The Untold Story of Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup: The Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll

The story of Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup, the unsung hero of rock ‘n’ roll, is one of talent, exploitation, and resilience. Despite being the father of rock ‘n’ roll, Crudup received little recognition and even less in royalties due to a recording contract that left him with nothing but a broken heart. His iconic song “That’s All Right” was the first single Elvis Presley ever released, yet Crudup struggled to make ends meet as a laborer and farm worker in his later years.

As the 70th anniversary of Presley recording “That’s All Right” approaches, the state of Virginia plans to honor Crudup with a highway marker, recognizing his contributions to music history. Despite being covered by legends like the Beatles, B.B. King, and Elton John, Crudup never received the royalties he deserved for his groundbreaking work.

Crudup’s story is a reminder of the exploitation faced by many Black artists in the music industry. Despite his talent and influence, Crudup lived a humble life on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, where he continued to work on farms and support his family. His granddaughter, Prechelle Crudup Shannon, reflects on his principled nature and the hardships he endured.

While Crudup’s legacy may have been overshadowed by others, his impact on rock ‘n’ roll is undeniable. As the anniversary of “That’s All Right” approaches, it’s important to remember the man behind the music and the struggles he faced. Crudup’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the injustices faced by Black artists in the music industry and the need to recognize and honor their contributions.