Jackie Brenston

Singer and saxophonist Brenston is the vocalist on the classic "Rocket 88" which many critics claim is the first Rock and Roll song to be waxed. The song was released by Chess records in 1951 under the group name "Jacke Brenston and His Delta Cats" and promptly went to the top of the R&B charts. The group backing Brenston on the record was actually Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm. Brenston was not able to follow up with any where near the success of "Rocket 88" and by the 60's he had retired from the business after working for some time as a sideman. He died bitter and broke at the age of 49 in 1979.