Robert 'Bumps' Blackwell
b. Robert A. Blackwell, 23 May 1918, Seattle, Washington, USA (of mixed French, Negro and Indian descent), d. 9 March 1985. An arranger and studio band leader with Specialty Records, Blackwell had led a band in Seattle. After arriving in California in 1949 he studied classical composition at the University of California at Los Angeles, and within a few years was arranging and producing gospel and R&B singles for the likes of Lloyd Price and Guitar Slim. Previously he had written a series of stage revues—BLACKWELL PORTRAITS—very much in the same vein as the ZIEGFELD FOLLIES. His Bumps Blackwell Jnr. Orchestra featured, at various times, Ray Charles and Quincy Jones. He also worked with Lou Adler and Herb Alpertbefore taking over the A&R department at Specialty Records where he first came into contact with Little Richard. His boss, Art Rupe, sent him to New Orleans in 1955 where he recorded Tutti Frutti and established a new base for rock ‘n’ roll. Blackwell was a key producer and songwriter in the early days of rock ‘n’ roll, particularly with Little Richard. He was responsible for tracking down Little Richard and buying his recording contract from Peacock in 1955. Blackwell helped to rewrite Tutti Frutti in a cleaned-up version more appropriate to white audiences. which he recorded at Richard's first Specialty session in New Orleans. As well as being involved with the writing of some of Richard's hits, he also produced some of his early work, and became his personal manager. Along with John Marascalco he wrote Ready Teddy, Rip It Up, and, with Enotris Johnson and Richard Penniman (Little Richard) Long Tall Sally. He also helped launch the secular careers of former gospel singers Sam Cookeand Wynona Carr. After leaving Specialty, he was involved in setting up Keen Records which furthered the careers of Sam Cooke and Johnny Guitar Watson among others. In 1981 he co-produced the title track of Bob Dylan's SHOT OF LOVE, before his death from pneumonia in 1985.