Connie Curtis Crayton (December 18, 1914 – June 25, 1985) known as Pee Wee … Read Full Bio ↴Connie Curtis Crayton (December 18, 1914 – June 25, 1985) known as Pee Wee Crayton, was an American rhythm & blues and blues guitarist and singer.
Born in Rockdale, Texas, United States, there are several stories on how Crayton acquired the name Pee Wee. In a Living Blues article in the 1980s, he stated that friend and singer, Roy Brown, gave him the nickname. This makes sense since Brown had a way of making nicknames for many of his friends. It has also been said that his father gave him the nickname as a tribute to a local Texas piano player.
Crayton began playing guitar seriously after moving to California in 1935, and settling in San Francisco. While there he absorbed the music of T-Bone Walker, but developed his own unique approach. His aggressive playing contrasted with his smooth vocal style, and was copied by many later blues guitarists.
In 1948 he signed a recording contract with Modern Records. One of his first recordings was the instrumental, "Blues After Hours", which reached #1 in the Billboard R&B chart late that year. Its B-side, the pop ballad "I'm Still in Love With You", and the quicker "Texas Hop", were good examples of his work, but his style was of its time and Crayton found it difficult to progress.
He went on to record for many other record labels in the 1950s including Imperial in New Orleans, Louisiana, Vee-Jay in Chicago and Jamie in Philadelphia. It is thought he was the first blues guitarist to use a Fender Stratocaster, given to him by Leo Fender. Crayton largely faded from view until Vanguard unleashed his LP, Things I Used To Do, in 1971. After that his profile was raised somewhat; he toured and made a few more albums prior to his death.
A longtime resident of Los Angeles, California, Crayton died there of a heart attack in 1985, and was interred in the Inglewood Park Cemetery.
Born in Rockdale, Texas, United States, there are several stories on how Crayton acquired the name Pee Wee. In a Living Blues article in the 1980s, he stated that friend and singer, Roy Brown, gave him the nickname. This makes sense since Brown had a way of making nicknames for many of his friends. It has also been said that his father gave him the nickname as a tribute to a local Texas piano player.
Crayton began playing guitar seriously after moving to California in 1935, and settling in San Francisco. While there he absorbed the music of T-Bone Walker, but developed his own unique approach. His aggressive playing contrasted with his smooth vocal style, and was copied by many later blues guitarists.
In 1948 he signed a recording contract with Modern Records. One of his first recordings was the instrumental, "Blues After Hours", which reached #1 in the Billboard R&B chart late that year. Its B-side, the pop ballad "I'm Still in Love With You", and the quicker "Texas Hop", were good examples of his work, but his style was of its time and Crayton found it difficult to progress.
He went on to record for many other record labels in the 1950s including Imperial in New Orleans, Louisiana, Vee-Jay in Chicago and Jamie in Philadelphia. It is thought he was the first blues guitarist to use a Fender Stratocaster, given to him by Leo Fender. Crayton largely faded from view until Vanguard unleashed his LP, Things I Used To Do, in 1971. After that his profile was raised somewhat; he toured and made a few more albums prior to his death.
A longtime resident of Los Angeles, California, Crayton died there of a heart attack in 1985, and was interred in the Inglewood Park Cemetery.
Texas Hop
Pee Wee Crayton Lyrics
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@larryholloway5312
I was able to befriend the great Pee Wee Crayton when living in California. He was a sweet soul and a very special talent. R. I. P. brother
@berdooguy01
I was friends with Pee Wee. Played with him many times. He wuzza regular at Small's (53rd and Avalon Los Angeles) where we were the house band.. (George Harmonica Smith Blues Band). Pee Wee wuzza great cat in every respect!
@terryomalley9669
I think I saw, you guy's play at a club in North Hollywood in about early 1985. Any chance of you remembering that gig?
It was a great show. Awesome actually.
@terryomalley9669
You also played with the Rocket 88s over there in Phoenix. For sure I saw you jam. Man is that cool.
The Rocket 88s used to play at Warsaw wallys, on Indian school road.
@randalgodfrey9549
I was honored to play with Pee Wee at the Hollywood Bowl Playboy Blues Jazz festival last summer show backing Willy Mae Thornton. approx 1980 w/Big Mama Thornton ..same show Big Joe Turner, Muddy Waters, BB King..we received a standing ovation....
@carypasseroff3331
RIP Esther Crayton Also!
@Londonfogey
'Chuck, Chuck! It's your cousin Marvin, Marvin Berry! You know that new sound you were looking for? Well listen to this!'
@terrybradshaw5161
Great great musicby a great artist
@lanslater
John Peels radio show brought me here He is very sadly missed
@greenfuzz13
Obviously Gatemouth Brown was listening to Peewee Crayton. I continue to be amazed by all of the great guitar players who have come from Texas right up to the present day.