Legend Rufus Thomas Dies

Rufus Thomas
Born: Mar 26, 1917 in Cayce, MS
Age: 84

He died Saturday at St. Francis Hospital of apparent heart failure, his family said. He had been undergoing treatment at the hospital since falling ill in November and had undergone open heart surgery in 1998.

Rufus was world renowned for such hits as “Walking The Dog”, and “Do The Funky Chicken”. The self professed “world’s oldest teenager” was also the longest running DJ in the history of radio, appearing on radio station WDIA from 1948-2001.

His success was a key in growth of the two most famous record labels to come out of Memphis, Sun and Stax. He helped launch a number of careers, including that of B.B. King.

Funeral Date Not Available.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to:

The Rufus Thomas Scholarship Fund
1900 Union Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104