The era that was rock and roll did not have to wait for long before the emergence of its first truly outstanding instrumental. It arrived in the form of “Honky Tonk (Parts 1 & 2)”.
William Ballard Doggett was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in February of 1916. His mother was a pianist and it was she who introduced him to the piano.
Bill Doggett’s career included stints with Lucky Millinder and his Orchestra, The Ink Spots and the 1940s’ most popular exponent of rhythm and blues, Louis Jordan. It was whilst playing with Louis’ backing group, The Tympany Five, that Bill was introduced to playing the Hammond organ.
Bill formed his own trio, in 1951, and was signed to record for King Records. Nevertheless, it took him until 1956 to find gold. “Honky Tonk (Parts 1 & 2)” had been co-written by Bill and guitarist, Billy Butler. The recording, which features saxophonist, Clifford Scott, rightfully created such an impression that it topped Billboard’s rhythm and blues chart for thirteen consecutive weeks, while on the pop chart it spent three weeks at its peak of No.2.
http://youtu.be/StNiPBC8GxQ
“Honky Tonk (Parts 1 & 2)” has since been revived by the likes of The Ventures and George Thorogood and The Destroyers. Among Bill’s other successful recordings are “Slow Walk” (1956), “Ram-Bunk-Shush” (1957), “Soft” (1957) and “Hold It” (1958).
http://youtu.be/ZLlmpqw8At4
Bill Doggett left us in November of 1996.
Needless to say, I have added “Honky Tonk (Parts 1 & 2)” to my list of favourite recordings. This can be found in the suggested playlists.