Sam Theard
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Born Name:
Samuel F. Theard
Born Date: October 10, 1904
Born Place: New Orleans, Louisiana
Died Date: December 7, 1982
Died Place: Los Angeles, California
Occupations: Singer, songwriter, comedian
Brief Biography: Sam Theard was a highly influential American who performed primarily under the stage name Spo-Dee-O-Dee (sometimes "Lovin' Sam"). He was a fixture of the Harlem Renaissance comedy scene and wrote massive hits that shaped the blues and early rock-and-roll eras.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings:
Music Career: He began his career recording music under various monikers in the late 1920s and 1930s, including "Lovin' Sam" and "Sam Tarpley".
Label Hopping: He cut prominent records for legendary music labels like Decca, Vocalion, and Brunswick.
Comedy and The Harlem Era:
The Apollo Theater: During the 1930s and 1940s, Theard shifted heavily into comedy and became a staple at Harlem's famous Apollo Theater.
"Spo-Dee-O-Dee": It was during this period that he adopted his signature comic persona, "Spo-Dee-O-Dee".
Legendary Peers: He frequently shared the stage and performed alongside comedy icons like Pigmeat Markham, Jackie "Moms" Mabley, and Dusty Fletcher.
Renowned Songwriting Catalog:
Though a successful comedian, Theard is perhaps best remembered today for his songwriting, which was recorded by multiple Hall of Fame musicians:
"Let the Good Times Roll": Co-written in 1942, this track became a massive hit for Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five in 1946.
"(I'll Be Glad When You're Dead) You Rascal You": A signature song that became a standard recorded by Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and Jimmie Noone.
"Rock Around the Clock": Co-written and recorded with Hal Singer in 1950, this distinct R &B track partially inspired the famous Bill Haley & His Comets song of the same name.
Later Career and Television:
Hollywood Move: Theard experienced a late-career resurgence after moving to Hollywood in 1976.
Television Cameos: He appeared alongside Redd Foxx on the hit sitcom Sanford & Son, acted with Pearl Bailey in the movie Norman, Is That You?, and made a guest appearance on Little House on the Prairie.
Film Credits: His final onscreen appearances included brief roles in major movies, including the 1980 classic The Blues Brothers.
Born Date: October 10, 1904
Born Place: New Orleans, Louisiana
Died Date: December 7, 1982
Died Place: Los Angeles, California
Occupations: Singer, songwriter, comedian
Brief Biography: Sam Theard was a highly influential American who performed primarily under the stage name Spo-Dee-O-Dee (sometimes "Lovin' Sam"). He was a fixture of the Harlem Renaissance comedy scene and wrote massive hits that shaped the blues and early rock-and-roll eras.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings:
Music Career: He began his career recording music under various monikers in the late 1920s and 1930s, including "Lovin' Sam" and "Sam Tarpley".
Label Hopping: He cut prominent records for legendary music labels like Decca, Vocalion, and Brunswick.
Comedy and The Harlem Era:
The Apollo Theater: During the 1930s and 1940s, Theard shifted heavily into comedy and became a staple at Harlem's famous Apollo Theater.
"Spo-Dee-O-Dee": It was during this period that he adopted his signature comic persona, "Spo-Dee-O-Dee".
Legendary Peers: He frequently shared the stage and performed alongside comedy icons like Pigmeat Markham, Jackie "Moms" Mabley, and Dusty Fletcher.
Renowned Songwriting Catalog:
Though a successful comedian, Theard is perhaps best remembered today for his songwriting, which was recorded by multiple Hall of Fame musicians:
"Let the Good Times Roll": Co-written in 1942, this track became a massive hit for Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five in 1946.
"(I'll Be Glad When You're Dead) You Rascal You": A signature song that became a standard recorded by Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and Jimmie Noone.
"Rock Around the Clock": Co-written and recorded with Hal Singer in 1950, this distinct R &B track partially inspired the famous Bill Haley & His Comets song of the same name.
Later Career and Television:
Hollywood Move: Theard experienced a late-career resurgence after moving to Hollywood in 1976.
Television Cameos: He appeared alongside Redd Foxx on the hit sitcom Sanford & Son, acted with Pearl Bailey in the movie Norman, Is That You?, and made a guest appearance on Little House on the Prairie.
Film Credits: His final onscreen appearances included brief roles in major movies, including the 1980 classic The Blues Brothers.