Rudolph Toombs, better known as Rudy Toombs, was an influential American songwriter born in 1914 in Monroe, Louisiana. Initially a vaudeville-style performer, Toombs transitioned into a prolific composer and lyricist, becoming a significant figure in the doo-wop and rhythm and blues scenes of the 1950s and 1960s. He was notably associated with Atlantic Records, where he worked under Ahmet Ertegun. Toombs crafted numerous hits, including "Teardrops from My Eyes" and "5-10-15 Hours" for Ruth Brown, and "One Mint Julep" for The Clovers. His song "One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer" was famously recorded by Amos Milburn and later covered by John Lee Hooker and George Thorogood. Tragically, Toombs was murdered during a robbery in Harlem, New York, on November 28, 1962. His legacy is marked by his contributions to the success of artists like Ruth Brown, who credited him with teaching her to transform moody blues ballads into lively jump blues.