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Biography
Bob Gaddy (February 4, 1924 – July 24, 1997) was an American East Coast blues and rhythm and blues pianist, singer and songwriter. As Bob Gaddy & His Alley Cats he recorded firstly for Jackson Records with his debut single "Bicycle Boogie" in 1952 . He is best remembered for his recordings of "Operator" and "Rip and Run," as Doctor Gaddy & His Keys and for the musical work he undertook with Larry Dale, Wild Jimmy Spruill, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.
Gaddy was born in Vivian, West Virginia, a small town based around coal mining. He learned to play the piano at a young age, both playing and singing in his local church. In 1943 he was conscripted and served in the Navy, being stationed in California. He progressed from learning the blues and, using his gospel background, graduated towards the boogie-woogie playing style.