(August 15, 1930-December 15, 1979)
Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi
Sang and played tenor sax
Member of Ike Turner’s Kings of Rhythm
Recorded ‘Rocket 88’ (1951), ‘My Real Gone Rocket’ (1952), ‘Independent Woman’ (1952) and ‘Hi Ho Baby’ (1952)

‘Rocket 88’ glorified drinking and driving. (‘Going ‘round the corner and get a fifth/Everybody in my car’s gonna take a little nip’)
After the success of ‘Rocket 88,’ he went solo without success.
He drank heavily.
He said, ‘I had a hit record and no sense.’
After three years, he rejoined Turner, earning minimum scale for his sax duties.
He quit music to become a truck driver.

‘Rocket 88’ is often called the first rock and roll record.
The record’s success inspired its producer, Sam Phillips, to start Sun Records.
Turner was so jealous of his success that he forbade Brenston from singing ‘Rocket 88’ in concert.

Credit: C. Fishel

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