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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZFULLER, Jesse(b 12 March 1896, Jonesboro GA; d 29 Jan. '76, Oakland CA) Singer-songwriter, guitarist; aka 'Lone Cat'; work tinged with folk-blues, country music, but essentially 'last of the Negro minstrels'. Seriously mistreated at home, ran away aged ten ; worked as singer, tap-dancer but mostly outside music until '51: cowherding, broom-making, car washing etc. Worked as shoeshine boy outside Universal studios early '20s; was extra in Thief Of Bagdad and East Of Suez '24, other films. Broadcast on Oakland radio KNX late '30s. During '50s worked radio, TV, clubs, concerts, by then virtually a one-man band, playing guitar, harmonica, kazoo, fotdella (piano-string bass operated by foot pedal, sometimes spelled 'footdella'). Recorded for Cavalier '55, Good Time Jazz (Folk Songs, Spirituals And Blues; The Lone Cat both '58; San Francisco Bay Blues '60); toured Europe with Chris Barber '60-- 61; more recording for Folk-Lyric '62, then Bluesville (Prestige) San Francisco Bay Blues '63: incl. 'Everybody Works At Home But My Old Man', 'I Want A Girl Just Like The Girl Who Married Dear Old Dad', but his own title song much covered by latter-day folkies. Played Newport Folk Festivals '64, '69; toured Europe and USA; recorded for Fontana, Oakland, Rhythm, Hollywood, Flair, Money labels. Confined to a wheelchair after breaking his hip '75. |