Ransom Knowling was an influential American rhythm and blues musician born on June 24, 1912, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was renowned for his skill on the double bass, tuba, and violin. Knowling began his professional music career in the 1930s, playing with New Orleans bands led by Sidney Desvigne and Joe Robichaux. By the late 1930s, he relocated to Chicago, where he became a prominent figure in the blues scene, contributing to numerous recordings.

Throughout his career, Knowling played bass on many significant blues records, collaborating with artists such as the Harlem Hamfats, Big Bill Broonzy, Roosevelt Sykes, Elmore James, Washboard Sam, Jazz Gillum, Sonny Boy Williamson I, T-Bone Walker, Tommy McClennan, Lil Green, Doctor Clayton, Tampa Red, and Muddy Waters. One of his most notable contributions was playing on Arthur Crudup's "That's All Right," recorded in 1946, which later gained fame as an influential record in rock history, particularly impacting Elvis Presley.

Knowling's work was characterized by his exceptional sense of timing and rhythm, honed through his early experiences in the vibrant New Orleans jazz scene. He continued to be an active musician throughout the 1940s and 1950s, leaving a lasting legacy in the blues genre. Ransom Knowling passed away on October 22, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 55. He is buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois.