Biography

Born on March 26, 1917, in Cayce, Mississippi, R&B and blues legend Rufus Thomas began his career in the 1930s as a comedian with the Rabbit Foot Minstrels. In the 1940s he was a DJ on Memphis' WDIA radio, one of the few black-owned stations of that time. His talent shows influenced the careers of such R&B greats as Ike Turner, Bobby Bland and B.B. King. In the 1950s he recorded with Sam Phillips' Sun Records, and in the 1960s he and daughter Carla Thomas were part of the Stax label. His biggest hits have been dance/novelty tunes, such as "Walking the Dog." The 1970s brought disco and Thomas contributed "Do the Funky Chicken."
- IMDb mini biography by: hewitt.1@osu.edu (qv's & corrections by A. Nonymous)

Rufus Thomas is an American rhythm-and-blues, funk, soul and blues singer, songwriter, dancer, DJ, comic entertainer from Memphis, Tennessee. He recorded for several labels in the 1950s, before becoming established in the 1960s and 1970s at Stax Records. He is best known for his novelty dance records, including "Walking the Dog" (1963), "Do the Funky Chicken" (1969) and "Push and Pull" (1970).

Rufus began his career as a tap dancer, vaudeville performer, and master of ceremonies in the 1930s. He later worked as a disc jockey on radio station WDIA in Memphis, both before and after his recordings became successful. He remained active into the 1990s and as a performer and recording artist was often billed as "The World's Oldest Teenager". He was the father of the singers Carla Thomas (with whom he recorded duets) and Vanéese Y. Thomas and the keyboard player Marvell Thomas.
- IMDb mini biography by: Tango Papa

R & B Stage Performer still active in 1999. His song "Walking the Dog" was covered by The Rolling Stones on their first album (1964).

Father of Carla Thomas, Marvell Thomas, and Vaneese Y. Thomas.

Has one granddaughter, Leah Thomas.

Inducted into Blues Hall of Fame in 2001.