Tommy Bruce

Tommy Bruce was an odd part of the pre-Beatles British rock scene and still totally unknown in America, although he did have one big British hit when his debut single "Ain't Misbehavin'" got to number three in 1960. Bruce had an extremely low, hoarse voice that wasn't too dissimilar from growlers like Howlin' Wolf and Dr. John. Before getting too excited by the comparisons, it should be noted that Bruce wasn't nearly as powerful or nuanced a singer as either of them. He had a froggier timbre and far more given to hamming it up. Perhaps there was a little of Fats Waller in him ...