Rufus “Tee Tot” Payne
DOB Unknown – March 17, 1939
Tee Tot Payne was an early southern blues musician who indirectly inspired future generations of country and rock ‘n roll stars. It was during Hank Williams’ formative years that he learned about blues and other traditional Black music under the tutelage of Payne. Williams, in turn married those influences with hillbilly music to create a more appealing country sound that appealed to both Black and White audiences. Payne was never known much beyond his home region other than when referenced by Williams and his followers. Hank Williams Jr. gave a nod to Payne with his “The Tee Tot Song” of 2002. Tee Tot Payne died of unknown causes on March 17, 1939. He is believed to have been 55 years old.