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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 ZBLACKWELL, Bumps(b Robert A. Blackwell, 23 May '18; d 9 March '85) Producer. Assistant to Art Rupe at Specialty label in Hollywood when Rupe sent him to New Orleans '55 to record Little Richard: he converted obscene song to rock'n'roll classic 'Tutti Frutti', prod. and arr. many hit sessions, also getting co-author credit on 'Rip It Up', 'Good Golly, Miss Molly', etc; in fact ignited an era of great studio recording in the city. Recorded first Sam Cooke sessions in Hollywood '56, took them to Keen label and huge hit 'You Send Me' was the result. Made artistic mistake in selling Cooke to white audiences using inappropriate songs; blacks knew better, but commercial success was big on both fronts. Maintained professional relationship with Little Richard off and on for many years. |