Jimmy Lynch – “The Return of The Funky Tramp”

Jimmy Lynch was born October 13, 1937 in Acmar, Alabama. A versatile comedian, singer, dancer (often billed as “Mr. Motion”), emcee, band leader, actor and more, Lynch commanded the stage as a TOTAL entertainer! Having started and performed in several vocal groups since high school, Lynch spent many nights singing and dancing in clubs. One Halloween, a club owner needed someone to tell jokes. To cover up Lynch’s young age, he made himself up as a bum and the “Funky Tramp” was born! Taking the “Funky Tramp” character to vinyl, Lynch’s comedic persona would go on to sell over a million copies of his multiple comedy albums throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s. “The Return of The Funky Tramp” as well as “Nigger Please” were originally recorded for Laff Records.  Lynch’s vocal singles, with tracks like “Notions of Mr. Motion” and “The Broadway”, proved he was just as wild and funky as any artist of the period. When not performing on his own, Lynch also worked as tour manager and emcee for many famous blues artists like Bobby “Blue” Bland, ZZ Hill, Tyrone Davis, Millie Jackson, Patti LaBelle and Johnny Taylor. Lynch’s most recognized works are his appearances in the films of his longtime friend, legendary comedian, Rudy Ray Moore. Along with co-starring in the classic films DOLEMITE (1975), THE HUMAN TORNADO (1976), PETEY WHEATSTRAW: THE DEVIL’S SON-IN-LAW (1977), DISCO GODFATHER (1979) and DOLEMITE EXPLOSION (2007), Lynch also worked in various aspects behind the camera during the production of the films.