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Rufus Payne was an early 20th century blues musician of southern Alabama who was far more widely known by his nickname of Tee Tot.
Tee Tot is best known for being a mentor to Hank Williams, Sr.. It was his influence in exposing Williams to African American influences which helped balance his early exposure to "hillbilly" music, which is largely derivative of English folk music. Williams' resultant style was largely a fusion of black blues and white country music, and expanded the audience for both. Aside from Williams' own genius, much of the credit for the success of Williams' career has been credited to Tee Tot, who remained largely unknown outside of southern Alabama in his lifetime, but has now been elevated to iconic status by some due to his mentorship of Williams.
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