Goree Carter
Goree Chester Carter or Christer Carter (December 31, 1930 – December 29, 1990), was an American singer, guitarist, drummer, and songwriter. He was also credited with the stage names Little T-Bone, Rocky Thompson and Gory Carter, and recorded music in blues genres such as electric blues, jump blues and Texas blues, as well as rock and roll.
Goree Carter | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Goree Chester Carter or Christer Carter |
| Also known as | Little T-Bone Rocky Thompson Gory Carter |
| Born | December 31, 1930 Houston, Texas, United States |
| Died | December 29, 1990 (aged 59) Houston, Texas, United States |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | |
| Instrument(s) | |
| Years active | 1940s–1954 |
| Labels | Freedom Records |
He is best known for his 1949 single, "Rock Awhile," which has been cited by several sources as the first rock and roll record, featuring an over-driven electric guitar style similar to that of Chuck Berry years later. Carter recorded "Rock Awhile" at the age of 18, and its rediscovery has posthumously brought him recognition as a forefather of rock and roll. As a soldier, he was drafted into military service at the age of 19, and was a veteran of the Korean War.