As a young man in New Orleans, Sam Theard began performing in the circus, as well as theaters and nightclubs. In 1929, accompanied by noted blues musicians Tampa Red and Cow Cow Davenport, Sam wrote and recorded “Ill Be Glad When You’re Dead, You Rascal You” under the whimsical moniker “Lovin’ Sam from Down in ‘Bam.” The song was a hit and was recorded by a number of other jazz and swing bands.
He continued to write songs, sing and record through the 30s and 40s. A number of his compositions were covered by various artist for Louis Jordan to The Grateful Dead. In the 50s, Sam wrote a song called “Rock Around The Clock” — not the Bill Haley hit, but Sam’s song did inspire that one.
Using the name “”Spo-Dee-O-Dee,” that be picked up on the vaudeville circuit, Sam began taking acting jobs, including guest roles on Sanford and Son and Little House on the Prairie. In 1977, with the popularity of such African-American-focused shows like The Jeffersons and Good Times, ABC approached producer Garry Marshall to develop a series to appeal specifically to African-American audiences. Marshall cast Sam (credited as “Spo-Dee-O-Dee”) in a pilot called “Walkin’ Walter.” The show centered on Sam’s character as a free-spirted ex-vaudevillian freeloading off of his ex-sister-in-law and her two children. The show never made it past the pilot stage.
Sam passed away in 1982 at the age of 78. His final film — a cameo in the dreadful sequel The Sting II — was released posthumously.