Charles Edward "Cow Cow" Davenport, boogie woogie piano player born April 23, 1894 in Anniston, Alabama, died December 3, 1955, in Cleveland, Ohio. He also played the organ and sang. His best-known song was "Cow Cow Blues". He claimed to have been the composer of "Mama Don't Allow It". ...show more

Charles Edward "Cow Cow" Davenport, boogie woogie piano player born April 23, 1894 in Anniston, Alabama, died December 3, 1955, in Cleveland, Ohio. He also played the organ and sang. His best-known song was "Cow Cow Blues". He claimed to have been the composer of "Mama Don't Allow It".

He also said he had written the Louis Armstrong hit, "I'll be Glad When Youi're Dead (You Rascal You)", but sold the rights and credit to others. Davenport's career began in the 1920s when he joined Banhoof's Traveling Carnival, a medicine show. His first fame came as accompanist to blues musicians Dora Carr and Ivy Smith. He also performed with Tampa Red.

He recorded for many labels, and was a talent scout and artist for Vocalion Records. He suffered a stroke in the early 1930s and lost movement in his hands and was washing dishes when he was found by jazz pianist Art Hodes in 1938. Hodes assisted in his rehabilitation and helped him find new recording contracts. He is a member of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. ...show less