Tate's Vignettes

Paul Gayten: This New Orleans-based bandleader recorded for three seminal labels: Regal, Okeh, and Chess. His influence is so vast that any history of Rock ‘n’ Roll seems incomplete without mentioning his contributions.

Regal Records---although short-lived (1949-51)—relied significantly upon Gayten’s involvement. He backed up Little Jimmy Scott, Roy Brown, and Larry Darnell for whom he wrote “For You My Love”. This 1949 smash became an instant R&B standard.

In 1950, lightning struck again. Gayten’s melodic voice paired with his band’s girl vocalist Annie Laurie generated “I’ll Never Be Free”, another smash promptly covered by Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Jordan, and Kay Starr & Tennessee Ernie Ford.

At Okeh, Gayten scored with “Cow Cow Blues”, “Down At The Zoo”, and a re-make of “True”. After years of touring he relocated to New Orleans, and discovered a young tenor saxophonist Lee Allen who would soon be featured on many Little Richard, Shirley & Lee, and Fats Domino records.

Gayten also worked for Leonard & Phil Chess, traveling to various Southern cities, doing promotional work and scouting talent. Gayten produced “Later Alligator” for Bobby Charles, and “Ain’t Got No Home” and “But I Do” for Clarence “Frogman” (co-written with Charles). At Chess, Gayten enlarged his hit portfolio with “Windy”, “The Hunch”, “You Better Believe It”, and especially “Nervous Boogie”, a showcase for Gayten’s driving piano.

At Gayten’s 1991 Los Angeles funeral, the pallbearers included Lee Allen and

Earl Palmer. Longtime business associate Leonard Chess also attended, while Billy Vera and Lou Rawls raised their voices in memory of their loyal friend and his remarkable legacy.