Biography
Al 'TNT' Braggs was born on May 23, 1938, in Dallas, Texas, into a deeply musical and spiritual family. His father was a preacher and his mother sang spirituals at home, nurturing Al’s earliest musical education in gospel music. He began singing behind his mother and soon became a soloist in the Salem Baptist Church Choir. By 1950, he had formed his first gospel group, The Spiritual Stirrers, before shifting his interest to rhythm and blues and forming The Five Notes in 1952. Inspired by vocal groups like The Orioles, The Flamingos, and The Moonglows, Braggs and his group were discovered by Dallas DJ Chuck Donaway and recorded for Chess Records, launching a multi-state tour that established his reputation beyond Texas.[3]
Throughout the late 1950s and 1960s, Braggs performed as a solo artist and with groups such as The Five Notes, The Five Stars, and The Five Masks, and later fronted the Al 'TNT' Braggs Revue. His dynamic stage presence, energetic dance routines, and soulful vocals made him a standout performer in the northern soul and R&B scenes. He was also a prolific songwriter, penning hits for artists like Bobby Bland ('Call On Me,' 'Save Your Love For Me,' 'I'm Gonna Cry') and Sam Cooke ('London Bridge Is Fallin' Down'). Braggs was known for arranging his own shows, designing costumes, and leading his bands with precision and flair.[3][1]
Braggs’ influence extended through his collaborations with family members, notably his brother Floyd Braggs, and other musicians such as Rhetta Kelly and Mary Jackson. He continued performing into the 1980s with the Forever Fabulous Chickenhawks Showband & All-Star Revue. Al 'TNT' Braggs passed away on December 3, 2003, in Dallas, Texas, leaving behind a legacy as a vibrant performer, songwriter, and innovator in soul and R&B music.[1][3]
Fun Facts
- Al 'TNT' Braggs designed the costumes for his band and arranged all the music for his shows himself.[3]
- His stage entrance often involved dimming the lights, revealing only the glow of his cigarette, which he would extinguish with a dramatic dance move before launching into his performance.[3]
- Braggs was known for energetic dance routines, including splits and moves inspired by Jackie Wilson and James Brown.[3]
- He sometimes credited his wife as a songwriter for tax reasons, though she also contributed creatively.[3]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Joe Scott - Inspirational arranger, known for classic Bobby Bland hits; Braggs cited him as his favorite arranger and inspiration. (Bobby Bland's arrangements) [1960s]
- Jackie Wilson - Dance inspiration; Braggs emulated Wilson's stage moves and energy. (Stage performances) [1950s-1960s]
- James Brown - Dance and performance style influence; Braggs incorporated Brown's moves into his own shows. (Stage performances) [1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Floyd Braggs - Younger brother and occasional duet partner, inspired by Sam & Dave. (Al 'TNT' Braggs Revue) [1960s]
- James Braggs - Band leader and guitarist in Al's revue. (Al 'TNT' Braggs Revue) [1960s]
- Rhetta Kelly - Singer in Al's revue. (Al 'TNT' Braggs Revue) [1960s]
- Mary Jackson - Singer in Al's revue. (Al 'TNT' Braggs Revue) [1960s]
- Chuck Donaway - Dallas DJ who discovered The Five Notes and brought them to Chess Records. (Five Notes recordings) [1955]
Artists Influenced
- Bobby Bland - Braggs wrote several songs for Bland, contributing to his repertoire. ('Call On Me', 'Save Your Love For Me', 'I'm Gonna Cry') [1960s]
- Sam Cooke - Braggs wrote songs for Cooke, including 'London Bridge Is Fallin' Down.' ('London Bridge Is Fallin' Down') [1960s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Giving You R'n'B! (Remastered) | 2021-10-15 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Cigarettes and Coffee - Remastered (Giving You R'n'B! (Remastered))
- An Angel (You Belong to Me) - Remastered (Giving You R'n'B! (Remastered))
- A Little Bit Closer - Remastered (Giving You R'n'B! (Remastered))
- Chase 'Em Tom Cat - Remastered (Giving You R'n'B! (Remastered))
- Listen to Me Baby - Remastered (Giving You R'n'B! (Remastered))
- There - Remastered (Giving You R'n'B! (Remastered))
- I Don't Think I Can Make It - Remastered (Giving You R'n'B! (Remastered))
- We Belong Together - Remastered (Giving You R'n'B! (Remastered))
- Easy Rock - Remastered (Giving You R'n'B! (Remastered))
- You're Something Else - Remastered (Giving You R'n'B! (Remastered))
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Al Tnt Braggs has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 17, 2025 | 14:24 | Listen To Me Babyfrom PEACOCK 45 | The Blues Breakdown |