Sonny Rodgers

Oliver Lee "Sonny" Rodgers (December 4, 1939 – May 7, 1990) was an American electric blues guitarist, singer and songwriter. He won a W.C. Handy Award for his release "Cadillac Baby" b/w "Big Leg Woman", which the Blues Foundation deemed to be the 'Blues Single of 1990'. His subsequent debut album, They Call Me the Cat Daddy, was acclaimed but coincided with his early death in May 1990, just prior to embarking on a UK tour.

Life and career Rodgers was born in 1939 near Hughes, Arkansas, United States, His playing was influenced by B.B. King, Robert Nighthawk and Muddy Waters. Rodgers formed his first band at the age of 17 and, in October 1959, was recorded by Alan Lomax accompanying Forest City Joe. where he began a lengthy association with George "Mojo" Buford. After his short spell playing in Waters band ended, Rodgers spent several years away from the music industry. The bassist playing on two tracks was Biscuit Miller. Miller went on to play in Lonnie Brooks' band and became a "frontman" himself, releasing three albums. Sonny's album incorporated mainly blues standards including "Black Nights are Falling", "Walkin' Thru the Park", "Five Long Years", "Fever", "Stand by Me", and "Good Morning Little School Girl"; as well as several of Rodgers' original numbers.

Discography Singles Year A-side B-side Record label 1989 "Cadillac Baby" "Big Leg Woman" Blue Moon Records