Artist:Tiny Bradshaw
Song:The Train Kept A-Rollin'
Album:Walk That Mess!: The Best of the King Years
Myron "Tiny" Bradshaw was a bandleader in the 30s. But it was in the pre Rock 'n' Roll early 50s when Bradshaw had real success and a lasting legacy similar to Louis Jordan. He was born Sept. 23, 1907 in Youngstown, OH. After graduating with a degree in psychology from Wilberforce University, Bradshaw moved to New York and played drums and sang with several bands including Luis Russell. Then as a leader he recorded eight sides for Decca in 1934. Bradshaw wouldn't record again until 1944. One of his songs Jersey Bounce was a hit for Benny Goodman so I'm sure the royalties kept him going. When Bradshaw recorded in 1944 for Regis, Manor and Savoy, his music was similar to the R&B popularized by Louis Jordan. Bradshaw had his greatest success when he recorded for King Records from 1949-55. Several songs made the R&B charts. Well Oh Well was probably his biggest hit. Though it didn't chart at the time, The Train Kept A-Rollin' became Bradshaw's most popular song when Johnny Burnette recorded it in 1956. Then The Yardbirds recorded it in 1965. And Jimmy Page claims that The Train Kept A-Rollin' was the first song Led Zeppelin played in their first rehearsal. The song was also covered by Aerosmith and others. This comp of Bradshaw's King recordings from the British label Westside is available as a digital download. Sadly, health problems meant that Bradshaw was not able to enjoy his legacy. After several strokes, he died on Nov. 26, 1958 at age 51. Here's a video for The Train Kept A-Rollin' by Tiny Bradshaw.
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