One of the all time greatest rhythm and blues performers and composers, Floyd Dixon, died Wednesday in Orange County, California, at the age of 77.

Floyd was a native of Marshall. His cousin Mary Dixon and his aunt, Audrey Dixon Oliver, still reside here. Mrs. Oliver, who is only ten years older than her nephew, recalled to friends this morning “Skeets was my baby and I helped take care of him.”

“Skeets” was Mrs. Oliver’s nickname for Floyd. They remained close until he died.

Floyd Dixon taught himself to play piano before he was big enough for his feet to reach the pedals, which may account for his unique stomping and jumping piano sound that propelled him to the heights of the post-World War II R&B and Jazz scene in Los Angeles.