Rufus Thomas - Bear Cat / Walkin' In The Rain / Tiger Man / Save That Money

Year Released:
"Bear Cat": 1953 (Original single release)
"Walkin' In The Rain": 1953 (Original single release, B-side of "Bear Cat")
"Tiger Man": 1953 (Though Elvis Presley's version from 1956 is more famous, Rufus Thomas recorded it earlier for Sun)
"Save That Money": 1954 (Approximate, appeared on later compilations)
Note: This specific listing appears to be a compilation or an EP released later, collecting these early Sun Records tracks. The individual tracks' original release dates vary slightly within the early-mid 1950s.
Genre: Rhythm & Blues, Blues, Jump Blues, Rock & Roll (proto).
Detailed Description Containing Key Facts: This entry compiles several pivotal early recordings by Rufus Thomas from his time at Sun Records, showcasing his formative contributions to rhythm & blues and the nascent rock & roll sound.
"Bear Cat" was Thomas's breakthrough hit for Sun in 1953, a direct answer song to Big Mama Thornton's "Hound Dog." It was highly controversial at the time due to its direct lyrical reference and led to a plagiarism lawsuit, but it was a significant R&B hit, demonstrating Thomas's energetic vocal style and the raw, bluesy sound of Sun Records.
"Walkin' In The Rain" was the B-side to "Bear Cat," a more melancholic blues number that further highlighted his versatility.
"Tiger Man" is another testament to Thomas's influence; while famously covered by Elvis Presley, Thomas's original version (also from 1953) is a gritty, bluesy performance that predates the rockabilly interpretations.
"Save That Money" is another example of his early R&B output, often focusing on relatable, everyday themes with a swinging rhythm. These tracks together illustrate Rufus Thomas's crucial role in the development of popular music in Memphis, blending traditional blues with contemporary R&B, and laying groundwork for the rock and roll explosion that would follow