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.
(Reverse)
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. Marker can be reached from Beale Street. Marker is located
this page online
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 Café / Chinese Merchants on Beale Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Beale Street Historic District (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Memphis Home of W.C. Handy (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.
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 February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,400 times since then and 41 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.
