Rhythm & blues and soul singer and songwriter, born 26 March 1917 in Cayce, Mississippi, died 15 December 2001 in Memphis, Tennessee.

He enjoyed his biggest successes while signed to the Stax label during the 1960s and early 1970s. His best known song is probably Walking The Dog (1963), later covered by artists such as The Rolling Stones and Aerosmith.

Rufus Thomas is the father of Carla Thomas, Vaneese Thomas and Marvell Thomas.