Downtown Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Rufus Thomas, Jr.
Photographed by R. E. Smith, March 19, 2008
1. Rufus Thomas, Jr. Marker
Born March 26, 1917, in Cayce, Mississippi, this legendary entertainer known worldwide, began his career in the 1930s with the Rabbit Foot Minstrel Shows. He was the organizer and master of ceremonies of the amateur shows in the 1940s and 1950s at the Palace Theatre, which stood at this site. From these shows began the careers of many great performers, including B.B. King and Bobby "Blue" Bland.
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He had the first hit records for both the Sun and Stax labels. As a popular personality on WDIA, he was the first disc jockey to play Elvis Presley records on a Black radio station. He was the creator of two of the biggest dance crazes of the 1960s--"The Dog" and "The Funky Chicken."
Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4E 119.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1909.
Location. 35° 8.368′ N, 90° 3.03′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in Downtown Memphis. It can be reached from Beale Street. Marker is located in front
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Regionally, this marker is in West Tennessee. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in the Upper South, in the Mississippi Delta, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Nat D. Williams (a few steps from this marker); George Jackson (a few steps from this marker); The Gillis Brothers (within shouting distance of this marker); Pee Wee Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Ida B. Wells (within shouting distance of this marker); Chop Suey Cafι / Chinese Merchants on Beale Street (within shouting distance of this marker); The Memphis Home of W.C. Handy (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of W.C. Handy (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.
Also see . . .
1. Rufus Thomas on Wikipedia. Thomas (1917-2001) was often billed as "The World's Oldest Teenager" as he was still active in performing during the 1990's. He was the father of recording artists Carla Thomas, Vaneese Thomas and Marvell Thomas. (Submitted on September 8, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
2. Rufus Thomas "Do the Funky Chicken" (Official Audio). From Rufus Thomas' YouTube channel (Submitted on September 8, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Photographed by R. E. Smith, March 19, 2008
2. Rufus Thomas, Jr. Marker
Photographed by R. E. Smith, March 19, 2008
3. Rufus Thomas, Jr. Marker
Photographed by R. E. Smith, March 19, 2008
4. Rufus Thomas, Jr. Marker
Photographed by R. E. Smith, March 19, 2008
5. Rufus Thomas, Jr. Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,881 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 19, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. • Christopher Busta-Peck was the editor who published this page.
