Phineas Newborn Jr.
Pianist
Jazz artist who was involved in the early days of rock 'n' roll. His career suffered from numerous personal and physical problems.
He went on the road with Jackie Brenston as part of his Delta Cats to support Rocket 88, the first rock 'n' roll record in history.
He was financially imperiled for much of his later career, and upon his death in 1989, the Jazz Foundation of America was established to assist retired jazz greats with their medical bills and financial struggles.
He was born into a musical family: his father, Phineas Newborn Sr., was a blues musician, while Calvin, his younger brother, became a jazz guitarist.
His father's R&B band also served as B.B. King's band when King began his recording career in 1949.