Shorty Medlocke
Shorty Medlocke (born Paul Robert Medlock, 20 July 1912 – 6 August 1982)[1] was an American blues, country and bluegrass musician and banjo player. He is the grandfather of Rickey Medlocke of the Southern rock bands Blackfoot and Lynyrd Skynyrd.[2] Despite his stage name "Medlocke" his real surname officially is spelled without an "e" on the end.[1]
Shorty Medlocke | |
---|---|
Born | 1912 |
Origin | United States |
Died | 1982 |
Genres | Delta blues, hard rock |
Occupation(s) | Songwriter, musician |
Instruments | Harmonica, banjo, guitar |
Years active | 1979–1982 |
Associated acts | Blackfoot |
Website | www.michaelherring.com/shorty |
Starting in 1969, Shorty made contributions to Blackfoot's music. He wrote the Top 40 hit "Train Train" (released on the album Strikes), and played harmonica on the track.[2] For the follow-up album Tomcattin', Shorty co-wrote the song "Fox Chase" and gave the song a short introduction.[3] For Marauder, Shorty co-wrote "Rattlesnake Rock 'n' Roller" and played banjo on the track.[4] Shorty had also appeared on Blackfoot's 1975 debut album, No Reservations, singing a version of "Railroad Man" (which he also wrote). Shorty Medlocke was also the inspiration/actual subject of the song "Ballad of Curtis Loew" by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
References
- Find A Grave Paul Robert “Shorty” Medlock
- Greatest Hits liner notes. Flashback Records.
- "Fox Chase." Tomcattin', track 10.
- "Rattlesnake Rock 'n' Roller." Marauder, track 8.