Song:Too Smart Too Soon
Album:Blue Ivory
Roosevelt Sykes was another legendary musician who got a big boost from the 60s blues revival. Sykes' style was more of a mix of urban blues and jazz than some of the others. He was a tremendous pianist. He was born Jan. 31, 1906 in Elnar, AR. When I watch Sykes perform, it's very clear that his main influence was Fats Waller even including the hat. His nickname was The Honeydripper because of his prowess with the ladies. He developed his barrelhouse piano style in the clubs of St. Louis and began recording in 1929 under various names. He signed with Decca in 1935. Sykes moved to Chicago and signed with Bluebird in 1943. Sykes and his band The Honeydrippers had several hits in the 40s. He wasn't as popular in the 50s but he continued to record for smaller labels like Bluesway, Folkways, and he recorded several albums for Delmark in the 60s. Sykes was constantly on tour and he moved to New Orleans in the late 60s. This various artists CD on Blind Pig includes pianists like Henry Gray & Boogie Woogie Red. Too Smart Too Soon is from his 1978 Blind Pig album Original Honeydripper. It's Sykes performing solo with his piano. I don't think the album has been released on CD. Four songs are on Blue Ivory. Roosevelt Sykes died July 17, 1983 at age 77. He's a very entertaining performer. Here's Roosevelt Sykes with Otis Rush on guitar performing I Got A Girl in 1966.
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