Rufus Thomas was an American R&B singer who became famous for his irrepressible
dance recordings at Sun Records in Memphis and on Stax Records and for his
talent shows and radio shows. Noted for his infectious personality and
fun-filled performances, he did much to further harmony between black and white
musicians in the 1950s. He is remembered best for his hit singles 'Walking the
Dog', which went to number ten on Billboard's Hot 100 in 1963 and 'Do the Funky
Chicken', which peaked at number 28 in 1970.
Born in Mississippi, he gravitated to nearby Memphis as a child, joined t...