Goree Carter
American drummer / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Goree Chester Carter[3] or Christer Carter[4] (December 31, 1930 – December 29, 1990),[5] was an American singer, guitarist, drummer,[6] and songwriter.[3] He was also credited with the stage names Little T-Bone, Rocky Thompson and Gory Carter,[4] and recorded music in blues genres such as electric blues, jump blues and Texas blues,[1] as well as rock and roll.[3]
Goree Carter | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Goree Chester Carter or Christer Carter |
Also known as | Little T-Bone Rocky Thompson Gory Carter |
Born | (1930-12-31)December 31, 1930 Houston, Texas, United States |
Died | December 29, 1990(1990-12-29) (aged 59) Houston, Texas, United States |
Genres | |
Occupation(s) | |
Instrument(s) | |
Years active | 1949–1954 |
Labels | Freedom Records |
He is best known for his 1949 single, "Rock Awhile," which has been cited by several sources as the first rock and roll record,[2][3][7] featuring an over-driven electric guitar style similar to that of Chuck Berry years later.[2][3] Carter recorded "Rock Awhile" at the age of 18,[3] and its rediscovery has posthumously brought him recognition as a forefather of rock and roll.[8] As a soldier, he was drafted into military service at the age of 19,[9] and was a veteran of the Korean War.[3]