Died On This Date (March 28, 1974) Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup / Mississippi Blues Great
themusicsover Arthur Crudup
August 24, 1905 – March 28, 1974
Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup was a Mississippi blues man who, even though his “That’s Alright, Mama” became one of Elvis Presley’s biggest hits, he still had to work most of his life as a laborer and moonshiner to put food on the table. And even though there are countless other covers of his tunes, he still lived in near poverty for his entire life. Besides Presley, artists like Bob Dylan, Creedance Clearwater Revival, John Lee Hooker, Wanda Jackson, Elton John, Junior Wells and the Stray Cats owe a lot more than just gratitude to Arthur Crudup who had to labor most of his life until he passed away from complications of heart disease and diabetes at 71.
Duster Bennett was a blues singer and musician who emerged from the British blues scene of the last ’60s as a popular club performer. He was equally adept at the harmonica, guitar and drums, at times even performing as a one-man blues band. As a session player, Bennett could be heard on countless 
Marva Wright was a popular New Orleans blues and Gospel singer who has rightfully been called the Blues Queen of New Orleans. Whether performing in area clubs or in front of thousands at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Wright was a familiar and welcomed site throughout the city for many years. She was a popular concert draw throughout Europe and beyond as well. Even though she began singing at the age of nine, Wright didn’t make it a career until she hit her 40s, and since then she has released several critically and fan acclaimed albums and even performed at the White House. Over the course of her career, she has performed with the likes of 
Mel Brown was a respected blues guitarist who was perhaps best known for his years playing for 