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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 ZHUNTER, Ivory Joe(b 10 Oct. '14, Kirbyville TX; d 8 Nov. '74, Memphis TN) R&B singer, songwriter, pianist. Son of guitarist Dave Hunter; mother sang gospel. Became programme dir. at Beaumont TX radio station; first records for Library of Congress '33. First commercial recordings with Johnny Moore's Three Blazers; then started own Ivory label, had regional hit with his own 'Blues At Sunrise'. To West Coast '42, there helped start Pacific records; with King label late '40s, having R&B hits 'Landlord Blues', 'Guess Who', 'I Quit My Pretty Mama', all '49, last two with members of the Duke Ellington band in backing. Next signed with MGM; 'I Almost Lost My Mind' was R&B chart no. 1 '50, 'I Need You So' no. 2 same year. By now his smooth style appealed to country music fans as well, paving the way for the later success of Ray Charles in this area. To Atlantic label '54, pop chart success with 'Since I Met You Baby' (no. 12 '56), 'Empty Arms' (no. 43 '57), 'Yes, I Want You' (no. 94 '58). Meanwhile Pat Boone covered 'I Almost Lost My Mind', made no. 1 USA pop chart, no. 14 UK. After 'City Lights' on Dot label (no. 92 '59) his record sales fell off; he turned to country, becoming a regular on Grand Ole Opry late '60s. In '70 Sonny James had country chart no. 1 with cover of 'Since I Met You Baby', Hunter made Epic LP The Return Of Ivory Joe Hunter, appeared at Monterey Jazz Festival; said to have written between 7,000 and 8,000 songs, incl. 'My Wish Come True' and 'Ain't That Lovin' You Baby', top 20 hits for Elvis Presley in '59 and '64. Died of cancer. Best Of CD on Razor & Tie. |