Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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MILTON, Roy

(b 31 July '07, Wynnewood OK; d Sep. '83) R&B singer, drummer, bandleader. Infl. by gospel music, formed combos from late '20s to play for dances, etc; to West Coast mid-'30s; formed Roy Milton and his Solid Senders, appeared in 'soundie' film shorts for juke boxes; first records '45 on own label, then on Hamp-Tone; 'R.M. Blues' was top 20 hit on Juke Box label '49; on Specialty '47--54: top ten R&B hits '49--52 incl. one of several versions of dance riff 'The Hucklebuck' '49, 'Information Blue' '50, no. 2 'Best Wishes' '51. He also recorded for Dootone, King, Warwick; top 30 hit on Warwick '61 saw reissue of an old Specialty side 'Baby You Don't Know' also make top 30. He often worked outside music; with Johnny Otis on Kent label and at Monterey Jazz Festival '70. His 'jump band' style rivalled that of Louis Jordan in popularity; his combination of backbeat and gospel feeling made him one of the fathers of rock'n'roll. Compilation Roy Milton And His Solid Senders followed by Groovy Blues and Blowin' With Roy, all on Specialty.