Samuel F. Theard, born on October 10, 1904, in New Orleans, Louisiana, was an influential American singer, songwriter, actor, and comedian. Known by various stage names including Lovin' Sam from Down in 'Bam, Spo-Dee-O-Dee, and Sam Tarpley, Theard's career spanned from the 1920s to the 1970s. He began his entertainment career with a circus in 1923 and later performed in theaters and nightclubs.

Theard's recording career took off in 1929 with the release of "(I'll Be Glad When You're Dead) You Rascal You," recorded with Tampa Red and Cow Cow Davenport for Brunswick Records. This song became one of his most recognized works and was covered by numerous artists. He recorded for several labels, including Gennett, Decca, and Bluebird, and used various pseudonyms throughout his career.

In addition to his singing and songwriting, Theard was a comedian, performing at the Apollo Theater in Harlem during the 1930s and 1940s. One of his notable contributions to music was co-writing "Let the Good Times Roll" with Louis Jordan, a song that became a hit when recorded by Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five in 1946. Theard also appeared in Jordan's film "Caldonia."

Theard collaborated with other artists and contributed to various recordings, including Wynonie Harris's "Hard Ridin' Mama" and possibly Hot Lips Page's "The Egg or the Hen." In 1950, he co-wrote and recorded "Rock Around the Clock" with Hal Singer for Mercury Records.

Sam Theard passed away on December 7, 1982, in Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy of diverse contributions to American music and entertainment.