Sonny Rodgers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sonny Rodgers
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Sonny Rodgers at the Cozy Bar, Minneapolis, March 13, 1970.
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Oliver Lee Rodgers |
| Also known as | Cat Daddy |
| Born | December 4, 1939 Hughes, Arkansas, United States |
| Died | May 7, 1990 (aged 50) Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States |
| Genres | Blues |
| Occupation(s) | Guitarist, singer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1950s–1990 |
Oliver Lee "Sonny" Rodgers (born December 4, 1939 – died May 7, 1990) was an American blues musician. He played the electric guitar, sang, and wrote songs. He won a special award called the W.C. Handy Award for his song "Cadillac Baby". This song was named the 'Blues Single of 1990'. His first album, They Call Me the Cat Daddy, was very popular. Sadly, he passed away shortly after it came out, just before he was going to tour in the UK.
Sonny Rodgers worked with many other famous blues musicians. These included Forest City Joe, Joe Hill Louis, Muddy Waters, and George "Mojo" Buford.
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Sonny Rodgers' Life and Music Career
Sonny Rodgers was born in 1939 in a place called Hughes, Arkansas, in the United States. He learned to play the guitar from his father. His music style was inspired by great guitarists like B.B. King and Muddy Waters.
When he was 17, Sonny started his very first band. In 1959, a famous music researcher named Alan Lomax recorded him playing with Forest City Joe. From 1960, Sonny performed in Arkansas and other places. He then moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1961. There, he began working a lot with George "Mojo" Buford. In 1970, Sonny also recorded music with Lazy Bill Lucas.
Playing with Muddy Waters
Because of his strong connection with Mojo Buford, Sonny got a big chance in 1972. Mojo suggested him to Muddy Waters, a legendary blues musician. Sonny joined Muddy Waters' band for a short time. After that, he took a break from music for several years.
Returning to Music and Awards
Sonny Rodgers came back to playing music in 1979. He played on an album called Mojo Buford's Chicago Blues Summit. After this, he formed his own band. Over the next few years, he won several music awards in Minnesota.
His song "Cadillac Baby" was released as a single by Blue Moon Records. It was voted the 'Blues Single of 1990' at the W.C. Handy Awards. This was a huge success for him.
His Album and Legacy
After the success of "Cadillac Baby," Sonny Rodgers released his first and only album. It was called They Call Me the Cat Daddy and came out in 1990. The album was highly praised by music fans and critics. It featured many classic blues songs like "Five Long Years" and "Good Morning Little School Girl." It also included some of Sonny's own original songs.
Sadly, Sonny Rodgers passed away in May 1990. He was 50 years old and died in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from heart failure. Even though he died young, his music continues to be remembered and enjoyed.
Sonny Rodgers' Music Releases
Singles
| Year | A-side Song | B-side Song | Record Company |
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| 1989 | "Cadillac Baby" | "Big Leg Woman" | Blue Moon Records |
Albums
| Year | Album Title | Record Company |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | They Call Me the Cat Daddy | Fattening Frogs |
See also
- List of electric blues musicians
