A fan of primal blues shouters Roy Brown and Big Joe Turner, Ridgley could rock, too, and developed his own torrid style. In short order a popular pianist and singer at the Dew Drop Inn, he caught the eyes and ears of Dave Bartholomew, who in 1949 produced and provided the backing band for Ridgley's first single. ... Though unsyccessful in cracking nationsl charts in a big way ... [he] put on blistering live shows, but over time his abilities as a smooth balladeer began to compete with his frenetic, uptempo image. (Rick Koster, Louisiana Music p. 114)
Significant. File under: New Orleans R&B
Discography: Albums; Compilations Singles
In the music library: The Genius Of Dave Bartholomew: Shrewsbury Blues
Heavy Sugar Second Spoonful: More Pure Essence Of New Orleans R&B: Jam Up
Links: Official web site AllMusic Marv Goldberg's R&B Notebooks Tommy Ridgley: The Comeback Kid