b. Robert Higginbotham, 5 March 1933, Springfield, Ohio, USA, d. 22 January 1982. Renowned as an R&B performer, Tucker began his career as a jazz musician playing piano and clarinet for the Bob Woods Orchestra. He led his own group, the Dusters, recorded under the name Tee Tucker for Atco Records in 1961 and worked with saxophonist Roland Kirk prior to recording "Hi-Heel Sneakers" in 1964. This simple, but compulsive, 12-bar blues song established the singer's reputation when it was consistently covered by other acts. This one song contained a pot-pourri of references, including the bizarre "hi-heel sneakers" and "wig hats on her head". Further excellent singles in a similar style, including "Long Tall Shorty", were less successful and forced Tucker to revert to club work. He visited Britain during the 70s as part of the Blues Legends package and, inspired by an enthusiastic response, began recording again. This irrepressible performer, sadly, died from poisoning in 1982.

Listen to Tommy Tucker at Finetune.

• High Heeled Sneakers
• High Heel Sneakers

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