JOE TEX - Ain't Gonna Bump No More

In the 1960's and 1970's southern soul singer Joe Tex was one of the predecessors of rap music, known for his style of singing while talking over background music. He was born with the name Joseph Arrington Jr., and grew up in Rogers, Texas. In 1955, at 18 years old, a talent contest won Arrington a trip to New York City. After four first place wins at the Apollo Theatre he was offered a record contract with King Records. By 1958 he was opening up for artists like Little Richard and James Brown. It had been claimed by many, including Little Richard, that Arrington's unique dance moves and microphone stand tricks were stolen by James Brown. Arrington and Brown were well known for their long-standing feuds - personal and professional. In 1972, a converted Arrington quit music and devoted himself to touring as a minister for the Nation of Islam. After a few years he returned to music, his final big hit was the novelty song Ain't Gonna Bump No More in 1977. The song was nominated for a Grammy, and a live performance was featured at the award ceremonies that year.