Joe Tex

Joe Tex (born Joseph Arrington Jnr, Rogers, Texas, August 8, 1933 or 1935; d. Navasota, Texas, August 12 or August 13, 1982) was an American soul singer most popular during the 1960s and 1970s. His style of speaking over music, whic

Joe Tex (born Joseph Arrington Jnr, Rogers, Texas, August 8, 1933 or 1935; d. Navasota, Texas, August 12 or August 13, 1982) was an American soul singer most popular during the 1960s and 1970s. His style of speaking over music, which he called "rap," makes him a predecessor of the modern style of rap music.

The professional career of this popular singer began onstage at the Apollo. He won first place in a 1954 talent contest and duly secured a record deal. Releases on King, Ace and the Anna labels were derivative and disappointing, but Tex meanwhile honed his songwriting talent. James Brown's version of "Baby You're Right" (1962) became a US number2, after which Tex was signed to Dial.