Rosco Gordon biography

Rosco Gordon Born: 1934, Memphis, Tennessee

Died: July 11, 2002, New York, New York

Rosco Gordon was an integral part of the Memphis Beale Street blues scene during the forties and fifties. He created a shuffle rhythm on piano known as “Rosco’s rhythm” that influenced blues, and, in the opinion of some historians, also inspired the creation of the distinctive rhythm of Jamaican ska, itself a precursor of reggae. On Beale Street Gordon worked with Johnny Ace, Bobby Blue Bland and others, and in the early fifties his song “Booted” hit number one on the R&B charts. That same year he had another hit with “No More Doggin’.” Throughout his career he never matched that early success, but he did continue to record and perform. Like many bluesmen he took an extended hiatus from music to earn an alternative living, but later in his life he began performing again, and continued to do so until his death in 2002.

Rosco Gordon on Record

Essential listening: “Booted,” “I’m Gonna Shake It,” “No More Doggin’,” “She’s My Baby”

 Just a little bit – Lyrics

I don’t want much
I just-a want a little bit
No, I don’t want it all, I told you
I just-a want a little bit
Just a eeny weeny bit
I want a teeny weeny bit of your love

Turn your lights down low
Honey, slip me a kiss
Turn your lights down low, I beg you
I just can’t-a resist
But that’s a eeny weeny bit
I want a teeny weeny bit of your love

I want you forever
A-just a peace of mind
Please say you’ll never leave, ever
A-till the end of times

But that’s a eeny weeny bit
I want a teeny weeny bit of your love

I want you forever
A-just for peace of mind
Please say you’ll never leave me, ever
A-till the end of times
But that’s a eeny weeny bit
I want a teeny weeny bit of your love