Tommy Tucker

Tommy Tucker (born Robert Higginbotham; March 5, 1933 – January 22, 1982) was an American blues singer-songwriter and pianist. He is best known for the 1964 hit song, "Hi-Heel Sneakers", that went to No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and peaked at No. 23 in the UK singles chart.

Early life Tucker was born Robert Higginbotham, to Leroy and Mary Higginbotham, the fifth of eleven children, in Springfield, Ohio, United States.

Career Tucker released "Hi-Heel Sneakers" in 1964, which was a hit both in the US and the UK.

Tucker co-wrote a song with Atlantic Records founder executive Ahmet Ertegun, called "My Girl (I Really Love Her So)". Tucker left the music industry in the late 1960s, taking a position as a real estate agent in New Jersey. He also did freelance writing for a local newspaper in East Orange, New Jersey, writing of the plight and ignorance of black males in America, and the gullibility and exploitation of African Americans in general by the white-dominated media.

Death Tucker died in 1982 at the age of 48 at College Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, from inhaling carbon tetrachloride while refinishing the hardwood floors of his home, though his death has been alternatively attributed to food poisoning.

Discography

Singles +YearTitleLabel and Cat No1961"My Girl I Really Loved Her So"b/w "Rock and Roll Machine"Atco 45-62081964"Hi-Heel Sneakers"b/w "Don't Want 'Cha (Watcha Gonna Do)"Checker 10671964"Long Tall Shorty"b/w "Mo' Shorty"Checker 10751965"Alimony"b/w "All About Melanie"Checker 11121966"Chewin' Gum"b/w "I've Been a Fool"Checker 11331966"That's Life"b/w "That's How Much!"Festival F-7041967"I'm Shorty"b/w "Sitting Home Alone"Checker 11781967"A Whole Lots of Fun (Before the Weekend is Done)"b/w "Real True Love (I Ain't Had None Lately)Checker 1186

Albums

1964: Hi-Heel Sneakers (Checker) 1978: Live + Well (Ornament) 1978: Mother Tucker (Red Lightnin') 1982: The Rocks Is My Pillow - The Cold Ground Is My Bed (Red Lightnin')

Appears on 1975: American Blues Legends '75 (Big Bear)