Jimmy Liggins

Jimmy Liggins was born on October 14, 1918 in Earlsboro, Oklahoma as “James L. Elliott.” At age 18, he drove his older brother Joe’s band, The Honeydrippers, around in San Diego to various gigs. Then, he decided to try his hand at the music scene. Jimmy recorded “Cadillac Boogie” in 1948, which is considered to be one of the earliest renditions of rock and roll because of its rockin' rhythm. The song is also considered to be his most successful.

Like his fellow late 40’s and early 50’s jump blues musicians, his songs mainly talked about women, jivin', and alcohol, especially in “Cadillac Boogie,” “I Ain’t Drunk,” and “Drunk.” He was the leader of the band “Drops of Joy” and played as lead vocalist and guitarist.

Liggins passed away on July 21, 1983. He was 64.