brother.

Rabon first recorded music as a drummer in 1944. He played with Jack McVea's orchestra. From 1945 onwards, Rabon sometimes received credit on records. He became the main singer for about one-third of the songs McVea's band recorded in the late 1940s.

Famous Songs and Hits

Rabon Tarrant was the featured singer on McVea's version of "Open the Door, Richard". This was the first recording of this fun song. It became a big hit in early 1947. It reached number 2 on the R&B chart and number 3 on the Billboard pop chart.

Rabon also wrote songs for McVea's band. Some of his songs included "Lonesome Blues," "Naggin' Woman Blues," and "Slowly Going Crazy Blues." In early 1947, he recorded his song "Blues with a Feeling" with McVea's band. The song was released by Black & White Records. Even though it didn't appear on music charts, it became very popular. Little Walter successfully recorded a new version of it in 1953. Many other artists later covered the song too.

Leading His Own Band

From around 1945, Rabon Tarrant also led his own recording sessions. For some of these recordings, his band included famous musicians like Charles Mingus on bass and Lucky Thompson on tenor saxophone. In 1952, he recorded with Charlie Whitfield under the name Rabon Toren.

Starting in the early 1950s, Rabon Tarrant led his own band. This band performed for the next twenty years.

Later Life

Rabon Tarrant passed away in Huntington Park, California, in 1975.