In Pre-World War II Blues, Rosevelt Sykes was a prolific figure, waving his Urban Blues sensibilities with intricate chord patterns and bass figures. Born in Arkansas, Sykes moved to St. Louis with his family in the early 20’s, soon becoming the city’s top Blues attraction.
Sykes recorded for many of the prominent Blues labels of his era including Victor, Decca and Bluebird often using a different pseudonyms such as ‘Dobby Bragg,” Willie Kelly,’ ‘Easy Papa Johnson.’ Relocating to Chicago in the 40’s, Sykes brought with him the powerful style of piano playing that made him a top level solo act and much-in-demand accompanist.
— (Blues Foundation press release, 1999.)
As a credit to his popularity, Roosevelt Sykes was one of the few Blues artists who continued to record during the shellac rationing of World War II. Charm and style earned him the nickname ‘The Honeydripper,’ and Roosevelt turned around and gave his band the moniker while touring throughout the South before and after the war. One of the first American Bluesmen to tour Europe, Sykes was a constant figure on the road through the 1970’s and 1980’s. His legacy lives on in his music and the music of those he influenced from Fats Domino and Champion Jack Dupree to Professor Longhair and Ray Charles.