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
Instrumental
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Larry Holloway
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
Erick Verbiesen
That guitar solo....
killed it
José Javier Ríos Martínez
"Admiro mucho a Chuck, pieza fundamental en el desarrollo de la música... aunque considero que tomó toda esa parte musical de final de los 40s y lo representó en su guitarra... pero hay que escuchar a Pee Wee Crayton que fue un grande de la guitarra en los 40s para darse cuenta de donde sacó Chuck Berry ciertos Licks que le dieron su sonido característico" Tomado de facebook
Paolo Gianni
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.
randal godfrey
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....
Bridie King
The piano is too soft, but I love PeeWee and his Texas Hop. I'm learning it with my cousin Fred on gtr. The piano part, if you can strain to hear it, is some of prettiest playing I've ever heard, I love playing that unknown hero's notes, so I'm upgrading the intro and the outro piano parts to be the Head! Go the piano player! Anyone know who he was?
Max Royle
your frequency response is much different from mine-I hear the piano perfectly, the piano's balance is just right. Too many heavy metal 'concerts? That can impair hearing tremendously.
Louis Athanasius Lee
100% rock and roll !!!
コボアンドレス
Thanks for uploading this and in such stunning quality.
daddynap
You're welcome Fella! Enjoy! :D