Roy Head facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Roy Head
Roy Kent Head and the Traits
Background information
Birth name	Roy Kent Head
Born	(1941-01-09)January 9, 1941 Three Rivers, Texas, U.S.
Died	September 21, 2020(2020-09-21) (aged 79) Porter, Texas, U.S.
Genres	Blue-eyed soul, country, Rhythm and blues, rock and roll, rockabilly
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter
Years active	1958–2019
Labels	Back Beat

Roy Kent Head (born January 9, 1941 – died September 21, 2020) was an American singer. He is most famous for his big hit song, "Treat Her Right". Roy Head was known for his energetic performances and for singing in many different styles of music.

Roy Head's Musical Journey

Roy Kent Head was born in Three Rivers, Texas. He became famous as part of a music group called The Traits. The group was from San Marcos. They got their first recording deal in 1958 while still in high school.

Early Music Styles

The Traits played and recorded music like rockabilly, rock and roll, and rhythm and blues. This was from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s. They had several regional hits between 1959 and 1963. These songs were released on labels like TNT and Renner Records.

Forming The Traits

Roy Head moved to San Marcos in 1955. In 1957, he and Tommy Bolton started The Traits. This group would record and perform for the next nine years. The first members were high school friends. They included Roy Head (vocals), Tommy Bolton (rhythm guitar), Gerry Gibson (drums), Dan Buie (piano), Clyde Causey (lead guitar), and Bill Pennington (bass).

When Clyde Causey joined the military, George Frazier took his place. The band then started recording at TNT Recording Company in San Antonio.

Texas Rock and Roll Stars

The Traits had many regional hits with TNT. Songs like "One More Time" (1959) and "Summertime Love" (1960) became popular. They became one of the best teenage rock and roll bands in Texas. They played at concerts, sock hops, and dance halls.

In 1961 and 1962, David McCumber and Danny Gomez joined the band. They played saxophone. The Traits also released more hits with Renner Records. One of these was their version of "Linda Lu."

Changes in the Band

Over the years, some band members changed. Johnny Clark and Frank Miller joined on guitars. Later, Gene Kurtz replaced Bill Pennington on bass. Kenny Williams became the lead guitarist. Ronnie Barton added trumpet, and Sarah Fulcher joined as a backup singer.

Roy Head and the Traits signed with Scepter Records in 1964. This label helped them reach more people across the country.

"Treat Her Right" Success

In 1965, the band worked with record producer Huey Meaux in Houston. They recorded "Treat Her Right" at Gold Star Studios. This song was released on the Back Beat label.

A Huge Hit Song

"Treat Her Right" became a massive hit. It reached No. 2 on both the U.S. Pop and R&B charts in 1965. Only The Beatles' "Yesterday" was more popular at the time. The song was known for its strong horns and powerful beat. It showed Roy Head's talent for blue-eyed soul music.

Many famous artists have covered "Treat Her Right." These include Jimmy Page, Bruce Springsteen, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Bon Jovi. Even Bob Dylan and Tom Jones performed it live. The song also appeared in movies like The Commitments (1991) and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019).

Other Popular Songs

Roy Head and the Traits also had other songs that made it into the Top 40 in 1965. These included "Just a Little Bit" and "Apple of My Eye."

Roy Head's Dance Moves

Videos from this time show Roy Head was an amazing and energetic dancer. He had unique jumps and slides. People compared his moves to those of the famous Nicholas Brothers. Because he was white but used dance moves popular with African American dancers, he was called a "blue-eyed soul" performer.

Roy Head's Later Career

In the 1970s, Roy Head started focusing on his solo career. He moved towards country. He signed with several record labels like Mega Records and ABC Records.

Country Music Hits

Between 1975 and 1985, Roy Head had 24 songs on the U.S. country music Top 100 charts. He had three songs reach the Top 20:

• "The Most Wanted Woman in Town" (1975)
• "Come To Me" (1977)
• "Now You See Em, Now You Don't" (1977)

These songs were recorded on the ABC/Dot label.

The Traits' Legacy

Many of the early songs written and recorded by The Traits have been re-released over the years. Other artists have also covered their music. For example, Joe "King" Carrasco had a hit covering "One More Time."

In 2001 and 2007, Roy Head and The Traits had reunions. They performed at Kent Finlay's Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos. This was a place where many musicians, like George Strait, started out.

Hall of Fame Induction

In October 2007, during their "Golden Anniversary Concert," Roy Head and The Traits were inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. This was a special honor for their contributions to music.

Roy Head was also a member of the Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame, the Texas Country and Western Music Hall of Fame, and the Austin Music Awards Hall of Fame. He continued to perform at festivals. His last album, Still Treatin' 'Em Right, was released in 2011.

Roy Head's Family and Passing

Roy Head's son, Sundance, is also a singer. Sundance was a contestant on American Idol in 2007. In 2016, he won season 11 of The Voice. His coach was Blake Shelton.

Roy Head passed away on September 21, 2020, at the age of 79. He died from a heart attack.

Discography

Albums

Compilation albums

• Roy Head: His All-Time Favorites (1977, Crazy Cajun)
• Roy Head and The Traits: Singin' Texas Rhythm & Blues (1988, Blues Interactions, Inc. [Japan])
• Slip Away: His Best Recordings (1993, Collectables)
• Treat Her Right: The Best of Roy Head (1995, Varese Sarabande)
• Don't Be Blue: The Traits (1995, Collectables; Roy C. Ames/Homecooking)
• The Texas Soul and Country Man: The Crazy Cajun Recordings (1999, Edsel [UK])
• Country Crooner: The Crazy Cajun Recordings (1999, Edsel [UK])
• White Texas Soul Shouter: The Crazy Cajun Recordings (1999, Edsel [UK])
• Roy Head and The Traits: Treat Her Right (1999, Dynamite 101)
• The Best of Roy Head and The Traits: Teeny Weeny Bit (2000, AIM [Australia])
• Head On! (2001, Music Club)
• An Introduction to Roy Head (2006, Fuel 2000)
• Treat Him Right! The Best of Roy Head (2007, Fuel 2000)
• Roy Head and The Traits: Golden Anniversary (1957–2007) – Rockabilly Hall of Fame Album (2007 Re-master, D & R Sales and Service, L.C., PVI)
• Voices of Americana: Roy Head (2009, Edsel [UK])
• Live It Up: Roy Head and The Traits (2010, Norton)

Singles