Shorty Medlocke (born Paul Robert Medlock, July 20, 1912 – August 6, 1982)[1] was an American blues, country and bluegrass musician and banjo player. He is the grandfather of Rickey Medlocke of the Southern rock bands Blackfoot and Lynyrd Skynyrd.[2] Despite his stage name "Medlocke", his real surname officially is spelled without an "e" on the end.[1]

Shorty Medlocke
Birth namePaul Robert Medlock
BornJuly 20, 1912
OriginUnited States
DiedAugust 6, 1982(1982-08-06) (aged 70)
Genres
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
Instrument(s)Harmonica, banjo, guitar
Years active1969–1982
Websitewww.michaelherring.com/shorty

Starting in 1969, Shorty made contributions to Blackfoot's music. He wrote the Top 40 hit "Train Train" (released on the album Strikes), and played harmonica on the track.[2] For the follow-up album Tomcattin', Shorty co-wrote the song "Fox Chase" and gave the song a short introduction.[3] For Marauder, Shorty co-wrote "Rattlesnake Rock 'n' Roller" and played banjo on the track.[4] Shorty had also appeared on Blackfoot's 1975 debut album, No Reservations, singing a version of "Railroad Man" (which he also wrote). Shorty Medlocke was also one of the inspirations for the song "Ballad of Curtis Loew" by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

References

edit
  1. ^ a b Find A Grave Paul Robert "Shorty" Medlock
  2. ^ a b Greatest Hits liner notes. Flashback Records.
  3. ^ "Fox Chase." Tomcattin', track 10.
  4. ^ "Rattlesnake Rock 'n' Roller." Marauder, track 8.