Joe Tex

Joe Tex ( 1933-1982) was an American soul singer who had the raspy voice & charm of a southern preacher, with the linguistic skills of a true street hustler. Joe Tex made a string of funky chart topping hits, and occasional raps with moral themes. His peak as a hitmaker occured in the mid & later 60's, but extended into the 70's disco era. His real last name was Arrington, and he later changed it to Hazziez after conversion to Islam, but his stage name was Joe Tex, for Texas, the state he was born & later died in. His breakthrough 1965 song "Hold What You've Got" topped both the Pop & R&B charts. In 1966 he released "I Believe I'm Gonna Make It", which was the first major pop record associated with the Vietnam War. His style was usually more light hearted fare, like "S.Y.S.L.J.F.M. (The Letter Song)" and his biggest hit "Skinny Legs And All". His last major record was 1972's funky jam "I Gotcha", a #1 song that would not have been out of place on a James Brown record of that era. Joe started going by the name Yusuf Hazziez, which he chose after his conversion to Islam. After the death of Elijah Mohamed in 1975, Joe Tex received the blessing and approval of the Nation of Islam to begin recording and performing again. His career resurgence came as the disco years were in full swing. His late career comeback song was "Ain't Gonna Bump No More (With No Big Fat Woman)".