Newport in Campbell County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

“H-Bomb” Ferguson

May 9, 1929 — November 26, 2006

— Cincinnati Music History —

“H-Bomb” Ferguson Marker image. Click for full size.

Warren LeMay via Flickr/Public domain, August 9, 2020

1. “H-Bomb” Ferguson Marker

Inscription. Robert Percell “H-Bomb” Ferguson started his colorful Jump Blues career as pianist & Blues shouter the “Cobra Kid”, recording with Jack “The Bear” Parker's orchestra in early 1951. He became “H-Bomb” later that year when he joined Savoy Records and at Federal & Audio Lab labels of King Records with guitarist Big Ed Thompson. His neon wig shows in Cincinnati at Cory's led to the Chicago Blues Fest, then Blues festivals worldwide and being featured in George Thorogood's “Hand Jive” video filmed at Cory's.

Erected by The Big Joe Duskin Music Education Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical date for this entry is May 9, 1929.

Location. 39° 5.618′ N, 84° 29.488′ W. Marker is in Newport, Kentucky, in Campbell County. Marker is on Washington Avenue south of East 5th Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 506 Washington Ave, Newport KY 41071, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Robert Howat House (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Southgate Street School (about 700 feet away); B.H. Kroger House (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Fick House (approx. 0.2 miles away);

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315 3rd Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); General James Taylor Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); “Tommygun” Inventor (approx. ¼ mile away); Newport ~~ War of 1812 (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport.

More about this marker. It is located next to Manson Hill Tavern, which hosts an annual celebration of Ferguson's birthday. The Medicine Men Band, his backing band during his later career, often are the featured act.

Also see . . .
1. H-Bomb Ferguson. Wikipedia entry on the flamboyant singer, considered an early pioneer of rock and roll in the 1950s. (Submitted on December 6, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. H-Bomb Ferguson. Details on the life and career of Ferguson, who adopted “H-Bomb” as a testament to his gruff blues shouting style. (Discogs) (Submitted on December 6, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

3. George Thorogood - Willie And The Hand Jive. Music video for Thorogood's 1985 cover of the song. H-Bomb, wearing a flamboyant wig, can be seen on stage playing maracas in the background.

Warren LeMay via Flickr/Public domain, August 9, 2020

2. “H-Bomb” Ferguson Marker

(Uploaded by George Thorogood) (Submitted on December 6, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

4. CEA Hall of Fame: H-Bomb Ferguson. News article on Ferguson's posthumous induction into the Cincinnati Entertainment Awards Hall of Fame. (Brian Baker, CityBeat, posted Nov. 14, 2007) (Submitted on December 6, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Robert "H-Bomb" Ferguson image. Click for full size.

unknown via Discogs/Fair use

3. Robert "H-Bomb" Ferguson

Credits. This page was last revised on December 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 6, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 430 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 6, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.