Rufus Payne

Rufus Payne (* in Greenville, Alabama, † March 17, 1939 in Montgomery ) was an American blues musician. Acquaintance he was by his nickname tea Dead.

Life and work

Rufus Payne was born at an unknown date in Greenville, Alabama. He was known primarily as a mentor by Hank Williams. Through his influence and contacts with blues and other African-American music Williams combined successfully hillbilly, folk and blues to his unique style. Part of Williams 's career is thus Paynes merit.

Many details of Payne's life are still unknown, but his date of birth his parents, according to the death certificate unknown. According to the American historian Alice Harp, he was in 1884, Alabama was born in Sandy Ridge.

Payne died on 17 March 1939 in a charity hospital in Montgomery, his age was given as probably 55 years. He was buried in the Lincoln Cemetery in Montgomery. His grave is unknown, but a monument stands near the entrance of the cemetery.

Sources

• Died in 1939
• Man