James Moore was born in Lobdell in 1924 and became Slim Harpo — the most-covered Louisiana bluesman in rock history. The Rolling Stones covered him. The Kinks covered him. Led Zeppelin borrowed from him. He died in 1970 with little money while British bands were getting rich on his catalog. 'Baby Scratch My Back' was a #1 R&B hit in 1966 and is still used in film and TV today.
Quick facts
- ·Born James Moore in Lobdell, West Baton Rouge, in 1924 — became the most-covered Louisiana bluesman in rock history.
- ·The Rolling Stones, the Kinks, Led Zeppelin, and the Yardbirds all covered or borrowed from his recordings.
- ·'Baby Scratch My Back' hit #1 on the R&B chart in 1966 and remains in use in film and television.
- ·Died in 1970 at age 46 with little money while British rock bands were profiting from his catalog.
- ·No physical marker exists at the Lobdell birthplace — this is a City Stories-level entry honoring a musician the world knows but his hometown barely commemorates.
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Editorial content compiled with AI assistance. Place details verified against public records.