Tommy Ridgley

Infobox musical artist
Name = Tommy Ridgley

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Img_capt = Tommy Ridgley at the Dream Palace in New Orleans (1996)
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Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = Thomas Herman Ridgley
Alias =
Born = October 30, 1925
Died = August 11, 1999
Origin = New Orleans, Louisiana
Instrument = Vocals
Genre = R&B, Blues
Occupation = Musician
Years_active = 1949 - 1999
Label = Imperial, Decca, Atlantic, Ric, Black Top
Associated_acts =
URL = [http://www.tommyridgley.com/ http://www.tommyridgley.com/]
Current_members =
Past_members =

Tommy Ridgley (born Thomas Herman Ridgley, October 30, 1925 - died August 11, 1999) was a R&B singer in New Orleans, Louisiana. He released his debut single "Shrewbury Blues" in 1949 from Imperial Records. In the 1950s he formed his group the Untouchables, and recorded for labels such as Decca, Atlantic and Herald. His 1952 release "Tra-La-La" on Decca was later covered and made famous by Pat Boone.

In the 1960s he signed with local Ric records, and released some singles which were to become local hits, but none of them broke through to create a stir nationally. These sides included "Double-Eyed Whammy" and "I've Heard That Story Before", a remake of the song first recorded for Herald.

During the 1970s and 80's, there were less recording opportunities for Ridgley, however, he continued to record for local labels, and continued to perform. He kept performing at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival every year since 1972 until his death.

In the 1990s, he released three newly recorded albums. "How Long?" came out on Sound of New Orleans label in 1990, and "She Turns Me On" followed two years later on Modern Blues Recordings. He was supported by musicians such as George Porter, Jr. and Raymond Weber on 1995 album "Since The Blues Began" from Black Top Records. It also featured guest guitarist Snooks Eaglin and turned out to be one of the most solid efforts in his career, but this became his last recorded album. He suffered from kidney failure in the last few years and died from lung cancer in 1999.

New Orleans singer, Sammy Ridgley is his younger brother.

Discography

* 1990 "How Long?" (Sound of New Orleans)
* 1992 "She Turns Me On" (Modern Blues Recordings)
* 1995 "Since The Blues Began" (Black Top)

Compilations

* 1988 "The New Orleans King of the Stroll" (Rounder)
* 1992 "The Herald Recordings" (Collectables)
* 2006 "Tommy Ridgley 1949-1954" (Classics)
* "Mardi Gras Jam / Tommy Ridgley & His Orchestra (Blue City)
* "Through The Years" (Sound of New Orleans)

External links

* [http://www.tommyridgley.com/ Tommy Ridgley official website]
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:kifpxq95ldae~T1 Biography on All Music Guide]