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Episode #093

Air Week: February 13 – 19, 2012

1952: Jukebox Rhythm Review Pt. 1

This week, the jukebox is in the spotlight as Matt The Cat takes you back 60 years and highlights the top jukebox hits of the first half of 1952. You’ll hear a lot more than just the big #1 R&B hits this week as we dig deep into the jukebox lists to feature seldom heard tunes by John Greer & His Rhythm Rockets, Dinah Washington and Marie Adams. These are the top requested records that were spinning on the jukebox in the back of the establishment. It’s part 1 of 2 on the 1952 Rhythm Review on the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Flamingo – Earl Bostic & His Orch – King 1951
3. Cry – Johnnie Ray & The Four Lads – Okeh 1951
4. She Moves Me – Muddy Waters – Chess 1952
5. 3 O’clock Blues – BB King – RPM 1952
6. Got You On My Mind – John Greer & His Rhythm Rockets- RCA Victor 1952
7. Night Train – Jimmie Forrest – United 1952
8. Wheel Of Fortune – Dinah Washington – Mercury 1952
9. Booted – Roscoe Gordon – RPM & Chess 1952
10. Dust My Broom – Elmo James – Trumpet 1952
11. One Mint Jullep – The Clovers – Atlantic 1952
12. I’m Gonna Play The Honky Tonks – Marie Adams – Peacock 1952
13. GREAT 78 – Baby Please Don’t Go – The Orioles – Jubilee 1952
14. 5-10-15 Hours – Ruth Brown – Atlantic 1952
15. Moody’s Mood For Love – King Pleasure – Prestige 1952
16. Have Mercy Baby – The Dominoes – Federal 1952
17. Goin’ Home – Fats Domino – Imperial 1952
18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #093

Air Week: February 6 – 12, 2012

T-Bone Walker

Drop a nickel in the ol’ Rockola Juke to hear one of the best selling and most influential bluesmen and guitarists of all-time, T-Bone Walker. This week’s show looks at how T-Bone’s immense guitar talent developed from his first recordings in the early 1940s to his breakthrough after WWII with the now classic, “Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday’s Just As Bad)” for Black & White Records. We’ll also get a taste of T-Bone’s work for the Cornet, Imperial and Atlantic labels. B. B. King, Ray Charles and Chuck Berry have all cited T-Bone Walker as a heavy influence. Find out why on this week’s “Juke In The Back” with Matt The Cat.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Daddy Rollin’ Stone – Otis Blackwell – Jay-Dee 1953
3. I’ll Wait For You – Ruth Brown – Atlantic 1951
4. Good Lovin’ – The Clovers – Atlantic 1953
5. T-Bone Blues – Les Hite & His Orch – Variety 1940
6. Mean Old World – T-Bone Walker – Capitol 1942
7. Bobby Sox Blues – T-Bone Walker With Jack McVea’s All-Stars- Black & White 1946
8. Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday’s Just As Bad) – T-Bone Walker – Black & White 1947
9. Long Skirt Baby Blues – T-Bone Walker – Black & White 1948
10. I’m Waitin’ For Your Call – T-Bone Walker – Black & White 1948
11. Midnight Blues – T-Bone Walker – Black & White 1948
12. West Side Baby – T-Bone Walker – Cornet 1948
13. GREAT 78 – Strollin’ With Bone – Imperial 1950
14. Description Blues – T-Bone Walker – Cornet 1949
15. The Hustle Is On – T-Bone Walker – Imperial 1950
16. Papa Ain’t Salty – T-Bone Walker – Atlantic 1954
17. Wee Wee Hours – Chuck Berry – Chess 1955
18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #091

Air Week: January 30 – February 5, 2012

Etta James

Producer Jerry Wexler called Etta James, “The greatest of all modern blues singers.” That’s great praise coming from a guy who worked with the greatest of the greats for 50 years. Etta James, who passed away at the age of 73 on January 20, 2012 had an amazing talent for mixing a bit of tenderness and heartbreak into her gritty, tough and soulful voice. She had a style all her own and she played by her own rules. Her success on record was equally matched by her personal failures off-mic, dealing with drug addiction, bad relationships and financial problems. On this week’s “Juke In The Back,” Matt The Cat looks at how this incredible legend got started, focusing on Etta’s first recordings from 1954 to her great rise in 1960. Through these records, you’ll hear that even in her early days, Etta’s music had great depth and variety. We honor the late, great Etta James, this week on the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. The Wallflower – Etta James & “The Peaches” – Modern 1955
3. Hold Me, Squeeze Me – Etta James & “The Peaches” – Modern 1955
4. Hey Henry – Etta James – Modern 1955
5. Be Mine – Etta James – Modern 1955
6. Good Rockin’ Daddy – Etta James – Modern 1955
7. Crazy Feeling – Etta James – Modern 1955
8. W-O-M-A-N – Etta James – Modern 1955
9. Number One – Etta James – Modern 1956
10. Tears Of Joy – Etta “Miss Peaches” James – Modern 1956
11. Tough Lover – Etta James – Modern 1956
12. Good Lookin’ – Etta James – Modern 1956
13. GREAT 78 – Come What May – Etta James – Modern 1957
14. The Pick-Up – Etta James – Modern 1957
15. Baby Baby Every Night – Etta James – Kent 1958
16. All I Could Do Was Cry – Etta James – Argo 1960
17. If I Can’t Have You – Etta & Harvey – Chess 1960
18. At Last – Etta James – Argo 1961
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #090

Air Week: January 23 – 29, 2012

Johnny Otis

This week, the “Juke In The Back” is proud to honor the late, great Johnny Otis, who passed away at the age of 90 on January 17, 2012. Johnny Otis was a true renaissance man. He was a singer, songwriter, drummer, bandleader, talent scout, record label owner and radio / TV show host and that’s not everything he did. He was the son of Greek immigrants, growing up in a mostly Black section of Vallejo, CA during the 1920s and 30s. He not only absorbed Black Culture, he became a part of it, changing his last name to Otis in order to sound more black. He went from playing drums at the Club Alabam on Central Ave. in LA to opening his own Barrelhouse Club in Watts in 1947, creating a scene of his own. His first records were made just as the big bands were dying off and the jump combos were rising. Johnny Otis did not interpret rhythm and blues, Johnny Otis WAS rhythm & blues. From his first recordings for Leon Rene’s Excelsior Label in 1945 to his commercial breakthrough in 1949-50 for Herman Lubinsky’s Savoy Label to his great rock n’ roll success with “Willie And The Hand Jive” for Capitol in 1958, Johnny Otis did more than almost anyone to push Black Music into the mainstream, creating rock n’ roll. “Juke In The Back” highlights the early part of Otis’ amazing career from 1945-1958. It’s not an overstatement to say that the music we enjoy today is here because of what Johnny Otis recorded, played and produced in the late 1940s and early 1950s. This “Juke” is truly The Johnny Otis Show.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Harlem Nocturne – Johnny Otis, His Drums & Orch – Excelsior 1945
3. Midnight In The Barrelhouse – Johnny Otis Orch – Excelsior 1947
4. Hangover Blues – Johnny Otis & His Orch – Regent 1949
5. Double-Crossing Blues – Johnny Otis Quintette, The Robins and Little Esther – Savoy 1950
6. Mistreatin’ Blues – Little Esther with Mel Walker & The Johnny Otis Orch – Savoy 1950
7. Cry baby – Johnny Otis Orch, Mel Walker & The Bluenotes – Regent 1950
8. Cupid’s Boogie – Johnny Otis Orch With Little Esther & Mel Walker – Savoy 1950
9. Wedding Boogie – Johnny Otis’ Congregation: Little Esther, Mel Walker and Lee Graves – Savoy 1950
10. Rockin’ Blues – Johnny Otis Orch With Mel Walker – Savoy 1950
11. Gee Baby – Johnny Otis & His Orch – Savoy 1951
12. GREAT 78 – The Turkey Hop Part 2 – Johnny Otis Orch – Savoy 1950
13. All Nite Long – Johnny Otis & His Orch – Savoy 1951
14. Hound Dog – Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton – Peacock 1953
15. The Wallflower – Etta James & “The Peaches” – Modern 1954
16. Willie And The Hand Jive – The Johnny Otis Show – Capitol 1958

Episode #089

Air Week: January 16 – 22, 2012

Hadda Brooks

Hadda Brooks is one of the most talented boogie woogie musicians of all-time, yet her name doesn’t come up nearly as often as Pete Johnson, Champion Jack Dupree or Professor Longhair. That’s a shame! This week, the “Juke In The Back” sets the record straight with a heavy dose of the “Queen Of The Boogie.” All three of her R&B hits will be played as well as some of her tunes with Pete Johnson and Smokey Hogg. So grab a nickel, a glass of bourbon and your dancin’ shoes, as the “Juke In The Back” spotlights Hadda Brooks.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. You Better Believe It – Paul Gayten – Checker 1956
3. Bluesy Me – Dave Collins & The Scrubs – Imperial 1954
4. Swingin’ The Boogie – Hadda Brooks – Modern 1945
5. That’s My Desire – Hadda Brooks – Modern 1947
6. Out Of The Blue – Hadda Brooks – Modern 1948
7. Variety Boogie – Hadda Brooks & Pete Johnson – Modern 1948
8. What Have I Done? – Hadda Brooks – Modern 1948
9. Long Tall Mama – Smokey Hogg – Modern 1948
10. Little School Girl – Smokey Hogg – Modern 1950
11. Jump Back Honey – Hadda Brooks – Okeh 1952
12. All Night Long – Hadda Brooks – Okeh 1952
13. The Great 78 – Humoresque Boogie – Hadda Brooks – Modern 1947
14. Brooks Boogie – Hadda Brooks – Okeh 1953
15. Stinkin’ Drunk – Gene Phillips – Modern 1947
16. Such A Night – Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters – Atlantic 1954
17. Cuttin’ Out – Annie Laurie With The Paul Gayten Orch. – Regal 1949
18. Goodbye Baby – Little Caesar with Que Martyn & His Orch. – Recorded In Hollywood 1952
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #088

Air Week: January 9 – 15, 2012

The Duke / Peacock Records Story

This week, the entire “Juke In The Back” is loaded with records from the catalog of Duke/Peacock Records. Don Robey started Peacock in 1949 in order to record Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, whom he also managed. In 1953, Robey took over Duke Records (which was owned by David J. Mattis and Bill Fitzgerald) and a R&B empire was born. Matt The Cat shares the history and music, which features some of the greatest R&B talents of all-time, including: Bobby “Blue” Bland, Johnny Ace, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Big Mama Thornton, Junior Parker and more.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Atomic Energy – Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown – Peacock 1950
3. Mary Is Fine – Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown – Peacock 1950
4. I’m So Worried – Floyd Dixon – Peacock 1950
5. Sad Journey Blues – Floyd Dixon – Peacock 1950
6. My Song – Johnny Ace – Duke 1952
7. Hound Dog – Willie Mae Thornton With Kansas City Bill’s Orch. – Peacock 1953
8. Rock-A-Bye Baby – Big Mama Thornton – Peacock 1952
9. No Blow, No Show – Bobby “Blue” Bland – Duke 1953
10. How Deep Is The Ocean – The Sultans – Duke 1954
11. I Wanna Ramble – Little Junior Parker – Duke 1955
12. Pledging My Love – Johnny Ace With the Johnny Otis Orch. – Duke 1955
13. Great 78 – Nightmare – Willie Mae Thornton – Peacock 1953
14. Little Richard’s Boogie – Little Richard w/ The Johnny Otis Orch. – Peacock 1956
15. Pack Fair And Square – Big Walter & His Thunderbirds – Peacock 1956
16. Next Time You See Me – Little Junior Parker – Duke 1957
17. Dance With Me – El Torros – Duke 1957
18. Farther Up The Road – Bobby “Blue” Bland – Duke 1957
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #087

Air Week: January 2 – 8, 2012

Solomon Burke: His First Recordings (1955-1960)

This week we solute Solomon Burke, the “King of Rock n’ Soul” and the “Juke In The Back” is loaded with his very first recordings from 1955 to 1960. As a teenager in Philadelphia, Burke was recording for Apollo Records in NYC, but none of his nine Apollo singles charted. He then cut two singles for the Singular Label before his fortunes turned around and he began recording with Atlantic Records. You won’t hear anything that will blow you mind from Burke’s early recordings, but they all have a quality that would stick with him for the rest of his career. Hear how the “Bishop Of Soul” evolved into the giant he became on this week’s “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Too Much Lovin’ – The “5″ Royales – Apollo 1953
3. Be Baba Leba – Helen Humes With Bill Doggett Octet – Philo 1945
4. Just Out Of Reach (Of My Two Open Arms) – Solomon Burke – Atlantic 1961
5. Christmas Presents From Heaven – Solomon Burke – Apollo 1955
6. Why Do Me That Way – Solomon Burke – Apollo 1956
7. To Thee – Solomon Burke – Apollo 1956
8. No Man Walks Alone – Solomon Burke – Apollo 1956
9. A Picture Of You – Solomon Burke – Apollo 1956
10. This Is It – Solomon Burke – Apollo 1957
11. For You And You Alone – Solomon Burke – Apollo 1957
12. My Heart Is A Chapel – Solomon Burke – Apollo 1958
13. Great 78 – Don’t Cry – Solomon Burke – Apollo 1958
14. It’s All Right – Solomon Burke – Singular 1959
15. This Little Ring – Solomon Burke – Singular 1960 & Mala 1960
16. Don’t Blame It On Me – Fats Domino – Imperial 1956
17. Don’t Feel Sorry For Me – Jimmy Beasley – Modern 1956
18. Flying Home – Lionel Hampton & His Orch. – Decca 1942
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #086

Air Week: December 26, 2011 – January 1, 2012

Christmas Leftovers & New Year’s Resolutions

Matt The Cat has dug up some more R&B Christmas treasures and added a few tunes about New Years for this week’s continuation of the “Juke In The Back” R&B Christmas Special. The holiday juke is jumpin’ with cool tunes by Big John Greer, Champion Jack Dupree, Lowell Fulson, The Moonglows, Marvin & Johnny and many more. The range of topics is wide, from dancing Santas to lonely Christmases to making up with your baby on New Year’s Eve. So get hungry for some Christmas leftovers and plan your New Year’s resolutions this week with Matt The Cat on the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Far Away Christmas Blues – Little Esther With The Johnny Otis Orch – Savoy 1950
3. It’s Christmas – Marvin & Johnny – Aladdin 1958
4. Santa Claus Blues – Champion Jack Dupree – Davis 1945
5. Santa Claus Got Stuck In My Chimney – Ella Fitzgerald – Decca 1950
6. We Wanna To See Santa Do The Mambo – Big John Greer – Groove 1955
7. Lonesome Christmas – Lowell Fulson – Swingtime 1950
8. Just A Lonely Christmas – The Moonglows – Chance 1953
9. I’ll Miss You This Christmas – Marvin & The Chips – Virginia 1955
10. Be Bop Santa Claus – Babs Gonzales – Bruce 1954
11. Mr. Santa’s Boogie – The Marshall Brothers – Savoy 1951
12 Wonderful Christmas Night – Dan Grissom – Jewel (Unissued) 1948
13. GREAT 78 – Merry Xmas – Little Willie Littlefield – Modern 1949
14. Hello, Mr. New Year – The Coolbreezers – Bale 1958
15. Happy New Year Baby – Johnny Otis & His Orch – Excelsior 1947
16. Ringing In A Brand New Year – Billy Ward & His Dominoes – Federal 1953
17. What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve – The Orioles – Jubilee 1950
18. The Christmas Song – King Cole Trio – Capitol 1946
19. White Christmas – Charlie Parker – Recorded Live, 12/25/1948 

Episode #085

Air Week: December 19 – 25, 2011

Rhythm & Blues Christmas

The entire “Juke In The Back” is loaded with the greatest R&B Christmas records from the late 1940s and 1950s. It’s the yuletide soul that came before rock n’ roll. From the all-time classics by Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters and The Orioles to some rarer Christmas plattahs from Amos Milburn, JB Summers and The Five Keys. So grab some ‘nog and get groovin’.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Rockin N Rollin With Santa Claus – The Hepsters – Ronel 1955
3. Jingle Jangle – The Penguins – Mercury 1955
4. Christmas In Jail – The Youngsters – Empire 1956
5. Boogie Woogie Santa Claus – Mabel Scott – Excelsior 1948
6. Hey Santa Claus – The Moonglows – Chance 1953
7. Christmas Date Boogie – Joe Turner – Downbeat 1948
8. Dig That Crazy Santa Claus – Oscar McLollie – Modern 1954
9. Christmas In Heaven – Billy Ward & His Dominoes – Federal 1953
10. Christmas Spirits – Julia Lee & Her Boyfriends – Capitol 1947
11. Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer – The Cadillacs – Josie 1956
12. (It’s Gonna Be A) Lonely Christmas – The Orioles – Jubilee 1949
13. I Want A Present For Xmas – J.B. Summers & The Blues Shouters – Gotham 1949
14. GREAT 78 – Let’s Make Christmas Merry, Baby – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1950
15. It’s Christmas Time – The Five Keys – Aladdin 1951
16. White Christmas – Clyde McPhatter & The The Drifters – Atlantic 1954
17. Merry Christmas Baby – Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers – Exclusive 1947
18. Silent Night – The Ravens – National 1948
19. White Christmas – Charlie Parker – Recorded Live, 12/25/1948

Episode #084

Air Week: December 12 – 18, 2011

Bobby Mitchell & The Toppers

The “Juke In The Back” digs deep into New Orleans Rhythm & Blues this week to focus on Bobby Mitchell & The Toppers, one of the few vocal groups to come out of a city best known for its blues, jazz and cajun roots. The Spiders were the best known vocal group to come out of 1950s New Orleans, but Bobby Mitchell & The Toppers were probably more versatile in the sense that they could not only shout the blues, like Roy Brown or Wynonie Harris, but they could also harmonize like a top notch doo wop group. Bobby Mitchell is best remembered today as the cat who originally sang “I’m Gonna Be A Wheel Someday,” two years before Fats Domino would cut it, but it was his “Try Rock n’ Roll” from 1956 that would be his only charting hit (reaching #14 nationally). That song capitalized on the emerging rock n’ roll craze and remains a record of its time. Bobby Mitchell and The Toppers were definitely a vocal group of their time, but they are well worth checking out as Matt The Cat gives them the spotlight treatment on this week’s “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Cadillac Baby – Roy Brown – DeLuxe 1950
3. Don’t You Lie To Me – Fats Domino – Imperial 1951
4. I’m Crying – Bobby Mitchell & The Toppers – Imperial 1953
5. Roll Em Back – Bobby Mitchell & The Toppers – Imperial 1953
6. 4 – 11 – 44 – Bobby Mitchell & The Toppers – Imperial 1953
7. Baby’s Gone – Bobby Mitchell & The Toppers – Imperial 1954
8. Sister Lucy – Bobby Mitchell & The Toppers – Imperial 1954
9. School Boy Blues – Bobby Mitchell & The Toppers – Imperial 1954
10. She Couldn’t Be Found – Bobby Mitchell & The Toppers – Imperial 1954
11. Try Rock n’ Roll – Bobby Mitchell – Imperial 1956
12. No, No, No – Bobby Mitchell – Imperial 1956
13. GREAT 78 – One Friday Morning – Bobby Mitchell & The Toppers – Imperial 1953
14. I’m Goin’ Around In Circles – Bobby Mitchell – Imperial 1956
15. I’m Gonna Be A Wheel Someday – Imperial 1957
16. You Better Go Home – Bobby Mitchell – Imperial 1957
17. One Night – Smiley Lewis – Imperial 1956
18. I’m Gone – Shirley & Lee – Aladdin 1952
19. 21 – The Spiders – Imperial 1955
20. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #083

Air Week: December 5 – 11, 2011

Bo Diddley: 1955

This week’s “Juke In The Back” takes a look at the breakthrough year of one of rock n’ roll’s true architects and innovators, Bo Diddley. His first recording session was held at Chess Records in Chicago on March 2nd and 3rd, 1955, where he laid down 4 original tunes. One of those songs, “I’m A Man,” would inspire blues great Muddy Waters’ “Manish Boy,” while the other, “Bo Diddley,” would be the igniting spark for rock n’ roll. Diddley was a complicated and compelling artist, who’s talents go way beyond his signature “hambone” rhythm, his vibrato guitar and his crazy lyrics. Bo’s spirit is the spirit of rebellion, the true ingredient for rock music. It all began in 1955 and this week’s “Juke In The Back” will explore those roots.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Bumpity Bump – Smiley Lewis – Imperial 1955
3. Thunder Bird – Little Walter – Checker 1955
4. Bo Diddley – Bo Diddley – Checker 1955
5. I’m A Man – Bo Diddley – Checker 1955
6. Little Girl – Bo Diddley – Checker 1955
7. You Don’t Love Me (You Don’t Care) – Bo Diddley – Checker 1955
8. Diddley Daddy – Bo Diddley – Checker 1955
9. She’s Fine, She’s Mine – Bo Diddley – Checker 1955
10. Pretty Thing – Bo Diddley – Checker 1955
11. Bring It To Jerome – Bo Diddley – Checker 1955
12. Spanish Guitar – Bo Diddley – Checker 1955
13. GREAT 78 – Heart-O-Matic Love – Bo Diddley – Checker 1955
14. Diddy Wah Diddy – Bo Diddley – Checker 1956
15. I’m Looking For A Woman – Checker 1956
16. Dancing Girl – Bo Diddley – Checker 1955
17. Lonely Nights – The Hearts – Baton 1955
18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #082

Air Week: November 28 – December 4, 2011

Titus Turner & Buddy Lucas

The “Juke In The Back” spotlights two extremely underrated R&B pioneers this week: Titus Turner and saxophonist Buddy Lucas. Turner recorded some amazing R&B sides for Regal, Okeh, Wing, King and many other top labels, but he just couldn’t score a sizable hit on his own. Today he is mostly remembered as a songwriter and his songs were hits by the likes of Little Willie John (“All Around The World,” “Leave My Kitten Alone”) and Ray Charles (“Sticks And Stones,” “Get On The Right Track”). Buddy Lucas is mostly remembered today as a great session player, but he scored a few hits under his own name in the early 1950s for the Jubilee Label. Matt The Cat tells their stories and plays some of their greatest sides. Hear what you’ve been missing on this week’s “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Oop Shoop – Shirley Gunter & The Queens – Flair 1954
3. Big Foot May – Hal Paige – Atlantic 1953
4. Stop Trying To Make A Fool Of Me – Titus Turner – Regal 1951
5. Got So Much Trouble – Titus Turner – Okeh 1952
6. Jambalaya – Titus Turner – Okeh 1952
7. Livin’ In Misery – Titus Turner – Okeh 1953
8. (Going Down To) Big Mary’s – Titus Turner – Okeh 1953
9. My Lonely Room – Titus Turner – Okeh 1954
10. All Around The World – Titus Turner – Wing 1955
11. Sweet And Slow – Titus Turner – Wing 1955
12. Have Mercy Baby – Titus Turner – King 1957
13. GREAT 78 – Big John – Titus Turner – Wing 1955
14. Diane – Buddy Lucas & His Band Of Tomorrow – Jubilee 1952
15. Heavenly Father – Edna McGriff With Buddy Lucas & His Band Of Tomorrow – Jubilee 1952
16. My Pinch Hitter – Buddy Lucas Feat. Almeda Stewart – Groove 1954
17. 7-11 – The Gone All Stars Featuring Buddy Lucas – Gone 1958
18. Night Train – The Buddy Lucas Band – Vim 1960
19. I Will Return – The Cobras – Modern 1955
20. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #081

Air Week: November 21 – 27, 2011

Early Billy Stewart & Songs About Prison

Many 1960s soul legends had their start in 1950s R&B and this week, the “JukeIn The Back” takes a listen to Billy Stewart’s early records for the Chess and Okeh labels. You can really hear Stewart’s distinctive singing style develop on his early recordings with Bo Diddley’s band providing the musical backing and the DC vocal group The Marquees (Marvin Gaye was a member) singing behind him. We’ll also spend a few days in jail as Matt The Cat spins a few “prison song” 78s. There are other surprises as well, so don’t miss this week’s “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Rockin’ At Cosmo’s – Lee Allen – Aladdin 1956
3. Mary Lou – Young Jesse & The Cadets – Modern 1955
4. Love Is Stange – Bo Diddley – Prev. Unreleased 1956
5. Billy’s Blues Part 1 – Billy Stewart – Chess 1956
6. Billy’s Blues Part 2 – Billy Stewart – Chess 1956
7. Billy’s Heartache – Billy Stewart – Okeh 1957
8. Baby, You’re My Only Love – Billy Stewart – Okeh 1957
9. Fat Boy – Billy Stewart – Chess 1962
10. Shirley – The Rainbows – Pilgrim 1956
11. Ten Days In Jail – The Robins – RCA Victor 1953
12. Jailhouse Blues – Andre Williams – Fortune 1958
13. A Prisoner’s Prayer – The Prisonaires – Sun 1953
14. GREAT 78 – Please Mr. Jailer – Wynona Carr – Specialty 1956
15. Prison Blues – T-Bone Walker – Capitol 1947
16. Need Your Love So Bad – Little Willie John – King 1955
17. Little Maiden – The Chords – Cat 1954
18. Baby It’s You – The Spaniels – Vee-Jay 1953
19. Three Hours Past Midnight – Johnny “Guitar” Watson – RPM 1956
20. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #080

Air Week: November 14 – 20, 2011

Sun Records R&B Story: Pt. 2

On Part 2 of “Juke In The Back”‘s 2 part series on Sun Records’ early R&B releases, Matt The Cat spotlights 1954 and ’55. This was the most important year and a half in Sun’s history. In July, 1954, a young former truck driver named Elvis Presley entered 706 Union Avenue in Memphis and laid down the a song that would lead to the rock n’ roll explosion of the mid-1950s. Sun founder, the late Sam Phillips recalls that historic recording as Matt The Cat spins classic Sun R&B from the likes of Billy “The Kid” Emerson, Little Milton, James Cotton and Roscoe Gordon. This is the thrilling conclusion to the “Juke In The Back” tribute to the most important and influential label in the history of rock n’ roll.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. No Teasing Around – Billy “The Kid” Emerson – Sun 1954
3. Wolf Call Boogie – Hot Shot Love
4. My Baby – James Cotton – Sun 1954
5. If You Love Me – Little Milton – Sun 1954
6. The Snuggle – Raymond Hill – Sun 1954
7. Cotton Crop Blues – James Cotton – Sun 1954
8. There Is Love In You – The Prisonaires – Sun 1954
9. That’s All Right – Elvis Presley – Sun 1954
10. The Boogie Disease – Doctor Ross – Sun 1954
11. Every Night – Jones Brothers – Sun 1954
12. Move Baby Move – Billy “The Kid” Emerson – Sun 1955
13. GREAT 78 – Don’t Do That – The Five Tinos – Sun 1955
14. I Feel So Worried – Sammy Lewis with Walter Johnson Combo – Sun 1955
15. Lookin’ For My Baby – Little Milton – Sun 1955
16. Ain’t That Right – Eddie Snow – Sun 1955
17. Just Love Me Baby – Roscoe Gordon – Flip / Sun 1955
18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #079

Air Week: November 7 – 13, 2011
Sun Records R&B Story: Pt. 1

This week, the “Juke In The Back” salutes the most influential and important record label of all-time, Sun Records. Sam Phillips started the legendary label in Memphis, TN in March, 1952 after successfully recording the debut sides from B.B. King, Ike Turner, Phineas Newborn and Howlin’ Wolf and selling the masters to RPM Records in LA and Chess Records in Chicago. This is part one of a two part feature, leading up to Phillips’ groundbreaking, pop culture shifting discovery of Elvis Presley in July, 1954. Matt The Cat examines nearly every rhythm & blues side that Sun Released during 1952 and ’53 on this in-depth look into one of America’s most treasured music catalogs. That little yellow label from Memphis is in the spotlight all week on the “Juke In The Back,” America’s showcase for 1940s and ’50s Rhythm & Blues.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Drivin’ Slow – Johnny London – Sun 1952
3. Got My Application Baby – Handy Jackson – Sun 1953
4. She May Be Yours – Joe Hill Louis – Sun 1953
5. Bear Cat – Rufus “Hound Dog” Thomas Jr. – Sun 1953
6. Tears And Wine – Dusty Brooks & His Tones – Sun 1953
7. Call Me Anything But Call Me – Big Memphis Ma Rainey – Sun 1953
8. Just Walkin’ In The Rain – The Prisonaires – Sun 1953
9. Feelin’ Good – Little Junior’s Blue Flames – Sun 1953
10. Tiger Man (King Of The Jungle) – Rufus Thomas, Jr. – Sun 1953
11. Mystery Train – Little Junior’s Blue Flames – Sun 1953
12. GREAT 78 – Baby Please – The Prisonaires – Sun 1953
13. Love My Baby – Little Junior’s Blue Flames – Sun 1953
14. Come Back Baby – Doctor Ross – Sun 1953
15. Beggin’ My Baby – Little Milton – Sun 1953
16. Somebody Told Me – Little Milton – Sun 1953
17. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #078

Air Week: October 31 – November 6, 2011

Lloyd Price

Lloyd Price joins Matt The Cat in  the “Juke In The Back” this week to discuss his early career on  Specialty Records and the recording of “Lawdy Miss Clawdy.”  Lloyd  paints a picture of New Orleans during the early 1950s that you won’t  hear anywhere else.  Mr. Price also gives us the “story behind the  story” on how he wrote “Just Because” and how is cousin Larry Williams  tried to take it away from him.   His greatest records from 1952-3 are  also featured on this very special edition of the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. She’s My Baby – Fats Domino – Imperial 1950
3. That’s How You Got Killed Before – Dave Bartholomew – Imperial 1950
4. Lloyd Price Interview 1 – Lloyd Price & Matt The Cat
5. Lawdy Miss Clawdy – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1952
6. Mailman Blues – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1952
7. Lloyd Price Interview 2 – Lloyd Price & Matt The Cat
8. Ooh, Ooh, Ooh – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1952
9. Restless Heart – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1952
10. Ain’t It A Shame? – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1953
11. Tell Me Pretty Baby – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1953
12. Great 78 – Where You At? – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1953
13. What’s The Matter Now? – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1953
14. Lloyd Price Interview 3 – Lloyd Price & Matt The Cat
15. So Long – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1953
16. Lloyd Price Interview 4 – Lloyd Price & Matt The Cat
17. Just Because – Lloyd Price – KRC 1956 & ABC/Paramount 1957
18. I Didn’t Want To Do It – The Spiders – Imperial 1954
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #077

Air Week: October 24 – 30, 2011

The Orioles

The week, the “Juke In The Back” spotlights the most influential rhythm & blues vocal group of all-time. The Orioles hailed from Baltimore and featured lead vocals by Sonny Til, one of the most talented, dynamic and recognizable voices in history. Their first record, “It’s Too Soon To Know” from 1948 ignited a new vocal movement that would develop into doo wop in the rock n’ roll era. Til enjoyed tremendous success until he was vocally dethroned in the early 1950s by Clyde McPhatter and the new school of R&B vocal groups. Matt The Cat is joined by Diz Russell, who became an Oriole in the mid-1950s and still leads a group of Orioles today. Russell knew Sonny Til personally and provides some prospective on these historic and influential recordings as the “Juke” focuses on the golden era of Orioles. Their biggest hit, “Crying In The Chapel” would also prove to be the group’s undoing. Fly high with the “high flying Orioles” as we celebrate R&B vocal groups in their purest form on this week’s “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons – King Cole Trio – Capitol 1946
3. It’s Too Soon To Know – The Orioles – It’s A Natural 1948
4. To Be To You – The Orioles – Jubilee 1948
5. Tell Me So – The Orioles – Jubilee 1949
6. I Challenge Your Kiss – The Orioles – Jubilee 1949
7. A Kiss And A Rose – The Orioles – Jubilee 1949
8. Forgive And Forget – The Orioles – Jubilee 1949
9. I’d Rather Have You Under The Moon – The Orioles – Jubilee 1950
10. I Miss You So – The Orioles – Jubilee 1951
11. Baby, Please Don’t Go – The Orioles – Jubilee 1951
12. GREAT 78 – Deacon Jones – The Orioles – Jubilee 1949
13. Crying In The Chapel – The Orioles – Jubilee 1953
14. In The Mission Of St. Augustine – The Orioles – Jubilee 1953
15. Golden Teardrops – The Flamingos – Chance 1953
16. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #076

Air Week: October 17 – 23, 2011

Trumpet Records

Matt The Cat & The “Juke In The Back” feature a look at one of most significantlittle record labels in history: Trumpet Records. Based in Jackson, MS, Trumpet only lasted for 5 years and only scored one national hit (Elmore James’ “Dust My Broom,” but they recorded some of the greatest delta blues artists. Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller) began his career on Trumpet, while Arthur Crudup’s Trumpet sides came after his enormous success on RCA Victor. Blues legend Big Joe Williams also recorded for Lillian McMurry’s little Mississippi label. So get the “story behind the story” of Trumpet Records on this week’s “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Lovin’ Machine – Wynonie Harris With Todd Rhodes Orch. – King 1951
3. Insect Ball – Big Jay McNeely – Imperial 1951
4. Rolli Polli – Chuck Berry – Chess 1955
5. Dust My Broom – Elmo James – Trumpet 1952
6. Catfish Blues – Elmo James (Bobo Thomas) – Trumpet 1952
7. Pontiac Blues – Sonny Boy Williamson – Trumpet 1951
8. Eyesight To The Blind – Sonny Boy Williamson – Trumpet 1951
9. Everybody’s Fishing – Willie Love & His Three Aces – Trumpet 1951
10. Dirty Disposition – Luther Huff – Trumpet 1951
11. Mama Don’t Allow Me – Big Joe Williams – Trumpet 1951
12. GREAT 78 – Hot Fish – Sherman “Blues” Johnson & His Clouds Of Joy – Trumpet 1953
13. Gonna Find My Baby – Elmer James (Arthur Crudup) – Trumpet 1952
14. Wine O Wine – Jerry “Boogie” McCain – Trumpet 1953
15. Too Old To Get Married – Wally Mercer – Trumpet 1954
16. City Of New Orleans – Sonny Boy Williamson – 1953
17. You Never Had It So Good – The Checkers – King 1953
18. Mystery Train – Little Junior’s Blue Flames – Sun 1953
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #075

Air Week: October 10 – 16, 2011

Ray Charles: The 1953 Rehearsal Tapes

The “Juke In The Back” features the legendary Ray Charles 1953 rehearsal tapes. This is Ray at his most raw as he learns some new tunes that he will soon record at his second Atlantic session. These rehearsal tapes represent Ray at a crossroads in his early career as he begins to develop his own unique musical style. Up to this point, Ray had been emulating his idols, Charles Brown and Nat King Cole. Matt The Cat also shares an interview with Ahmet Ertegun, who explains how he came to sign Ray Charles to Atlantic Records in 1952. The R&B music featured on the “Juke In The Back” directly effected the birth of rock n’ roll and the course of American music history.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. The Train Kept A-Rollin’ – Tiny Bradshaw – King 1951
3. Oooh-Wow – Roy Montrell – Specialty 1956
4. When I Leave These Prison Walls – The Larks – Apollo 1951
5. Truckin’ Little Woman – Willie Nix – Chess 1952
6. Ahmet Ertegun On Ray Charles Interview – Ahmet Ertegun With Matt The Cat – 2004
7. Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953
8. Unknown Title – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953
9. Piano Improvisation & Dialog #1 – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953
10. “Losing Hand” & Dialog #1 – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953
11. “Heartbreaker” & Dialog – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953
12. “Losing Hand” & Dialog #4 (w/ reverb) – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953
13. “It Should Have Been Me” & Dialog – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953
14. Mess Around – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953
15. Funny (But I Still Love You – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953
16. GREAT 78 – Funny (But I Still Love You) – Ray Charles – Atlantic 1954
17. Sinner’s Prayer – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953
18. Boogie Woogie – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953
19. Christine – Little Hank & The Rhythm Kings – Rhythm & Range 1956
20. Loch Lomond – The Four Rockets – Aladdin 1948
21. Bring It To Jerome – Bo Diddley – Checker 1955
22. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #074

Air Week: October 3 – 9, 2011

Lowell Fulson

This week, the “Juke In The Back” spotlights Lowell Fulson, one of the blues’ most versatile and vastly underrated talents. In the late 1940s, Fulson stormed the charts with his first hit “Three O’Clock Blues,” a song that B.B. King would take to the top of the charts in 1951. Fulson started the 1950s with a bang, scoring six charted hits for Swingtime Records in 1950 alone. By ’54, he was on Checker Records out of Chicago with a song that would be covered by Elvis in 1960, “Reconsider Baby.” Fulson wrote many of his own songs and was a major inspiration to both B.B. King and Ray Charles, who played in his touring band in 1950. Get the story behind the story on a true rhythm & blues legend, it’s Lowell Folsun, this week on the “Juke In The Back” with Matt The Cat.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Come Back To Me Baby – T Bone Walker – Mercury 1946
3. Sinner’s Prayer – Ray Charles – Atlantic 1954
4. Three O’Clock Blues – Lowell Fulson – Down Town 1948
5. Come Back Baby – Lowell Fulson & His Trio – Down Beat 1949
6. Everyday I Have The Blues – Lowell Fulson – Swingtime 1950
7. Blue Shadows – Lowell Fulson – Swingtime 1950
8. Low Society Blues – Lowell Fulson – Swingtime 1950
9. Sinner’s Prayer – Lowell Fulson – Swingtime 1950
10. Old Time Shuffle Blues – Lowell Fulson – Swingtime 1950
11. I’m A Night Owl Pt. 1 & 2 – Lowell Fulson – Swingtime 1951
12. Great 78 – Rocking After Midnight – Lowell Fulson – Swingtime 1950
13. Don’t Leave Me Baby – Lowell Fulson – Aladdin 1953
14. Reconsider Baby – Lowell Fulson – Checker 1954
15. Loving You (Is All I Crave) – Lowell Fulson – Checker 1955
16. 3 O’Clock Blues – B. B. King – RPM 1951
17. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #073

Air Week: September 26 – October 2, 2011

The Ravens

The “Juke In The Back” features The Ravens, an R&B vocal group that set the stage for all the groups that would follow. With Jimmy Ricks’ bass lead and some tremendous harmony behind him, The Ravens were the predecessors to the doo wop music that would follow in the 1950s. They formed in New York City in 1945 and quickly built a solid following, even before they had hits on the radio. Their “Ol’ Man River,” and “Write Me A Letter” were instant smashes in 1948, but it was their non-charting “Count Every Star” that proved to be the most influential. Music historian Billy Vera stops by the “Juke” to discuss the impact of “Count Every Star” while Matt The Cat examines the overall influence of this wonderful group. The Ravens along with The Orioles moved vocal group singing from its gospel and Ink Spots / Mills Brothers roots into the next phase…rock n’ roll. The Ravens story and star shine bright on this week’s “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. I Dreamt I Dwelt In Harlem – Delta Rhythm Boys – Decca 1941
3. Bye Bye Baby Blues – The Ravens – Hub 1946
4. Ol’ Man River – The Ravens – National 1947
5. Mahzel – The Ravens – National 1947
6. Write Me A Letter – The Ravens – National 1947
7. Be I Bumble Bee Or Not – The Ravens – National 1947
8. There’s No You – The Ravens – National 1948
9. September Song – The Ravens – National 1948
10. Be On Your Merry Way – The Ravens – National 1948
11. Ricky’s Blues – The Ravens – National 1949
12. GREAT 78 – The House I Live In (That’s America To Me) – The Ravens – National 1949
13. Send For Me If You Need Me – The Ravens – National 1948
14. I Don’t Have To Ride No More – The Ravens – National 1949
15. Count Every Star – The Ravens – National 1950
16. Rock Me All Night Long – The Ravens – Mercury 1952
17. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #072

Air Week: September 19 – 25, 2011

Early Howlin’ Wolf

This week, the “Juke In The Back” focuses on the great Howlin’ Wolf’s earliest recordings. Before he became a huge star on Chess Records in Chicago, Wolf was a local celebrity in Memphis, recording with Sam Phillips (before Phillips started Sun Records). Matt The Cat spins Wolf’s demo acetates and his 1951 recordings, some of which Phillips sold to RPM Records in LA and others he sold to Chess in Chicago. Howlin’ Wolf was a mammoth man in both voice and stature and you’ll hear how it all began on the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Pachuko Hop – Chuck Higgins & His Mellotones – Combo 1952
3. New Orleans Blues – Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers – Exclusive 1947
4. Cherry Red – Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson & His Orch – Mercury 1946
5. Howlin’ Wolf Talks, No. 1 – Howlin’ Wolf – Chess Box 1991
6. Baby Ride With Me (Ridin’ In The Moonlight) (Demo Acetate) – Howlin’ Wolf – 1951
7. Riding In The Moonlight – Howlin’ Wolf – RPM 1951
8. How Many More Years (Demo Acetate) – Howlin’ Wolf – 1951
9. How Many More Years – Howlin’ Wolf – Chess 1951
10. Moanin’ At Midnight – Howlin’ Wolf – RPM 1951
11. Moanin’ At Midnight – Howlin’ Wolf – Chess 1951
12. GREAT 78 – Mr. Highway Man – Howlin’ Wolf – Chess 1952
13. Passing By Blues – Howlin’ Wolf – RPM 1951
14. Crying At Daybreak – Howlin’ Wolf – RPM 1951
15. Wolf Is At Your Door – Howlin’ Wolf – Chess 1952
16. Howlin’ Wolf Boogie – Howlin’ Wolf – Chess 1952
17. Why – Shirley Gunter & The Queens – Flair 1955
18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #071

Air Week: September 12 – 18, 2011

“Annie” Songs (Sequel Songs & Answer Records to “Work With Me
Annie”)

This week, the “Juke In The Back” explores the rhythm and blues
phenomenon of the “Annie” song. This is the giant wave of sequel songs and answer records that emerged after the enormous success of The Midnighters’ “Work With Me Annie.” Most of the hit “Annie” follow-ups were done by The Midnighters themselves, like “Annie Had A Baby” and “Annie’s Aunt Fannie,” but there were some notable “Annie” songs by The El Dorados, Linda Hayes, Danny Taylor and of
course the “Henry” songs by a very young Etta James. It may sound odd now, but from 1954-56, the R&B juke boxes were jumpin’ to songs about “Annie,” her 15
of the best on this week’s “Juke In The Back” with Matt The Cat.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Work With Me Annie -The Royals (Midnighters) – Federal 1954
3. Annie Had A Baby – The Midnighters – Federal 1954
4. Annie Pulled A Hum-Bug – The Midnights – MusicCity 1954
5. Annie’s Answer – The El Dorados w/ Hazel McCollum – Vee-Jay 1954
6. Mama Took The Baby – Lena Gordon & The Sax Kari Orch – Checker 1954
7. Annie’s Aunt Fannie – The Midnighters – Federal 1954
8. I’m The Father of Annie’s Baby – Danny Taylor – Bruce 1954
9. My Name Ain’t Annie -Linda Hayes – King 1954
10. Annie Kicked The Bucket – The Nu-Tones – Hollywood Star 1954
11. The Wallflower (Roll With Me Henry) – Etta James & The Peaches – Modern 1954
12. Hey, Henry! – Etta James & The Peaches – Modern 1955
13. GREAT 78 – Annie Met Henry – The Champions – Chart 1955
14. Henry’s Got Flat Feet – The Midnighters – Federal 1955
15. Annie Met Henry – The Cadets – Modern 1955
16. Annie Don’t Love Me No More – The Hollywood Flames – Symbol 1965
17. The Twist – Hank Ballard & The Midnighters – King 1959
18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #070

Air Week: September 5 – 11, 2011

The Royals (Early Midnighters)

This week, the “Juke In The Back” looks at the humble beginnings of The Midnighters, one of early R&B’s most successful groups. Before they topped the R&B charts with “Work With Me Annie” in 1954, The Midnighters were known as The Royals, a rough and ready group from the east side of Detroit. Charles Sutton, the Royal’s first great lead singer, shaped their early recordings (1952-53) in the style of The Orioles’ leader Sonny Til. That influence resulted in the recording of some amazing vocal group records, including the immortal “Moonrise” from 1952. Matt The Cat explores the Royals great early sides, their lineup changes (Hank Ballard joined in 1953) and their legal battles. You’ll only hear this great early rhythm & blues jumpin’ out of the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Deacon Moves In – Little Esther With Earle Warren Orch. – Federal 1951
3. Tell Me So – The Orioles – Jubilee 1949
4. Every Beat Of My Heart – The Royals – Federal 1952
5. All Night Long – The Royals – Federal 1952
6. Starting From Tonight – The Royals – Federal 1952
7. Moonrise – The Royals – Federal 1952
8. Fifth Street Blues – The Royals – Federal 1952
9. I’ll Never Let Her Go – The Royals – Federal 1952
10. What Did I Do – The Royals – Federal 1952
11. The Shrine of St. Cecilia – The Royals – Federal 1953
12. Get It – The Royals – Federal 1953
13. GREAT 78 - That’s It – The Royals – Federal 1953
14. Until I Die – The Royals – Federal 1954
15. Work With Me Annie – The Royals (The Midnighters) – Federal 1954
16. Shotgun Blues – Lightnin’ Hopkins – Aladdin 1950
17. Freddie – Carmen Taylor & The Boleros – Atlantic 1954
18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #069

Air Week: August 29 – September 4, 2011

The Excello Records Story

Drop a nickel in the ol’ Rockola Juke as Matt The Cat dedicates the entire hour to the great little Nashville R&B label, Excello Records.  Ernie Young started Excello as a sister label to his Nashboro Label and both labels were housed in his Ernie’s Record Mart building in Nashville.  For a city mostly known for Country Music, Nashville sure had a lot of great R&B acts and we’re going to hear some of ‘em this week.  From The Marigolds to Arthur Gunter to Slim Harpo, Excello’s fantastic R&B catalog is in the spotlight on the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Step By Step – The Boyer Brothers – Excello 1952
3. Wail Daddy – The Charlie Dowell Orch. With Willie Lee Patton – Excello 1953
4. Down South In Birmingham – Del Thorne & Her Trio – Excello 1953
5. Skip’s Boogie – Kid King’s Combo – Excello 1953
6. Banana Split – Kid King’s Combo – Excello 1953
7. Drive Soldier Drive – “Little Maxie” Bailey – Excello 1953
8. I’m Your Country Man – Shy Guy Douglas – Excello 1953
9. Drivin’ Down The Highway – The Blue Flamers – Excello 1954
10. Baby Let’s Play House – Arthur Gunter – Excello 1954
11. It’s Love Baby (24 Hours A Day) – Earl Gaines With Louis Brooks & His Hi-Toppers – Excello 1955
12. Rollin’ Stone – The Marigolds – Excello 1955
13. GREAT 78 – Congo Mambo – Guitar Gable – Excello 1956
14. Calling All Cows – The Blues Rockers – Excello 1955
15. My Mumblin’ Baby – Rudy Green – Excello 1956
16. Pleadin’ For Love – Larry Birdsong – Excello 1956
17. Chicken Hearted Woman – Clarence Samuels – Excello 1956
18. Little Darlin’ – The Gladiolas – Excello 1957
19. I’m A King Bee – Slim Harpo – Excello 1957
20. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #068

Air Week: August 22 – 28, 2011

Ivory Joe Hunter Pt. 2

The “Juke” continues its feature on Ivory Joe Hunter this week with part 2 of 2. On this week’s show, Matt The Cat looks at Hunter’s successful run of hits from 1950-1958, including his biggest crossover success with “Since I Met You Baby” and “Empty Arms.” You’ll also get to hear a live performance of “Since I Met You Baby” performed on the Ed Sullivan Show from 1957! Ivory Joe Hunter had 21 hit R&B records from 1945-1958. Last week, you heard all of his charting hits from the 1940s and this week, we complete the series with all of his hits from the 1950s. Finally, this versatile R&B and Country performer gets the recognition that he so rightfully deserves on the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Looped – Melvin Smith – RCA Victor 1952
3. Roll Em – Mitzi Mars – Checker 1953
4. I Almost Lost My Mind – Ivory Joe Hunter – MGM 1950
5. I Quit My Pretty Mama – Ivory Joe Hunter – King 1950
6. S.P. Blues – Ivory Joe Hunter – MGM 1950 – #9, Feb, 50
7. I Need You So – Ivory Joe Hunter – MGM 1950
8. It’s A Sin – Ivory Joe Hunter – MGM 1950
9. It May Sound Silly – Ivory Joe Hunter & His Ivorytones – Atlantic 1955
10. A Tear Fell – Ivory Joe Hunter & His Ivorytones – Atlantic 1956
11. Since I Met You Baby – Ivory Joe Hunter – Atlantic 1956
12. Empty Arms – Ivory Joe Hunter – Atlantic 1957
13. Great 78 – Since I Met You Baby (Live On Ed Sullivan) – Ivory Joe Hunter – Aired, Jan 20, 1957
14. Love’s A Hurtin’ Game – Ivory Joe Hunter – Atlantic 1957
15. Yes I Want You – Ivory Joe Hunter – Atlantic 1958
16. Hittin’ On Me – Buddy Johnson & His Orch. With Ella Johnson – Mercury 1953
17. Everybody’s Whalin’ – Huey “Piano” Smith & His Rhythm Aces – Ace 1956
18. (Now And Then There’s) A Fool Such As I – The Robins – RCA Victor 1953
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #067

Air Week: August 15 – 21, 2011

Ivory Joe Hunter – Part 1

This week, the “Juke In The Back” spotlights
one of the most underrated hit-makers of the 1940s and ’50s, Ivory Joe Hunter.
Today, most people only know a handful of Hunter’s hits, but between the years
1945-1958, he scored 21 R&B hits. He was a prolific piano player who
constantly blurred the lines between rhythm & blues and country &
western music and was very successful for it. This week, Matt The Cat plays all
of his charting hits from the 1940s. Next week on part 2, Matt will featuring
all of Hunter’s hits from the 1950s.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Honkin’ At Midnight – Frank Motley & The Crew – Big Town 1955
3. Mary Ann – Ray Charles – Atlantic 1956
4. Ofay And Oxford Gray – Louis Jordan – Decca 1945
5. Blues At Sunrise – Ivory Joe Hunter With Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers – Exclusive
1945
6. Pretty Mama Blues – Ivory Joe Hunter – Pacific 1948
7. Don’t Fall In Love With Me – Ivory Joe Hunter – King 1948
8. What Did You Do To Me – Ivory Joe Hunter – King 1948
9. I Like It – Ivory Joe Hunter – King 1948
10. Waiting In Vain – Ivory Joe Hunter – King 1949
11. Blues At Midnight – Ivory Joe Hunter – 4 Star 1949
12. Guess Who – Ivory Joe Hunter – King 1949
13. Great 78 – Landlord Blues – Ivory Joe Hunter – King 1949
14. Jealous Heart – Ivory Joe Hunter – King 1949
15. Sick And Tired – Chris Kenner – Imperial 1957
16. Comin’ On – The Clovers – Atlantic 1953
17. I Can’t Hold Out Any Longer – Lavern Baker – Atlantic 1954
18. Million Dollar Bills – Robert & Johnny – Old Town 1956
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #066

Air Week: August 8 – 14, 2011

Lil Greenwood

This week, the “Juke In The Back” pays tribute to a very dynamic, soulful and often passed over R&B female vocalist: Lil Greenwood. She died on July 19, 2011 at the age of 86. Today, Lil Greenwood is best remembered as a vocalist for Duke Ellington during the late ’50s and early ’60s, but it’s her R&B recordings from 1950-1954 that are the real standouts. Hear Lil’s story and some of her greatest records on the “Juke In The Back” with Matt The Cat.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Don’t Leave Me This Way – Fats Domino – Imperial 1954
3. The Monkey – Dave Bartholomew – Imperial 1957
4. Jungle King – Hot Lips Page – King 1953
5. Heart Full Of Pain – Lil Greenwood – Modern 1950
6. Ain’t Gonna Cry – Lil Greenwood – Modern 1950
7. Dissatisfied Blues – Lil Greenwood – Modern 1950
8. Sitting And Wondering – Lil Greenwood – Modern 1951
9. Love Will Make You A Slave – Lil Greenwood – Specialty 1952
10. Grandpa Can Boogie Too – Lil Greenwood & The Four Jacks – Federal 1952
11. Never Again – Lil Greenwood  & The Four Jacks – Federal 1952
12. I’ll Go – Lil Greenwood – Federal 1953
13. GREAT 78 – Monday Morning Blues – Lil Greenwood & Little Willie Littlefield – Federal 1952
14. Mercy Me – Lil Greenwood  – Federal 1954
15. Be Bop Wino – The Lamplighters – Federal 1953
16. Back Trackin’ (Dr. Daddy-O) – Paul Gayten – Regal 1949
17. Middle Of The Night – The Clovers – Atlantic 1952
18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode 065

Air Week: August 1 – 7, 2011

Before Motown

The entire “Juke In The Back” this week features Motown’s biggest acts, BEFORE there even was a Motown Records and before those acts were household names.  Matt The Cat spins the earliest records by The Miracles (1958), The Four Tops (1956), The Supremes (as The Primettes) and many more.  Marvin Gaye’s first recordings with The Marquees are discussed with fellow group member, ReesePalmer.  You’ll get the real story behind the story as to how DC’s Marquees became the “new” Moonglows as well as hear the original Bo Diddley produced version of the Marquees’ “Wyatt Earp,” which Okeh Records wouldn’t release.  All this and more on this week’s, “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Whistle My Love – The Pips – Brunswick 1958
3. Every Beat Of My Heart – The Pips – Huntom 1961 & Vee-Jay 1961
4. Could It Be You? – Four Tops – Chess 1956
5. Woke Up This Morning – Four Tops – Chess 1956 – PREV UNRELEASED
6. Got A Job – The Miracles – End 1958
7. Money – The Miracles – End 1958
8. Tears Of Sorrow – The Primettes (The Supremes) – Lu Pine 1960
9. I’ll Let You Know – Del-Phis (Martha & The Vandellas)- Checkmate 1961
10. You – Eddie Holland – Mercury 1958
11. Moments To Remember You By – The Romeos (Lamont Dozier) – Fox 1957, Atco 1958
12. Shock – Briant Holland (Brian Holland) – Kudo 1958
13. Roll On – Futuretones (Edwin Starr) – Tress 1957
14. GREAT 78: Come On – The Distants (Temptations) – Northern 1960 & Warwick 1960
15. I know – Futuretones (Edwin Starr) – Tress 1957
16. Wyatt Earp – The Marquees (Marvin Gaye) – Okeh 1958
17. Mama Loochie – Harvey & The Moonglows (Marvin Gaye) – Chess 1959
18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #064

Air Week: July 25 – 31, 2011

The Spark Records Story

The “Juke In The Back” is proud to present one of the premiere, short-lived R&B record labels of the 1950s. Started by songwriters Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller after they were stiffed on royalty payments for Big Mama Thornton’s “Hound Dog,” Spark records only lasted for a year and a half. In that time they wrote and produced some of early rock’s most defining songs like “Riot In Cell Block #9″ and “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” for The Robins, “Love Me” for Willie & Ruth (Elvis Presley would go on to cut it), “One Bad Stud” for San Francisco’s The Honey Bears and many more. Spark was cut short in 1955, when Atlantic Records offered Leiber & Stoller an offer they couldn’t refuse. Catch the Spark Records story this week on the “Juke In The Back” with Matt The Cat.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Farewell – Willie & Ruth – Spark 1954
3. Easyville – Gil Bernal – Spark 1954
4. Riot In Cell Block #9 – The Robins – Spark 1954
5. One Bad Stud – The Honey Bears – Spark 1954
6. Love Me – Willie & Ruth – Spark 1954
7. King Solomon’s Blues – Gil Bernal – Spark 1954
8. Hoo-Doo Say – The Sly Fox – Spark 1954
9. If Teardrops Were Kisses – The Robins – Spark 1955
10. My Four Women – The Sly Fox – Spark 1955
11. I Gotta New Car – Big Boy Groves – Spark 1955
12. Bring It On Back – Mister Ruffin – Spark 1955
13. GREAT 78 – Whadaya Want – The Robins – Spark 1955
14. Zerlene – Gene & Billy – Spark 1955
15. Just Say The Word – Frankie Marshall – Spark 1955
16. Another Fool (Sings The Blues) – Ray Agee – Spark 1955
17. Tree Stump Jump – Garland The Great – Spark 1955
18. Smoky Joe’s Caf – The Robins – Spark 1955
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #063

Air Week: July 18 – 24, 2011

Billy “The Kid” Emerson

The “Juke In The Back” with Matt The Cat features Billy “The Kid” Emerson, a talented R&B singer and songwriter who never had a hit record, but his songs were covered by the likes of Elvis Presley and Billy Riley. Originally from Tarpon Springs, FL, Billy Emerson burst on the scene in 1954, with the help of friend Ike Turner. He released a string of stellar R&B records for Sun, before moving on to Vee-Jay, Chess and many others. Elvis recorded Emerson’s very soulful, “When It Rains It Pours” and Billy Riley made Emerson’s “Red Hot” a rockabilly standard. Billy “The Kid” Emerson’s story and music is the feature of this week’s “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Sheik Of Araby – The Colts – Antler 1956
3. Jump, Everybody, Jump – Joe Morris Blues Cavalcade – Atlantic 1951
4. No Teasing Around – Billy “The Kid” Emerson – Sun 1954
5. The Woodchuck – Billy (The Kid) Emerson – Sun 1954
6. I’m Not Going Home – Billy (The Kid) Emerson – Sun 1954
7. Move Baby Move – Billy (The Kid) Emerson – Sun 1955
8. When It Rains, It Pours – Billy (The Kid) Emerson – Sun 1955
9. Red Hot – Billy “The Kid” Emerson – Sun 1955
10. No Greater Love – Billy “The Kid” Emerson – Sun 1955
11. Little Fine Healthy Thing – Billy “The Kid” Emerson – Sun 1956
12. Every Woman I know – Billy “The Kid” Emerson – Vee-Jay 1957
13. GREAT 78 – If Lovin’ Is Believing – Billy “The Kid” Emerson – Sun 1954
14. The Pleasure Is All Mine – Billy “The Kid” Emerson – Vee-Jay 1957
15. Give Me A Little Love – Billy Emerson – Chess 1958
16. Alarm Clock Boogie – Odelle Turner – Atlantic 1952
17. Sweet Dreams – Marvin & Johnny – Modern 1955
18. Real Gone – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1947
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #062

Air Week: July 11 – 17, 2011

Flamingos On Chance

The “Juke In The Back” jumps and grooves this week as Matt The Cat features both sides of all six single releases for The Flamingos on Chance Records in 1953-54. These are The Flamingos very first recordings and most of them feature the amazing Sollie McElroy on lead tenor. The Flamingos would become known as one of the greatest and smoothest sounding R&B vocal groups of the 1950s and would achieve cross-over success by the end of the decade. You’ll hear how it all began, this week on the “Juke In The Back.” 

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. How Can You Leave A Man Like This – Lavern Baker – Atlantic 1953
3. Tryin’ To Get To You – The Eagles – Mercury 1954
4. Someday, Someway – Flamingos – Chance 1953
5. If I Can’t Have You – Flamingos – Chance 1953
6. That’s My Desire – Flamingos – Chance 1953
7. Hurry Home Baby – Flamingos – Chance 1953
8. Golden Teardrops – Flamingos – Chance 1953
9. Carried Away – Flamingos – Chance 1953
10. Plan For Love – Flamingos – Chance 1953
11. You Ain’t Ready – Flamingos – Chance 1953
12. Cross Over The Bridge – Flamingos – Chance 1954
13. GREAT 78 – September Song – Flamingos – Chance UNRELEASED
14. Listen To My Plea – Flamingos – Chance 1954
15. Blues In A Letter – Flamingos – Chance 1954
16. Jump Children – Flamingos – Chance 1954
17. Lucille – Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters – Atlantic 1954
18. Lucille – Joe Turner – Imperial 1950
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #061

Air Week: July 4 – 10, 2011

The Checkers

The “Juke In The Back” features another highly underrated R&B vocal group from the 1950s: The Checkers. They never scored a national hit, but they’re one of the finest examples of polished 1950s R&B and their story deserves to be shared. The Checkers were formed after tenor Charlie White and bass Bill Brown split from Bill Ward & His Dominoes. They had some region success with “House With No Windows,” an uptempo version of “White Cliffs Of Dover” and “Don’t Stop Dan,” the sequel to “Sixty Minute Man.” Matt The Cat digs through a mess of King Records 78s to bring you the best and most influential sides that this great R&B vocal group has to offer on this week’s “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Let The Four Winds Blow – Roy Brown – Imperial 1957
3. Elevator Boogie – Mabel Scott – Exclusive 1948
4. Flame In My Heart – The Checkers – King 1952
5. Oh, Oh, Oh Baby – The Checkers – King 1952
6. Night’s Curtains – The Checkers – King 1952
7. Let Me Come Back – The Checkers – King 1952
8. My Prayer Tonight – The Checkers – King 1953
9. Ghost Of My Baby – The Checkers – King 1953
10. You Never Had It So Good – The Checkers – King 1953
11. White Cliffs Of Dover – The Checkers – King 1953
12. House With No Windows – The Checkers – King 1954
13. GREAT 78 – Love Wasn’t There – The Checkers – King 1953
14. Don’t Stop Dan – The Checkers – King 1954
15. Can’t Find My Sadie – The Checkers – King 1954
16. 4-11=44 – Bobby Mitchell & The Toppers – Imperial 1953
17. Lost My Baby – Larry Darnell – Regal 1949
18. Bells In My Heart – The Spiders – Imperial 1955
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #060

Air Week: June 27 – July 3, 2011

4th Of July Special on R&B Songs About Food

What’s more American than celebrating America’s birthday with some good ol’ red, white and Rhythm & Blues about THE Fourth of July staple: food? Dig in on an hour of classic R&B about hot dogs, cole slaw, potato salad, ribs and ice cream sung by the heroes of the “soul that came before rock n’ roll” on the Juke In The Back.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Rib Joint – Sam Price & His Texas Bluesicians – Savoy 1956
3. House Of Blue Lights – Ella Mae Morse With Don Raye – Capitol 1946
4. Smoky Joe’s Caf – The Robins – Spark 1955
5. Chicken Shack – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1956
6. Everybody Eats When They Come To My House – Cab Calloway – Columbia 1947
7. Pass The Biscuits Please – Andre Williams – Fortune 1957
8. Beans & Cornbread – Louis Jordan – Decca 1949
9. Corn Bread – Hal Singer Sextette – Savoy 1948
10. Hot Dog – Chris Powell & The Five Blue Flames – Okeh 1949
11. Dumplin’s – Doc Bagby – Okeh 1957
12. Monkey Hips & Rice – The “5″ Royales – King 1954
13. GREAT 78 – Cole Slaw – Frank Culley – Atlantic 1949
14. Pork Chops & Mustard Greens – Ernie Andrews With Maxwell Davis Orch – Imperial 1951
15. Cabbage Greens #2 – Champion Jack Dupree – Okeh 1940
16. The Frim Fram Sauce – King Cole Trio – Capitol 1945
17. Solid Potato Salad – Ella Mae Morse – Capitol 1943 (Prev. Unreleased)
18. Ice Cream Man – John Brim – Chess 1953
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #059

Air Week: June 20 – 26, 2011

Big Joe Turner Pt. 2

This week, we continue our salute to the great blues shouter, Big Joe Turner with part 2 of 2. The show opens in 1951, with Turner’s first recording session for his new label, Atlantic and continues through to his cross-over pop success in 1956. This is the most successful stretch in Joe Turner’s long recording career. He would score 19 R&B hits during the 1950s and only 1 of them would ever touch the pop top 50. Matt The Cat talks to the late Ahmet Ertegun about signing Turner to Atlantic and James Austin talks to the late Joe Turner about signing with that great label. Joe Turner’s records almost single-handedly invented rock n’ roll, so don’t miss this great tribute to one of America’s true blues treasures.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Shake, Rattle & Roll – Joe Turner & His Blues Kings – Atlantic 1954
3. MTC Interview With Ahmet Ertegun – 2005
4. Chains Of Love – Joe Turner w/ Van “Piano Man” Walls & His Orch. – Atlantic 1951
5. Chill Is On – Joe Turner w/ Van “Piano Man” Walls & His Orch. – Atlantic 1951
6. Sweet Sixteen – Joe Turner w/ Van “Piano Man” Walls & His Orch. – Atlantic 1952
7. I’ll Never Stop Loving You – Joe Turner w/ Van “Piano Man” Walls & His Orch. 1952
8. Don’t You Cry – Joe Turner W/ Van “Piano Man” Walls & His Orch. – Atlantic 1952
9. Big JT Interview With James Austin – KCSN “Bop Street” 1983
10. Honey Hush – Joe Turner & His Band – Atlantic 1953 – #1, Fall of 53
11. Crawdad Hole – Joe Turner & His Band – Atlantic 1953
12. TV Mama – Joe Turner & His Blues Kings (with Elmore James) – Atlantic 1954
13. GREAT 78: Oke-She-Moke-She-Pop – Joe Turner & His Blues Kings – Atlantic 1954
14. Married Woman – Joe Turner & His Blues Kings- Atlantic 1954
15. Flip, Flop & Fly – Joe Turner & His Blues Kings – Atlantic 1955
16. Hide & Seek – Joe Turner & His Blues Kings – Atlantic 1955
17. Corrine Corrina – Joe Turner w/ Chorus & Orch. – Atlantic 1956
18. You’re Driving Me Crazy (What Did I Do?) – Joe Turner – Atlantic 1956 –
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #058

Air Week: June 13 – 19, 2011

Big Joe Turner Pt. 1

This week, the “Juke In The Back” is loaded with nothing but the great recordings of Big Joe Turner, the “Boss Of The Blues.” Part one covers Joe Turner’s early years from his Kansas City beginnings to his big breakthrough in NYC at the first “From Spirituals To Swing” show in 1938 to just before he signed to Atlantic Records in 1951. Turner recorded for many different labels during the 1940s and we’re going to feature the best, including his classics “Roll ‘Em Pete,” “Cherry Red,” “Careless Love,” “SK Blues” and many more. The show also features interview clips with the late Joe Turner taken from a classic 1982 James Austin interview. Next week, we’ll have part two and feature Joe Turner’s highly successful 1950s recordings that led up to the birth of rock n’ roll.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Well All Right – Joe Turner – Atlantic 1954
3. Big JT Interview Segment #1 – Big Joe Turner & James Austin – 1983
4. Roll Em Pete – Joe Turner & Pete Johnson – Vocalion 1938
5. Low Down Dog – Joe Turner With Pete Johnson – Live “From Spirituals To Swing” 1938
6. Cherry Red – Pete Johnson & His Boogie Woogie Boys – Vocalion 1939
7. Big JT Interview Segment #2 – Big Joe Turner & James Austin – 1983
8. Caf Society Rag – Pete Johnson & His Boogie Woogie Boys – Vocalion 1939
9. Piney Brown Blues – Joe Turner & His Fly Cats – Decca 1940
10. Careless Love – Big Joe Turner – Decca 1941
11. Rocks In My Bed – Joe Turner With The Freddie Slack Trio – Decca 1941
12. S.K. Blues Pt. 1 – Joe Turner w/ Pete Johnson’s All Stars – National 1945
13. GREAT 78 – Rebecca – Big Joe Turner & The Pete Johnson Trio – Decca 1944
14. My Gal’s A Jockey – Joe Turner w/ Bill Moore’s Lucky Seven Band – National 1946
15. Battle Of The Blues Pt. 1 & 2 – Joe Turner & Wynonie Harris – Aladdin 1949 & 1953
16. Jumpin’ At The Jubilee – Joe Turner – Freedom 1950
16. Still In The Dark – Joe Turner – Freedom 1950
17. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #057

Air Week: June 6 – 12, 2011

The Crickets

The “Juke In The Back” is loaded with records by the 1950s R&B vocal group, The Crickets. They hailed from The Bronx and only recorded from late 1952 to 1954, but man did they lay down some sweet harmonies. Buddy Holly would take the name to the top of the charts, but these guys had it first. Grover “Dean” Barlow led the group vocally, but it was record label owner Joe Davis that would ultimately control their fate. Matt The Cat tells the story of the original Crickets and their 3 group incarnations on this week’s “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. The Walkin’ Blues (Walk Right In, Walk Right Out) – Jesse Powell Orch. With Fluffy Hunter – Federal 1952
3. That Man Is Walking – Larry Liggett – Chess 1954
4. You’re Mine – The Crickets – MGM 1953
5. Milk & Gin – The Crickets – MGM 1953
6. For You I Have Eyes – The Crickets – MGM 1953
7. I’ll Cry No More – The Crickets – MGM 1953
8.When I Met You – The Crickets – Jay-Dee 1953
9. I’m Not The One You Love – The Crickets – Jay Dee 1953
10. Changing Partners – The Crickets – Jay-Dee 1953 –
11. Are You Looking For A Sweetheart – The Crickets – Jay-Dee 1954
12. Be Faithful – The Crickets – Beacon 1954
13. GREAT 78 - Just You – The Crickets – Jay-Dee 1953
14. I’ll String Along With You – Dean Barlow – Jay-Dee 1955
15. Fat Daddy – Dinah Washington – Mercury 1953
16. Mardi Gras – Joe Lutcher & His Orch. – Modern 1949
17. Are You Hep To The Jive – Cab Calloway – Okeh 1940
18. Are You Sorry – The Whispers – Gotham 1955
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #056

Air Week: May 30 – June 5, 2011

The (original) Diamonds & R&B Songs About Detroit

The “Juke In The Back” takes a look at one of New York’s greatest, but almost unheard of R&B vocal groups: The Diamonds. They only got 3 singles released by Atlantic Records during 1952 and ’53 and would fade into history by 1955, but their harmonies are second to none. “Sonny” Wright’s lead baritone remains much admired as does Myles Hardy’s tenor. Hear all six of the Diamond’s known songs this week. Plus, Matt The Cat also features R&B songs about Detroit with Blind Blake, Tampa Red, John Lee Hooker and Fats Domino weighing in on the Motor City and Hastings Street, the cultural center of African-American life during the 20s to the 60s.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Rockola – Joe Lutcher – Modern 1949
3. Lily Maybelle – The Valentines – Rama 1955
4. Baby Please Don’t Go – Rose Mitchell – Imperial 1954
5. Call Baby Call – The Diamonds – Atlantic 1952
6. Beggar For Your Kisses – The Diamonds – Atlantic 1952
7. Two Loves Have I – The Diamonds – Atlantic 1953
8. I’ll Live Again – The Diamonds – Atlantic 1953
9. Romance In The Dark – The Diamonds – Atlantic 1953
10. Cherry – The Diamonds – Atlantic 1953
11. Thrill Me – Roy Milton & His Solid Senders – Specialty 1947
12. Brazil – The Coasters – Atco 1956
13. GREAT 78 – Together (We Will Always Be) – Chuck Berry – Chess 1955
14. Hastings Street – Charlie Spand & Blind Blake – Paramount 1929 & Columbia 1947
15. Detroit Blues – Tampa Red – Bluebird 1938
16. Detroit Jump – Big Maceo – RCA Victor 1945
17. Boogie Chillun – John Lee Hooker – Modern 1948
18. Detroit City Blues – Fats Domino – Imperial 1950
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #055

Air Week: May 23-29, 2011

Pee Wee Crayton

The “Juke In The Back” honors one of the greatest, yet more underrated originators of electric blues guitar: Pee Wee Crayton. Matt The Cat digs deep into Crayton’s musical catalog and dusts off more than just his three charting R&B hits. You’ll also get to hear the fantastic and inspired recordings he cut in New Orleans with bandleader Dave Bartholomew as well as his Vee-Jay Records sides. Pee Wee Crayton’s story comes to life through his music on this week’s “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Disc Jockey Nightmare – Earl Bostic – King 1949
3. Bip Bam – Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters – Atlantic 1954
4. Blues After Hours – Pee Wee Crayton – Modern 1948
5. Texas Hop – Pee Wee Crayton – Modern 1948
6. I Love You So – Pee Wee Crayton – Modern 1949
7. Daybreak – Pee Wee Crayton – Aladdin 1952
8. When It Rains It Pours – Pee Wee Crayton – Aladdin 1952
9. Every Dog Has His Day – Pee Wee Crayton – Imperial 1954
10. Hurry Hurry – Pee Wee Crayton – Imperial 1954
11. You Know Yeah – Pee Wee Crayton – Imperial 1955
12. Runnin’ Wild – Pee Wee Crayton – Imperial 1955
13. Great 78 – Central Avenue Blues – Pee Wee Crayton – Modern 1948
14. Telephone Is Ringing – Pee Wee Crayton – Vee-Jay 1956
15. I Found Peace Of Mind – Pee Wee Crayton – Vee-Jay 1957
16. Oh, Oh, Oh Baby – The Checkers – King 1953
17. I’m Living My Life For You – Lavern Baker – Atlantic 1954
18. I’ll Be Forever Loving You – The El Dorados – Vee-Jay 1955
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #054

Air Week: May 16-22, 2011

The Flairs

This week, the “Juke In The Back” focuses on the beginnings of West Coast Doo Wop. In the early 1950s, the East Coast had most of the great vocal groups of note, but in 1952, that statistic was about to change. It took a group of LA teenagers, mostly from Jefferson High, to introduce those great West Coast Harmonies to the world and start a new scene which would eventually include The Platters, The Calvanes, Don Julian & The Meadowlarks, The Penguins and literally hundreds more. The Flairs talent broke down to three main voices: Cornell Gunter, Richard Berry and Obediah Jessie (Young Jessie). Matt The Cat presents their story and their influential ballad and jump sides, this week on the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Louie, Louie – Richard Berry – Flip 1957
3. Mary Lou – Young Jessie & The Cadets – Modern 1955
4. I Had A Love – The Hollywood Bluejays – Recorded In Hollywood 1953
5. I Had A Love – The Flairs – Flair 1953
6. She Wants To Rock – The Flairs – Flair 1953
7. Rabbit On A Log – The Hunters – Flair 1953
8. Down At Hayden’s – The Hunters – Flair 1953
9. You Should Care For Me – The Flairs – Flair 1953
10. Lonesome Desert – Young Jessie – Flair 1954
11. Love Me Girl – The Flairs – Flair 1954
12. This Time It’s Real – Rickey & Jennell – Flair 1954
13. GREAT 78 - I’m Still In Love With You – Richard Berry – Flair 1953
14. Baby Wants – The Flairs – Flair 1954
15. This Is The Night For Love – The Flairs – Flair 1954
16. Love Me, Love Me, Love Me – The Chimes – Flair 1954
17. I’ll Never Let You Go – The Flairs – Flair 1954
18. She Loves To Dance – The Flairs – Flair 1955
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #053

Air Week: May 9-15, 2011

History Of “Junker’s Blues” And R&B Telephone Songs

The “Juke In The Back” is jumpin’ this week as we take a look at the history and influence of the Champion Jack Dupree classic, “Junker’s Blues.”  He learned the tune from New Orleans boogie woogie pianist Drive ‘Em Down, but it was Dupree’s recording that influenced Fats Domino, Lloyd Price and Professor Longhair.  We’ll also make some long distance rhythm & blues phone calls from Floyd Dixon, Sonny Terry, Muddy Waters and Big Walter. Grab a nickel and dig on the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. I’m Tore Up – Billy Gayles – Federal 1956
3. Teardrops From My Eyes – Ruth Brown – Atlantic 1950
4. Crying Won’t Help You – BB King – RPM 1956
5. Hucklebuck With Jimmy – Five Keys – Aladdin 1951
6. Tempting – The Moonglows – Chess 1954
7. Junker’s Blues – Champion Jack Dupree – Okeh 1941
8. The Fat Man – Fats Domino – Imperial 1949
9. Lawdy Miss Clawdy – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1952
10. Tipitina – Professor Longhair – Atlantic 1954
11. Junker’s Blues – Champion Jack Dupree – Atlantic 1958
12. GREAT 78: I’m Still In Love With You – T-Bone Walker – Comet 1948
13. Telephone Is Ringing – Pee Wee Crayton – Vee-Jay 1956
14. Telephone Blues – Floyd Dixon With Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers – Aladdin 1950
15. Calling Margie – Big Walter & His Thunderbirds – TNT 1955
16. Call Operator 210 – Floyd Dixon – Aladdin 1952
17. Long Distance Call – Muddy Waters – Chess 1951
18. Telephone Blues – Sonny Terry – Capitol 1950
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #052

Air Week: May 2-8, 2011

Deacon Jones & Fanny Brown In Song

This week, we take a look at two of the most famous “characters” from 1940s and ’50s R&B: Deacon Jones and Fanny Brown.  Sometimes these two were referenced in the same song, as in “Good Rockin’ Tonight” and sometimes they got their own songs, as in Louis Jordan’s “Deacon Jones” and Roy Brown’s “Miss Fanny Brown.”  Matt The Cat gets the story behind the story on these two R&B mainstays on the Juke In The Back.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Deacon Jones – Louis Jordan & His Tympani Five – Decca 1943
3. Who Threw The Whiskey In The Well – Lucky Millinder Feat. Wynonie Harris – Decca 1945
4. I know Who Threw The Whiskey In The Well – Bull Moose Jackson – Queen 1946
5. Fare Thee Well, Deacon Jones – Bull Moose Jackson – King 1947
6. Good Rockin’ Tonight – Wynonie Harris – King 1947
7. Deacon’s Hop – Big Jay McNeely – Savoy 1949
8. Deacon Jones – The Orioles – Jubilee 1949
9. Double Faced Deacon – Tommy Brown – Savoy 1951
10. The Deacon Moves In – Little Esther & The Dominoes – Federal 1951
11. The Deacon Don’t Like It – Wynonie Harris – King 1953
12 GREAT 78: Rockin’ At Midnight – Roy Brown – De-Luxe 1949
13. Miss Fanny Brown – Roy Brown – DeLuxe 1947
14. Miss Fanny Brown Returns – Roy Brown – DeLuxe 1948
15. I Want My Fanny Brown – Wynonie Harris – King 1949
16. Fannie Brown Got Married – Roy Brown – King 1954
17. Miss Fannie Brown – Chester Guyden – OJ 1957
18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #051

Air Week: April 25-May 1, 2011

Early Lavern Baker & R&B Baseball Songs

This week, “The Juke In The Back” looks at how one of R&B’s greatest voices, Lavern Baker, got her start.  Matt The Catcollects ALL of Baker’s early records together in one place.  From her first recordings with the Eddie “Sugarman” Penigar Orch to her breakthrough sides with The Todd Rhodes Orch and all the records in-between.  You can really hear how Baker’s sound evolved between 1949 and 1953.  Her true breakthrough wouldn’t come until “Tweedlee Dee” became a huge R&B and pop hit in 1955.

Plus, in our “Harlem Hit Parade,” celebrate America’s National Pastime with a collection of R&B baseball songs.  Soon after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier and signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 and Larry Doby went to the Indians, blues and rhythm artists started singing about a game that could now be enjoyed by everybody.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. I Wonder Baby – Eddie “Sugarman” Penigar Orch – RCA 1949
3. Easy Baby – Eddie “Sugarman” Penigar Orch – RCA 1949
4. I’ve Tried – Little Miss Sharecropper – National 1951
5. How Long – Little Miss Sharecropper – National 1951
6. I Want To Rock – Little Miss Sharecropper – National 1951
7. Take Out Some Time – Little Miss Sharecropper – National 1951
8. Good Daddy – Maurice King & His Wolverines – Columbia 1951
9. I Want A Lavender Cadillac – Maurice King & His Wolverines – Okeh 1951
10. Make It Good – Maurice King & His Wolverines – Okeh 1951
11. Trying – Todd Rhodes Orch. – King 1952
12. Pig Latin Blues – Todd Rhodes Orch – King 1952
13. Must I Cry Again – Todd Rhodes Orch – King 1952
14 GREAT 78 – My Pinch Hitter – Buddy Lucas – Groove 1954
15. Lost Child – Todd Rhodes Orch – King 1953
16. Robbie-Doby Boogie – Brownie McGhee – Savoy 1948
17. Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball – Buddy Johnson – Decca 1949
18. Baseball Boogie – Mabel Scott – King 1950
19. Say Hey – The Treniers – Epic 1954
20. The Ballgame – Sister Wynona Carr – Specialty 1953
21. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #050

Air Week: April 18-24, 2011

Rudy Toombs: R&B Songwriter

This week, The “Juke In The Back” features the songs of one of R&B’s greatest songwriters: Rudy Toombs. This underrated cat wrote some of the most fabulous drinking songs of all-time for Amos Milburn, The Clovers, The Five Keys and a young Johnny “Guitar” Watson. Beyond drinking songs, Toombs wrote some mega-hits for Ruth Brown, Varetta Dillard and Little Willie John, just to name a few. Matt The Cat gives you the story behind the story of one of early rock n’ roll’s greatest cleffers. It’s Rudy Toombs best songs, this week on the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Hard Ridin’ Mama – Wynonie Harris – Aladdin 1947
3. Easy Easy Baby – Varetta Dillard – Savoy 1952
4. 5-10-15 Hours – Ruth Brown – Atlantic 1952
5. I’m So High – Five Keys – Aladdin 1953
6. My Nerves – Little Willie John – King 1956
7. I Ain’t Gonna Let You In – Annie Laurie & The Paul Gayten Orch. – Regal 1950
8. Drank Up All The Wine Last Night – Stick McGhee – Atlantic 1949
9. One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1953
10. Nip Sip – The Clovers – Atlantic 1955
11. One Mint Julep – The Clovers – Atlantic 1952
12. Half Pint Of Whiskey – Young John Watson – Federal 1954
13. GREAT 78 – Bump Miss Suzie – Joe Turner – Atlantic 1951
14. Teardrops From My Eyes – Ruth Brown – Atlantic 1950
15. Teardrops From My Eyes – Louis Jordan – Decca 1951
16. Gum Drop – Otis Williams & His New Group – De Luxe 1955
17. That Dood It – James Brown & The Famous Flames – Federal 1957
18. Rocking And Crying Blues – Five Keys – Aladdin 1953
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #049

Air Week: April 11-17, 2011

Wynonie Harris

Part 2

It’s part 2 of our 2 part series on Wynonie “Mr. Blues” Harris, one of the greatest blues shouters of all time. This week, Matt The Cat focuses on Harris’ hit-making years of 1948-1952, when he ruled the rhythm & blues charts. “Grandma Plays The Numbers,” “All She Wants To Do Is Rock,” “Bloodshot Eyes,” “Lovin’ Machine” and many more Wynonie Harris classics spun in high numbers on the jukeboxes, so drop a nickel in the “Juke In The Back,” cause “Mr. Blues” is gonna ROCK!

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Blowin’ To California – Wynonie Harris – King 1948
3. Grandma Plays The Numbers – Wynonie Harris – King 1949
4. I Feel That Old Age Coming On – Wynonie Harris – King 1949
5. Drinkin’ Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee – Wynonie Harris – King 1949
6. All She Wants To Do Is Rock – Wynonie Harris – King 1949
7. I Want My Fanny Brown – Wynonie Harris – King 1949
8. Battle Of The Blues Pt. 2 – Wynonie Harris & Big Joe Turner – Aladdin 1949
9. Sittin’ On It All The Time – Wynonie Harris – King 1949
10. I Like My Baby’s Pudding – Wynonie Harris – King 1950
11. Good Morning Judge – Wynonie Harris – King 1950
12. Rock Mr. Blues – Wynonie Harris – King 1950
13. GREAT 78 – Mr. Blues Is Coming To Town – Wynonie Harris – King 1950
14. Oh, Babe! – Wynonie Harris & The Lucky Millinder Orch.- King 1950
15. Bloodshot Eyes – Wynonie Harris – King 1951
16. Lovin’ Machine – Wynonie Harris – King 1951
17. Quiet Whiskey – Wynonie Harris – King 1954
18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #048

Air Week: April 4-10, 2011

Wynonie Harris

Part 1

The “Juke In The Back” is overflowin’ with records by one of R&B’s greatest blues shouters and entertainers: Wynonie “Mr. Blues” Harris. Part 1 of this 2 part series focuses on Wynonie’s early recordings from 1944-1948. Matt The Cat digs deep in his “juke” archives to pull out many of Harris’ early records that often get ignored. We’ll dig on Harris’ first 2 singles with the Lucky Millinder Orchestra and cover his releases with Philo, Apollo, Aladdin and King. Three versions of the early rock n’ roll anthem, “Good Rockin’ Tonight” will also be examined. So get ready to shout “Hoy! Hoy!” as Mr. Blues is coming to town on this week’s “Juke In The Back” with Matt The Cat.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. S.K. Blues Pt. 1 – Joe Turner With Pete Johnson’s All Stars – National 1945
3. Good Rockin’ Tonight – Roy Brown – DeLuxe 1947
4. Hurry, Hurry – Lucky Millinder & His Orch. – Decca 1944
5. Who Threw The Whiskey In The Well? – Lucky Millinder & His Orch. – Decca 1945
6. Around The Clock, Part 2 – Wynonie “Mr. Blues” Harris and Johnny Otis’ All Stars – Philo 1945
7. Young Man’s Blues – Wynonie “Blues” Harris – Apollo 1945
8. Wynonie’s Blues – Wynonie “Blues” Harris – Apollo 1945
9. Playful Baby – Wynonie “Blues” Harris – Apollo 1946
10. My Baby’s Barrel House – Wynonie (Mr. Blues) Harris – Bullet 1946
11. Time To Change Your Town – Wynonie “Blues” Harris – Apollo 1946
12. Mr. Blues Jumped The Rabbit – Wynonie “Mr. Blues” Harris and His All Stars – Aladdin 1947
13. GREAT 78 – Cock-A-Doodle-Doo – Wynonie “Mr. Blues” Harris and Johnny Otis’ All Stars – Philo 1945
14. Good Rockin’ Tonight – Wynonie Harris – King 1948
15. Lollipop Mama – Wynonie Harris – King 1948
16. Good Rockin’ Tonight – Elvis Presley – Sun 1954
17. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

 

Episode #047

Air Week: March 28-April 3, 2011

1951: Jukebox Rhythm Review

Part 2

This week, the jukebox is in the spotlight as Matt The Cat takes you back 60 years and highlights the top jukebox hits of the second half of 1951. You’ll hear a lot more than just the big #1 R&B hits this week as we dig deep into the jukebox lists to feature seldom heard tunes by Johnny Hodges, Dinah Washington and Jimmy Nelson. These are the top requested records that were spinning on the jukebox in the back of the establishment. It’s part 2 of 2 on the 1951 Rhythm Review on the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Chains Of Love – Joe Turner – Atlantic 1951
3. Castle Rock – Johnny Hodges & His Orch – Mercury 1951
4. Eyesight To The Blind – The Larks – Apollo 1951
5. T 99 Blues – Jimmie Nelson & The Peter Rabbit Trio – RPM 1951
6. The Thrill Is Gone – Roy Hawkins – Modern 1951
7. Bloodshot Eyes – Wynonie Harris – King 1951
8. The Glory Of Love – The Five Keys – Aladdin 1951
9. I Got Loaded – Peppermint Harris – Aladdin 1951
10. Fool, Fool, Fool – The Clovers – Atlantic 1951
11. I’m In the Mood – John Lee Hooker – Modern 1951
12. Because Of You – Tab Smith – United 1951
13. GREAT 78 – Seven Long Days – Charles Brown – Aladdin 1951
14. Flamingo – Earl Bostic – King 1951
15. Cold, Cold Heart – Dinah Washington – Mercury 1951
16. How Many More Years – Howlin’ Wolf – Chess 1951
17. Weepin’ & Cryin’ – The Griffin Brothers Orchestra Featuring Tommy Brown – Dot 1951
18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #046

Air Week: March 21-27, 2011

1951: Jukebox Rhythm Review

Part 1

This week, the jukebox is in the spotlight as Matt The Cat takes you back 60 years and highlights the top jukebox hits of the first half of 1951. You’ll hear a lot more than just the big #1 R&B hits this week as we dig deep into the jukebox lists to feature seldom heard tunes by Margie Day, Ray Charles and Lloyd Glenn. These are the top requested records that were spinning on the jukebox in the back of the establishment. It’s part 1 of 2 on the 1951 Rhythm Review on the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Bad, Bad Whiskey – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1950
3 Telephone Blues – Floyd Dixon With Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers – Aladdin 1951
4. Little Red Rooster – Margie Day With The Griffin Brothers Orch. – Dot 1951
5. Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand – Ray Charles Trio – Swing Time 1951
6. Black Night – Charles Brown – Aladdin 1951
7. Red’s Boogie – Piano Red – RCA Victor 1951
8. Lost Love – Percy Mayfield – Specialty 1951
9. I’ll Wait For You – Ruth Brown – Atlantic 1951
10. Don’t Take Your Love Away From Me – Joe Morris & His Orch – Atlantic 1951
11. Gee Baby – Johnny Otis – Savoy 1951
12. Chica Boo – Lloyd Glenn – Swing Time 1951
13. GREAT 78 - I Will Wait – The Four Buddies – Savoy 1951
14. Tend To Your Business – James Waynes – Sittin’ In With 1951
15. Rocket 88 – Jackie Brenston & His Delta Cats – Chess 1951
16. Don’t You Know I Love You So – The Clovers – Atlantic 1951
17. I’m Waiting Just For You – Lucky Millinder & His Orch. – King 1951
18. Sixty Minute Man – The Dominoes – Federal 1951
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #045

Air Week: March 14-20, 2011

The Chords

This week’s “Juke In The Back” digs deep into a group that is usually only remembered for one, incredibly influential tune, “Sh-Boom.” The Chords cut that tune in 1954, right at the height of America’s fear of the Atomic Bomb and this song did more for helping to launch rock n’ roll than almost any other. In fact, the tittle “Sh-Boom” was meant to simulate the sound of an A-Bomb explosion. Even though their label didn’t believe in “Sh-Boom,” they just couldn’t stop it, but unfortunately, they didn’t do much to promote The Chords subsequent releases. They were forced to change their name to The Chordcats, due to a lawsuit and then dropped that name in favor of The Sh-Booms. Matt The Cat digs up the story behind the story of The Chords and their great recordings on this episode of the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Cat Music – Dave Bartholomew – Imperial 1954
3. Hurts Me To My Heart – Faye Adams – Herald 1954
4. Say Baby – Willie Johnson – Specialty 1954
5. Sh-Boom – The Chords – Cat 1954
6. Cross Over The Bridge – The Chords – Cat 1954
7. Little Maiden – The Chords – Cat 1954
8. Zippity Zum – The Chords – Cat 1954
9. Bless You (For Being An Angel) – The Chords – Cat 1954
10. Hold Me Baby – The Chordcats – Cat 1954
11. Could It Be – The Sh-Booms – Cat 1955
12. Lu Lu – The Sh-Booms – Vik 1957
13. GREAT 78 – Love Oh Love – The Chords – Rec. 1955 – Unissued
14. Blue Moon – The Sh-Booms – Atlantic 1960
15. Tell A Whale Of A Tail – Wynonie Harris – Atco 1956
16. Let Your Tears Fall Baby – Willie Mae Thornton With The Bill Harvey Band – Peacock 1951
17. Oh-Rooba-Lee – Arthur Lee Maye & The Crowns – Specialty 1956
18. Low & Lonesome – Boo Breeding – Imperial 1955
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

 

Episode #044

Air Week Ends: March 13, 2011

Parrot Records

The entire “Juke In The Back” focuses on a tiny Chicago R&B record label with a big sound; Parrot Records. The label was started by Chicago DJ Al Benson in late 1952 and it closed its doors in 1956. During its period of operation, Parrot recorded some smokin’ R&B and smooth vocal group sounds from Willie Mabon and J.B. Lenoir to The Flamingos and the 5 Thrills. Matt The Cat highlights both the hits and misses and bring you the story behind the story on this often forgotten R&B label on this week’s “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. I Don’t Know – Willie Mabon & His Combo – Parrot 1952
3. Weep, Weep, Weep – The Parrots – Parrot 1953
4. Mr. Fine – Mabel Scott – Parrot 1953
5. I Can’t Forget – The Rockettes – Parrot 1953
6. I’ve Been Mistreated – Lowell Fulson & Orch. – Parrot 1953
7. Salty Dog – Marvin Phillips – Parrot 1953
8. White Cliffs Of Dover – The Pelicans – Parrot 1954
9. My Baby’s Gone – The 5 Thrills – Parrot 1954
10. Be On Your Merry Way – Albert King – Parrot 1954
11. Gloria – The 5 Thrills – Parrot 1954
12. Eisenhower Blues – J.B. Lenoir – Parrot 1954
13. GREAT 78 – Slow Down – Lou Mac – Blue Lake 1955
14. Dream Of A Lifetime – The Flamingos – Parrot 1954
15. Ko Ko Mo – The Flamingos – Parrot 1955
16. Mama, Talk To You Daughter – J. B. Lenoir – Parrot 1955
17. Don’t Give My Love Away – The Fascinators – Blue Lake 1955
18. Newly Wed – The Orchids – Parrot 1955
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #043

Air Week Ends: March 6, 2011

The Du-Droppers

Matt The Cat presents another highly underrated R&B vocal group from the 1950s: The Du-Droppers. They didn’t sound like the stereotypical “doo wop” groups of the era and they weren’t your standard rhythm group either. The Du-Droppers had a sound that was all their own. Their leader, JC Ginyard began his career in Gospel groups and you can really hear that influence on the Du-Droppers’ best material. The group’s first single for Bobby Robinson’s Red Robin label was a sequa record to the Dominoes’ smash, “Sixty Minute Man,” called “Can’t Do Sixty No More.” Once they signed with RCA Victor, they scored two of the biggest smashes of 1953. Dig the sound and get the story behind the Du-Droppers, this week on the “Juke In The Back,” the “soul that came BEFORE rock n’ roll.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Texas Hop – Pee Wee Crayton & His Guitar – Modern 1948
3. Sixty Minute Man – The Dominoes – Federal 1951
4. Can’t Do Sixty No More – The Du-Droppers – Red Robin 1952
5. Chain Me Baby (Blues Of Desire) – The Du-Droppers – Red Robin 1952
6. I Wanna Know – The Du-Droppers – RCA Victor 1953
7. Laughing Blues – The Du-Droppers – RCA Victory 1953
8. Come On And Love Me Baby – The Du-Droppers – Red Robin 1953
9. I Found Out (What You Do When You Go Round There) – The Du-Droppers – RCA Victor 1953
10. Whatever You’re Doin’ (Keep On Doin’ It) – The Du-Droppers – RCA Victor 1953
11. The Note In the Bottle – The Du-Droppers – RCA Victor 1953
12. Speed King – The Du-Droppers – Groove 1954
13. GREAT 78 – Don’t Pass Me By – The Du-Droppers – RCA Victor 1953
14. Talk That Talk – The Du-Droppers – Groove 1955
15. You’re Mine Already – The Du-Droppers – Groove 1955
16. Smoke From Your Cigarette – The Mellows Feat. Lillian Leach – Jay-Dee 1955
17. Numbers Boogie – Sugar Chile Robinson – Capitol 1949
18. I’ll Never Be Free – Annie Laurie & The Paul Gayten Orch. – Regal 1950
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #042

Air Week Ends: February 27, 2011

The “5″ Royales

This week, the “Juke In The Back” features a rhythm & blues vocal group from Winston-Salem, NC that not only influenced James Brown, but quite possibly the entire soul movement of the late ’50s into the 1960s; The “5″ Royales.

They began their career as a six man gospel group called The Royal Sons Quintet. They kept their six member lineup even after they changed their name to the “5 Royales. They had legal battles with Hank Ballard’s Royals and their own label, Apollo Records, but managed to score two #1 smashes during 1953. Their sound was unique, their harmonies air-tight and thief chief songwriter was also their guitarist, Lowman Pauling. His guitar playing influenced Eric Clapton, Steve Cropper and countless other guitar legends. The “5″ Royales were much more than just a ’50s R&B vocal group and this week, Matt The Cat & the “Juke In The Back” are going to tell their story.
1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Let’s Have Some Fun (Honey) – Slim Saunders – Chess 1954
3. You Can Run, But You Can’t Hide – Solomon Burke – Apollo 1956
4. Let Nothing Separate Me – Royal Sons Quintet – Apollo 1952
5. Baby Don’t Do It – The “5″ Royales – Apollo 1952
6. Help Me Somebody – The “5″ Royales – Apollo 1953
7. Crazy, Crazy, Crazy – The “5″ Royales – Apollo 1953
8. Laundromat Blues – The “5″ Royales – Apollo 1953
9. Too Much Lovin’ – The “5″ Royales – Apollo 1953
10. I Do – The “5″ Royales – Apollo 1954
11. Monkey Hips And Rice – The “5″ Royales – King 1954
12. Tears Of Joy – The “5″ Royales – King 1957
13. GREAT 78 – Women About To Make Me Go Crazy – The “5″ Royales – King 1955
14. Think – The “5″ Royales – King 1957
15. Dedicated To The One I Love – The “5″ Royales – King 1957
16. The Slummer The Slum – The “5″ Royales – King 1958
17. Drunk, Drunk, Drunk – The Kidds – Imperial 1955
18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #041

Air Week Ends: February 20, 2011

Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson

This week, the “Juke In The Back” honors one of the greatest blues shouters of all-time, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson. He burst on the scene in 1944 with a cover of the Joe Turner classic, “Cherry Red Blues” as the vocalist for the Cootie Williams Orchestra. He remained with Cootie Williams until 1945, when Vinson cut out and formed his own orchestra. He signed with Mercury and scored the biggest hit of his career in 1947 with “Old Maid Boogie” and “Kidney Stew Blues.” He entered that R&B charts one more time in 1949 with the sequel to “Cherry Red Blues” with “Somebody Done Stole My Cherry Red.” For those in the know, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson is an R&B, jazz and blues shoutin’ treasure, but for those who missed the boat, he’s forgotten. Join Matt The Cat as we remember one of the all-time greats on the “Juke In The Back.”
1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. What’s Her Whimsey, Dr. Kinsey – Stomp Gordon – Mercury 1953
3. Queen Of Diamonds – Roy Brown – King 1955
4. Red Blues – Cootie Williams & His Orch. – Hit 1944
5. Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t – Cootie Williams & His Orch. – Hit 1944
6. Somebody’s Got To Go – Cootie Williams & His Orch. – Hit 1945
7. Juice Head Baby – Cootie Williams & His Orch – Capitol 1945
8. Cleanhead Blues – Eddie Vinson & His Orch. – Mercury 1946
9. Old Maid Blues – Eddie Vinson & His Orch. – Mercury 1947
10. Kidney Stew Blues – Eddie Vinson & His Orch – Mercury 1947
11. Oil Man Blues – Eddie Vinson & His Orch – Mercury 1947
12. I Took The Front Door In – Eddie Vinson & His Orch. – Mercury 1947
13. GREAT 78 – When A Woman Loves Her Juice – Eddie Vinson & His Orch. – Mercury 1946
14. Somebody Done Stole My Cherry Red – Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson – King 1949
15. Ashes On My Pillow – Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson – King 1950
16. Long John Blues – Dinah Washington – Mercury 1949
17. Short John – Dinah Washington – Mercury 1954
18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #040

Air Week Ends: February 13, 2011

Lucky Millinder

The “Juke In The Back” is loaded this week with records by one of R&B’s greatest and most underrated bandleaders, Lucky Millinder. He worked with vocalists as varied as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Wynonie Harris, Annisteen Allen, Bull Moose Jackson and Big John Greer, but Lucky Millinder is mostly forgotten by today’s audiences. Dizzy Gillespie actually played trumpet in Millinder’s Band in the early 1940s for a brief time. Even though Lucky Millinder is not remembered well today, his records certainly helped lay the foundation that would soon become Rock n’ Roll. Dig on some of greatest records, this week on the “Juke In The Back” with Matt The Cat.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Ease The Pain – Chuck Willis – Atlantic 1957
3. Bicycle Tillie – The Swallows – King 1953
4. Shout, Sister, Shout! – Lucky Millinder & His Orch – Decca 1941
5. When The Lights Go On Again (All Over The World) – Lucky Millinder & His Orch – Decca 1942
6. Apollo Jump – Lucky Millinder & His Orch – Decca 1943
7. Sweet Slumber – Lucky Millinder & His Orch – Decca 1943
8. Who Threw The Whiskey In The Well – Lucky Millinder & His Orch – Decca 1945
9. Shorty’s Got To Go – Lucky Millinder & His Orch – Decca 1946
10. D’ Natural Blues – Lucky Millinder & His Orch – RCA Victor 1949
11. Little Girl, Don’t Cry – Lucky Millinder & His Orch – RCA Victor 1949
12. GREAT 78 – Who Said Shorty Wasn’t Coming Back – Lucky Millinder & His Orch – King 1950
13. Oh Babe! – Lucky Millinder & His Orch – King 1950
14. I’ll Never Be Free – Lucky Millinder & His Orch – RCA Victor 1951
15. I’m Waiting Just For You – Lucky Millinder & His Orch – King 1951
16. Can’t Stand To See You Go – Jimmy Reed – Vee-Jay 1956
17. Under A Blanket Of Blue – The Cardinals – Atlantic 1954
18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #039

Air Week Ends: February 6, 2011

Specialty Records Pt. 3

This is the third and final part of “Juke In The Back”‘s tribute to Specialty Records. This week, host Matt The Cat looks at Specialty’s hit-making heyday of 1953-56, featuring Marvin & Johnny, John Lee Hooker, Jesse Belvin and Little Richard! The label’s founder, Art Rupe is finally getting inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall Of Fame this year. Rupe was a major force in presenting rhythm & blues to the masses and introducing the world to Little Richard, who’s musical impact is still being felt today. The birth of Rock n’ Roll can be traced back to Specialty Records, find out why on the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. She’s Been Gone – H-Bomb Ferguson – Specialty 1953
3. Drunk – Jimmy Liggins & His 3-D Music – Specialty 1953
4. One Room Country Shack – Mercy Dee Walton – Specialty 1953
5. Lucy Mae Blues – Frankie Lee Sims – Specialty 1953
6. Hole In The Wall – Floyd Dixon – Specialty 1953
7. Baby Doll – Marvin & Johnny – Specialty 1953
8. The Things That I Used To Do – Guitar Slim – Specialty 1954
9. No Room In The Hotel – The Chosen Gospel Singers – Specialty 1954
10. Touch The Hem Of His Garment – The Soul Stirrers – Specialty 1956
11. I’m Mad – John Lee Hooker – Specialty 1954
12. Something’s Going On In My Room – Daddy Cleanhead – Specialty 1954
13. GREAT 78 – I’m Your Best Bet Baby – Earl King – Specialty 1954
14. Zindy Lou – The Chimes – Specialty 1955
15. Where’s My Girl – Jesse Belvin – Specialty 1955
16. Nite Owl – Tony Allen & The Champs – Specialty 1955
17. Eternity – Ernest Kador – Specialty 1955
18. Tutti Frutti – Little Richard – Specialty 1955
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #038

Air Week Ends: January 30, 2011

Specialty Records Pt. 2

This week, the “Juke In The Back” is jumpin’ with records all hailing from the Specialty Label out of LA on part 2 of The Specialty Records Story. Matt The Cat digs up some gems from Specialty’s golden period of 1950-53 from Roy Milton & His Solid Senders, Lloyd Price, Jesse & Marvin, Percy Mayfield and gospel group, The Swan Silvertones. Lloyd Price even drops by the “Juke” to tell us how he first met Specialty owner Art Rupe and how “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” came to be recorded. Matt The Cat wraps up his series on Specialty Records next week, so dig it while the diggin’s good.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Information Blues – Roy Milton & His Solid Senders – Specialty 1949
3. Oh Babe! – Roy Milton & His Solid Senders – Specialty 1950
4. Money Blues – Camille Howard & Her Boy Friends- Specialty 1951
5. Please Send Me Someone To Love – Percy Mayfield – Specialty 1950
6. Strange Things Happening – Percy Mayfield – Specialty 1950
7. Everything’s Gonna Be All Right Tonight – King Perry & His Pied Pipers – Specialty 1950
8. I Can’t Lose With The Stuff I Use – Lester Williams – Specialty 1952
9. Wheel Of Fortune – The Four Flames – Specialty 1952
10. Best Wishes – Roy Milton & His Solid Senders – Specialty 1951
11. Lost Love – Percy Mayfield – Specialty 1951
12. Lawdy Miss Clawdy – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1952
13. GREAT 78 - Strange Angel – Amos Easton & His Orch. – Specialty 1951
14. Oooh! Oooh! Oooh! – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1952
15. Dream Girl – Jesse & Marvin – Specialty 1952
16. Wine Woogie – Marvin Phillips – Specialty 1952
17. Frantic – Frank Motley & His Crew – Specialty 1952
18. I’m Coming Home – The Swan Silvertones – Specialty 1953
19.After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #037

Air Week: January 23, 2011

Specialty Records Pt. 1

This week, the “Juke In The Back” is full of old records from one of the greatest record labels of all-time, Specialty Records. Art Rupe started the label in 1944 as Juke Box Records and at the age of 93, Rupe is FINALLY being inducted into the Rock Hall this year. Part 1 of this multi-part feature will focus on Specialty’s early years, featuring not only the enormous hits from Roy Milton & His Solid Senders, Jimmy Liggins, Camille Howard and Joe Liggins, but also the lesser known releases by The Sepia Tones, The Blues Woman, Big Maceo and more. Find out how this great label began on this week’s “Juke In The Back” with Matt The Cat.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Boogie #1 – Sepia Tones – Juke Box 1945
3. Voo-It! Voo-It! – The Blues Woman – Juke Box 1946
4. Ice Cream Freezer – The Blues Man – Juke Box 1946
5. R.M. Blues – Roy Milton & His Solid Senders – Juke Box 1946
6. Milton Boogie – Roy Milton & His Solid Senders – Juke Box 1946
7. Rockin’ Boogie – Joe Lutcher & His Society Cats – Specialty 1948
8. Teardrop Blues – Jimmy Liggins & His Drops Of Joy – Specialty 1948
9. Cadillac Boogie – Jimmy Liggins & His Drops Of Joy – Specialty 1948
10. X-Temporaneous Boogie – Camille Howard & Her Trio – Specialty 1948
11. You Don’t Love Me – Camille Howard & Her Trio – Specialty 1948
12. Fat Meat – Jim Wynn – Specialty 1947
13. GREAT 78 – Keep A Dollar In Your Pocket – Roy Milton & His Solid Senders – Specialty 1948
14. Big Maceo – Big City Blues – Specialty 1949
15. Hop, Skip, Jump – Roy Milton & His Solid Senders – Specialty 1948
16. Fiesta In Old Mexico – Camille Howard & Her Trio – Specialty 1949
17. Rag Mop – Joe Liggins & His Honeydrippers – Specialty 1950
18. Pink Champagne – Joe Liggins & His Honeydrippers – Specialty 1950
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #036

Airdate: January 16, 2011

T-Bone Walker

Drop a nickel in the ol’ Rockola Juke to hear one of the best selling and most influential bluesmen and guitarists of all-time, T-Bone Walker. This week’s show looks at how T-Bone’s immense guitar talent developed from his first recordings in the early 1940s to his breakthrough after WWII with the now classic, “Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday’s Just As Bad)” for Black & White Records. We’ll also get a taste of T-Bone’s work for the Cornet, Imperial and Atlantic labels. B. B. King, Ray Charles and Chuck Berry have all cited T-Bone Walker as a heavy influence. Find out why on this week’s “Juke In The Back” with Matt The Cat.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Daddy Rollin’ Stone – Otis Blackwell – Jay-Dee 1953
3. I’ll Wait For You – Ruth Brown – Atlantic 1951
4. Good Lovin’ – The Clovers – Atlantic 1953
5. T-Bone Blues – Les Hite & His Orch – Variety 1940
6. Mean Old World – T-Bone Walker – Capitol 1942
7. Bobby Sox Blues – T-Bone Walker With Jack McVea’s All-Stars- Black & White 1946
8. Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday’s Just As Bad) – T-Bone Walker – Black & White 1947
9. Long Skirt Baby Blues – T-Bone Walker – Black & White 1948
10. I’m Waitin’ For Your Call – T-Bone Walker – Black & White 1948
11. Midnight Blues – T-Bone Walker – Black & White 1948
12. West Side Baby – T-Bone Walker – Cornet 1948
13. GREAT 78 - Strollin’ With Bone – Imperial 1950
14. Description Blues – T-Bone Walker – Cornet 1949
15. The Hustle Is On – T-Bone Walker – Imperial 1950
16. Railroad Station Blues – T-Bone Walker – Imperial 1953
17. Papa Ain’t Salty – T-Bone Walker – Atlantic 1954
18. Wee Wee Hours – Chuck Berry – Chess 1955
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #035

Airdate: January 9, 2011

Early Jackie Wilson Plus The Sound Of Vocalese

Drop a nickel in the ol’ Rockola Juke for an hour of pre-rock rhythm & blues. This week, we feature the very first recordings made by Jackie Wilson. His first sides, cut as Sonny Wilson as well as leader of Billy Ward & His Dominoes from 1952-53 are in the spotlight. Everyone must start somewhere and these early recordings give us a glimpse of Jackie’s amazing power as a singer. Also, we examine the brief vocal jazz phenomenon known as Vocalese, which top-notch records from King Pleasure, Annie Ross and many more. Vocalese hit hard in 1952 and then virtually disappeared. Since many R&B records during this time were made with jazz musicians playing the sessions, it only makes sense to feature some jazz on the “Juke In The Back.”
1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Rock Bottom – Milt Trenier – RCA Victor 1953
3. This Is It – The Treniers – Okeh 1952
4. Looped – Calvin Boze – Aladdin 1952
5. Rainy Day Blues – Sonny Wilson (Jackie Wilson) – Dee Gee 1952
6. You Can’t Keep A Good Man Down – Billy Ward & His Dominoes – Federal 1953
7. Above Jacob’s Ladder – Billy Ward & His Dominoes – Federal 1954
8. Rags To Riches – Billy Ward & His Dominoes – King 1953
9. Until The Real Thing Comes Along – Billy Ward & His Dominoes – Federal 1953
10. One Moment With You – Billy Ward & His Domines – Federal 1957
11. Jump Jack Jump – Wynona Carr – Specialty 1956
12. Flat Foot Floogie – Slim Gaillard – Savoy 1945
13. GREAT 78 - Don’t You Know – Ray Charles – Atlantic 1954
14. Body & Soul – Eddie Jefferson – Hi-Lo 1952
15. Moody’s Mood For Love – King Pleasure – Prestige 1952
16. Twisted – Annie Ross – Prestige 1952
17. The Boss Is Back – Babs Gonzales – Savoy 1953
18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #034

Airdate: January 2, 2011

R&B Car Songs

The juke is jumpin’ with records focusing on classic R&B songs about cars.  The automobile is a “road tested” symbol of the American Dream.  We have all this land and the car gives us the freedom to get from one place to another.  We’ll dig on some tunes about Cadillacs, Buicks, Mercurys and Model Ts.  Plus, musicologists Billy Vera and Steve Propes drop by the “Juke In The Back” to make their cases that the first rock n’ roll song might have been about a car.  “Juke In The Back” focuses on the “soul that came before rock n’ roll,” the records that inspired Elvis, Buddy Holly, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and countless others.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Motorhead Baby – Chuck Higgins & The Mellotones – Combo 1951
3. No Money Down – Chuck Berry – Chess 1955
4. I Gotta New Car – Big Boy Groves & Band – Spark 1955
5. Buick 59 – Vernon Green & The Medallions – Dootone 1954
6. Push Button Automobile – Vernon Green & The Medallions – Dootone 1956
7. Fishtail Blues – Wynonie Harris – King 1955
8. T-Model Boogie – Rosco Gordon – 1951 (Prev. Unreleased)
9. Rocket 88 – Jackie Brenston & His Delta Cats – Chess 1951
10. Cadillac Boogie – Jimmy Liggins & His Drops Of Joy – Specialty 1947
11. Cadillac Song – The Ravens – National 1950
12. S’Cadillac – The Squires – Vita (Prev. Unreleased)
13. GREAT 78 – Heaven On Wheels – Richard Berry & The Locketts – Flip 1958
14. V-Eight Baby – Tommy Brown – Savoy 1951
15. Mercury Boogie – Hosie Dwine Craven – Mercury 1949 (Prev. Unreleased)
16. Too Many Drivers – Smiley Lewis – Imperial 1955
17. Automobiles – The Spaniels – 1958 (Prev. Unreleased)
18. Flat Tire – Del Vikings – Mercury 1958
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #033

Airdate: December 26, 2010

Christmas Leftovers & New Year’s Resolutions

Matt The Cat has dug up some more R&B Christmas treasures and added a few tunes about New Years for this week’s continuation of the “Juke In The Back” R&B Christmas Special. The holiday juke is jumpin’ with cool tunes by Big John Greer, Champion Jack Dupree, Lowell Fulson, The Moonglows, Marvin & Johnny and many more. The range of topics is wide, from dancing Santas to lonely Christmases to making up with your baby on New Year’s Eve. So get hungry for some Christmas leftovers and plan your New Year’s resolutions this week with Matt The Cat on the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Far Away Christmas Blues – Little Esther With The Johnny Otis Orch – Savoy 1950
3. It’s Christmas – Marvin & Johnny – Aladdin 1958
4. Santa Claus Blues – Champion Jack Dupree – Davis 1945
5. Santa Claus Got Stuck In My Chimney – Ella Fitzgerald – Decca 1950
6. We Wanna To See Santa Do The Mambo – Big John Greer – Groove 1955
7. Lonesome Christmas – Lowell Fulson – Swingtime 1950
8. Just A Lonely Christmas – The Moonglows – Chance 1953
9. I’ll Miss You This Christmas – Marvin & The Chips – Virginia 1955
10. Be Bop Santa Claus – Babs Gonzales – Bruce 1954
11. Mr. Santa’s Boogie – The Marshall Brothers – Savoy 1951
12 Wonderful Christmas Night – Dan Grissom – Jewel (Unissued) 1948
13. GREAT 78 - Merry Xmas – Little Willie Littlefield – Modern 1949
14. Hello, Mr. New Year – The Coolbreezers – Bale 1958
15. Happy New Year Baby – Johnny Otis & His Orch – Excelsior 1947
16. Ringing In A Brand New Year – Billy Ward & His Dominoes – Federal 1953
17. What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve – The Orioles – Jubilee 1950
18. The Christmas Song – King Cole Trio – Capitol 1946
19. White Christmas – Charlie Parker – Recorded Live, 12/25/1948

Episode #032

Airdate: December 19, 2010

Rhythm & Blues Christmas

The entire “Juke In The Back” is loaded with the greatest R&B Christmas records from the late 1940s and 1950s. It’s the yuletide soul that came before rock n’ roll. From the all-time classics by Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters and The Orioles to some rarer Christmas plattahs from Amos Milburn, JB Summers and The Five Keys. So grab some ‘nog and get groovin’.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Rockin N Rollin With Santa Claus – The Hepsters – Ronel 1955
3. Jingle Jangle – The Penguins – Mercury 1955
4. Christmas In Jail – The Youngsters – Empire 1956
5. Boogie Woogie Santa Claus – Mabel Scott – Excelsior 1948
6. Hey Santa Claus – The Moonglows – Chance 1953
7. Christmas Date Boogie – Joe Turner – Downbeat 1948
8. Dig That Crazy Santa Claus – Oscar McLollie – Modern 1954
9. Christmas In Heaven – Billy Ward & His Dominoes – Federal 1953
10. Christmas Spirits – Julia Lee & Her Boyfriends – Capitol 1947
11. Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer – The Cadillacs – Josie 1956
12. (It’s Gonna Be A) Lonely Christmas – The Orioles – Jubilee 1949
13. I Want A Present For Xmas – J.B. Summers & The Blues Shouters – Gotham 1949
14. GREAT 78 – Let’s Make Christmas Merry, Baby – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1950
15. Christmas Presents From Heaven – Solomon Burke – Apollo 1955
16. It’s Christmas Time – The Five Keys – Aladdin 1951
17. White Christmas – Clyde McPhatter & The The Drifters – Atlantic 1954
18. Merry Christmas Baby – Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers – Exclusive 1947
19. Silent Night – The Ravens – National 1948
20. White Christmas – Charlie Parker – Recorded Live, 12/25/1948

Episode #031

Airdate: December 12, 2010

R&B Novelty SongsThe juke is jumpin’ this week with a salute to the lighter side of classic 1950s rhythm and blues. These “novelty” R&B tunes come from jump blues masters from Louis Jordan to Bull Moose Jackson and all the side-splittin’ jive in-between. You’ll hear all about Richard Berry, Wynonie Harris, Andre Williams and Dusty Fletcher getting in trouble with the law as well as a wacky song about crazy food. Join Matt The Cat for a hilarious look at the “soul that came before rock n’ roll” on “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Dad Gum Ya Hide Boy – Louis Jordan – Aladdin 1954
3. Good Morning Judge – Wynonie Harris – King 1950
4. Gabbin’ Blues – Big Maybelle – Okeh 1953
5. Rubber Biscuit – The Chips – Josie 1956
6. Open The Door, Richard – Dusty Fletcher – National 1947
7. You’re The Greatest – Dallas Bartley – National 1947
8. Riot In Cell Block #9 – The Robins – Spark 1954
9. You Can’t Beat The Horses – Big Boy Groves – Vita 1956
10. I Must have Been An Ugly Baby – King Perry – Specialty 1951
11. Trio Mail Call – Emitt Slay Trio – Savoy 1953
12. Your Cash Ain’t Nothin’ But Trash – The Clovers – Atlantic 1954
13. Great 78 – Next Time – Richard Berry – Flair 1955
14. Who Drank My Beer, While I Was In The Rear – Dave Bartholomew – Imperial 1952
15. Jail bait – Andre Williams – Fortune 1957
16. Big Ten Inch Record – Bull Moose Jackson – King 1952
17. Beware – Louis Jordan – Decca 1946
18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #030

Airdate: December 5, 2010

Amos Milburn’s R&B Drinking Songs

The ol’ Rockola Juke is jumpin’.  Drop a nickel in and throw a few back with the “king of R&B drinking songs,” Amos Milburn.  We’ll hear all about “Bad, Bad Whiskey,” “Good, Good Whiskey,” “Vicious, Vicious Vodka” and many more of Milburn’s early ’50s rhythm and “booze” hits.  Plus, Big Mama Thornton tells us how she recorded the original “Hound Dog” with Johnny Otis in 1952.  This, however, was not the version that truly inspired Elvis.  We’ll hear the version that did and much, much more on this edition of “The Juke In The Back” with Matt The Cat.

1. Turn Me Loose – The Lamplighters – Federal 1953
2. Leo The Louse – Jackie Brenston – Chess 1951
3. Rollin’ Stone – The Marigolds – Excello 1955
4. Bad Bad Whiskty – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1950
5. Good Good Whiskey – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1954
6. Let Me Go Home, Whiskey – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1953
7. Vicious, Vicious Vodka – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1954
8. One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1953
9. Thinking And Drinking – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1952
10. Just One More Drink – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1951
11. Milk & Water – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1954
12. GREAT 78 – I Can’t Lose With The Stuff I Use – Lester Williams – Specialty 1952
13. Baby Please – The Prisonaires – Sun 1953
14. Will You Remember – Billy Ward & His Dominoes – Decca 1956
15. Hound Dog – Big Mama Thornton – Peacock 1953
16. Hound Dog – Freddie Bell & The Bellboys – Teen 1955
17. Caldonia – Chuck Willis – Okeh 1952
18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946 Episode #029

Episode #029

Airdate: November 28, 2010

Chuck Willis Pt. 2

“Juke” completes its 2 part special on the great Chuck Willis. This week, in part 2, we focus on Chuck’s amazing crossover success in the late 1950s with huge pop hits like “C. C. Rider,” “Betty And Dupree,” “What Am I Livin’ For” and “Hang Up My Rock n’ Roll Shoes.” Willis’ career ended with him on top after his tragic death in 1958 at the age of 30. Chuck Willis is one of the many underrated 1950s R&B performers. Pop audiences only remember him for a handful of tunes, yet he was extremely popular on the R&B-side of the 1950s. Each week, the “Juke In The Back” with Matt The Cat brings the music and stories of this oft forgotten part of American Music.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Bacon Fat – Andre Williams & His New Group – Fortune 1956
3. You Better Stop – Lavern Baker – Atlantic 1954
4. Keep A Knockin’ – Chuck Willis – Okeh – Orig. Unissued
5. Give And Take – Chuck Willis – Okeh 1954
6. Two Spoons Of Tears – Chuck Willis – Okeh 1956
7. It’s Too Late – Chuck Willis – Atlantic 1956
8. Juanita – Chuck Willis – Atlantic 1956
9. Whatcha’ Gonna Do When Your Baby Leaves You – Chuck Willis – Atlantic 1956
10. C. C. Rider – Chuck Willis – Atlantic 1957
11. Betty And Dupree – Chuck Willis – Atlantic 1958
12. What Am I Living For – Chuck Willis – Atlantic 1958
13. Hang Up My Rock n’ Roll Shoes – Chuck Willis – Atlantic 1958
14. My Life – Chuck Willis – Atlantic 1958
15. Keep A Drivin’ – Chuck Willis – Atlantic 1958
16. I Had A Love – The Flairs – Flair 1953
17. I Want To Cry – Savannah Churchill & The Four Tunes – Manor 1948 – #14
18. In Paradise – The Cookies – Atlantic 1956
19.After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #028

Airdate: November 21, 2010

Chuck Willis Pt. 1

This week, the “Juke” features part 1 of a 2 part special on the great and much underrated Chuck Willis. Most cats n’ chicks know Chuck’s 1957 smash “C. C. Rider,” but many are unfamiliar with the great records Chuck cut in the early 1950s. That’s a shame, because Willis was a rare talent in that he could sell a ballad as well if not better than his jump sides. He was also a fantastic songwriter, writing hits for Ruth Brown and The Clovers, just to name a few. Matt The Cat introduces you to the Okeh and Columbia sides of one of the greatest, this week on the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. The Honeydripper, Part 1 – Joe Liggins & His Honeydrippers – Exclusive 1945
3. The Honeydripper, Part 2 – Joe Liggins & His Honeydrippers – Exclusive 1945
4. Can’t You See – Chuck Willis – Columbia 1951
5. I Tried (To Get Along With You) – Chuck Willis – Okeh 1951
6. Let’s Jump Tonight – Chuck Willis – Okeh 1951
7. Loud Mouth Lucy – Chuck Willis Okeh 1952
8. My Story – Chuck Willis – Okeh 1952
9. Caldonia – Chuck Willis – Okeh 1952
10. Going To The River – Chuck Willis – Okeh 1953
11. Don’t Deceive Me – Chuck Willis – Okeh 1953
12. You’re Still My Baby – Chuck Willis – Okeh 1954
13. GREAT 78 – It’s Too Late Baby – Chuck Willis – Okeh 1951
14. I Feel So Bad – Chuck Willis – Okeh 1954
15. Money Blues – Camille Howard – Specialty 1951
16. Feelin’ Good – Little Junior’s Blue Flames – Sun 1953
17. Jam Up – Tommy Ridgley – Atlantic 1954
18. Jimmy’s Blues – Count Basie – Columbia 1945
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #027

Airdate: November 14, 2010

Professor Longhair

This week on The Juke In The Back: late Atlantic co-founder Ahmet Ertegun tells an amazing story about how the label came to sign Professor Longhair, we hear some of Jesse Belvin’s first records, a set of blazin’ R&B instrumentals and both sides of a rare vocal group record on Specialty. Matt The Cat also tells the story about one of the first black record label owners, John Dolphin. This is the “soul that came before rock n’ roll,” 1950s rhythm and blues at its best!

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Mighty, Mighty Man – Roy Brown – DeLuxe 1950
3. Chicken Shack Boogie – Aladdin 1949
4. Bald Head – Roy Byrd & His Blues Jumpers – Mercury 1950
5. Tipitina – Professor Longhair – Atlantic 1954
6. Ball The Wall – Professor Longhair – Atlantic Rec 1953, Rel 1972
7. This Joint’s Too Hip For Me – Betty Hall Jones – Capitol 1949
8. All That Wine Is Gone – Big Jay McNeely – Imperial 1951
9. Wine Woogie – Marvin Phillips – Specialty 1952
10. Dream Girl – Jesse & Marvin – Specialty 1952
11. All Night Long – Joe Houston – Money 1954
12. Great 78 – Hole In The Wall – Floyd Dixon – Specialty 1953
13. Jivin’ Around Pt. 1 – Ernie Freeman Combo – Cash 1955
14. Flamingo – Earl Bostic – King 1951
15.Young John Watson – Space Guitar – Federal 1954
16. She’s Gone – The Metronomes – Specialty 1953
17. That’s Bad – The Metronomes – Specialty 1953
18. Dimples – John Lee Hooker – Vee-Jay 1956
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #026

Airdate: November 7, 2010

Hadda Brooks

Hadda Brooks is one of the most talented boogie woogie musicians of all-time, yet her name doesn’t come up nearly as often as Pete Johnson, Champion Jack Dupree or Professor Longhair. That’s a shame! This week, the “Juke In The Back” sets the record straight with a heavy dose of the “Queen Of The Boogie.” All three of her R&B hits will be played as well as some of her tunes with Pete Johnson and Smokey Hogg. So grab a nickel, a glass of bourbon and your dancin’ shoes, as the “Juke In The Back” spotlights Hadda Brooks.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. You Better Believe It – Paul Gayten – Checker 1956
3. Bluesy Me – Dave Collins & The Scrubs – Imperial 1954
4. Swingin’ The Boogie – Hadda Brooks – Modern 1945
5. That’s My Desire – Hadda Brooks – Modern 1947
6. Out Of The Blue – Hadda Brooks – Modern 1948
7. Variety Boogie – Hadda Brooks & Pete Johnson – Modern 1948
8. What Have I Done? – Hadda Brooks – Modern 1948
9. Long Tall Mama – Smokey Hogg – Modern 1948
10. Little School Girl – Smokey Hogg – Modern 1950
11. Jump Back Honey – Hadda Brooks – Okeh 1952
12. All Night Long – Hadda Brooks – Okeh 1952
13. The Great 78 – Humoresque Boogie – Hadda Brooks – Modern 1947
14. Brooks Boogie – Hadda Brooks – Okeh 1953
15. Stinkin’ Drunk – Gene Phillips – Modern 1947
16. Such A Night – Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters – Atlantic 1954
17. Cuttin’ Out – Annie Laurie With The Paul Gayten Orch. – Regal 1949
18. Goodbye Baby – Little Caesar with Que Martyn & His Orch. – Recorded In Hollywood 1952
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #025

Airdate: October 31, 2010

The Duke/Peacock Records StoryThis week, the entire “Juke In The Back” is loaded with records from the catalog of Duke/Peacock Records. Don Robey started Peacock in 1949 in order to record Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, whom he also managed. In 1953, Robey took over Duke Records (which was owned by David J. Mattis and Bill Fitzgerald) and a R&B empire was born. Matt The Cat shares the history and music, which features some of the greatest R&B talents of all-time, including: Bobby “Blue” Bland, Johnny Ace, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Big Mama Thornton, Junior Parker and more.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Atomic Energy – Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown – Peacock 1950
3. Mary Is Fine – Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown – Peacock 1950
4. I’m So Worried – Floyd Dixon – Peacock 1950
5. Sad Journey Blues – Floyd Dixon – Peacock 1950
6. My Song – Johnny Ace – Duke 1952
7. Hound Dog – Willie Mae Thornton With Kansas City Bill’s Orch. – Peacock 1953
8. Rock-A-Bye Baby – Big Mama Thornton – Peacock 1952
9. No Blow, No Show – Bobby “Blue” Bland – Duke 1953
10. How Deep Is The Ocean – The Sultans – Duke 1954
11. I Wanna Ramble – Little Junior Parker – Duke 1955
12. Pledging My Love – Johnny Ace With the Johnny Otis Orch. – Duke 1955
13. Great 78 – Nightmare – Willie Mae Thornton – Peacock 1953
14. Little Richard’s Boogie – Little Richard w/ The Johnny Otis Orch. – Peacock 1956
15. Pack Fair And Square – Big Walter & His Thunderbirds – Peacock 1956
16. Next Time You See Me – Little Junior Parker – Duke 1957
17. Dance With Me – El Torros – Duke 1957
18. Farther Up The Road – Bobby “Blue” Bland – Duke 1957
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #024

Airdate: October 24, 2010

Solomon Burke: His First Recordings (1955-1960)

We lost the great “King Of Rock & Soul,” Solomon Burke on 10/10/10. This week, in honor of Burke, the “Juke In The Back” is loaded with his very first recordings from 1955 to 1960. As a teenager in Philadelphia, Burke was recording for Apollo Records in NYC, but none of his nine Apollo singles charted. He then cut two singles for the Singular Label before his fortunes turned around and he began recording with Atlantic Records. You won’t hear anything that will blow you mind from Burke’s early recordings, but they all have a quality that would stick with him for the rest of his career. Hear how the “Bishop Of Soul” evolved into the giant he became on this week’s “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Too Much Lovin’ – The “5″ Royales – Apollo 1953
3. Be Baba Leba – Helen Humes With Bill Doggett Octet – Philo 1945
4. Just Out Of Reach (Of My Two Open Arms) – Solomon Burke – Atlantic 1961
5. Christmas Presents From Heaven – Solomon Burke – Apollo 1955
6. Why Do Me That Way – Solomon Burke – Apollo 1956
7. To Thee – Solomon Burke – Apollo 1956
8. No Man Walks Alone – Solomon Burke – Apollo 1956
9. A Picture Of You – Solomon Burke – Apollo 1956
10. This Is It – Solomon Burke – Apollo 1957
11. For You And You Alone – Solomon Burke – Apollo 1957
12. My Heart Is A Chapel – Solomon Burke – Apollo 1958
13. Great 78 – Don’t Cry – Solomon Burke – Apollo 1958
14. It’s All Right – Solomon Burke – Singular 1959
15. This Little Ring – Solomon Burke – Singular 1960 & Mala 1960
16. Don’t Blame It On Me – Fats Domino – Imperial 1956
17. Don’t Feel Sorry For Me – Jimmy Beasley – Modern 1956
18. Flying Home – Lionel Hampton & His Orch. – Decca 1942
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #023

Airdate: October 17, 2010

Ivory Joe Hunter Pt. 2

The “Juke” continues its feature on Ivory Joe Hunter this week with part 2 of 2. On this week’s show, Matt The Cat looks at Hunter’s successful run of hits from 1950-1958, including his biggest crossover success with “Since I Met You Baby” and “Empty Arms.” You’ll also get to hear a live performance of “Since I Met You Baby” performed on the Ed Sullivan Show from 1957! Ivory Joe Hunter had 21 hit R&B records from 1945-1958. Last week, you heard all of his charting hits from the 1940s and this week, we complete the series with all of his hits from the 1950s. Finally, this versatile R&B and Country performer gets the recognition that he so rightfully deserves on the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Looped – Melvin Smith – RCA Victor 1952
3. Roll Em – Mitzi Mars – Checker 1953
4. I Almost Lost My Mind – Ivory Joe Hunter – MGM 1950
5. I Quit My Pretty Mama – Ivory Joe Hunter – King 1950
6. S.P. Blues – Ivory Joe Hunter – MGM 1950 – #9, Feb, 50
7. I Need You So – Ivory Joe Hunter – MGM 1950
8. It’s A Sin – Ivory Joe Hunter – MGM 1950
9. It May Sound Silly – Ivory Joe Hunter & His Ivorytones – Atlantic 1955
10. A Tear Fell – Ivory Joe Hunter & His Ivorytones – Atlantic 1956
11. Since I Met You Baby – Ivory Joe Hunter – Atlantic 1956
12. Empty Arms – Ivory Joe Hunter – Atlantic 1957
13. Great 78 – Since I Met You Baby (Live On Ed Sullivan) – Ivory Joe Hunter – Aired, Jan 20, 1957
14. Love’s A Hurtin’ Game – Ivory Joe Hunter – Atlantic 1957
15. Yes I Want You – Ivory Joe Hunter – Atlantic 1958
16. Hittin’ On Me – Buddy Johnson & His Orch. With Ella Johnson – Mercury 1953
17. Everybody’s Whalin’ – Huey “Piano” Smith & His Rhythm Aces – Ace 1956
18. (Now And Then There’s) A Fool Such As I – The Robins – RCA Victor 1953
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #022

Airdate: October 10, 2010

Ivory Joe Hunter – Part 1

This week, the “Juke In The Back” spotlights one of the most underrated hit-makers of the 1940s and ’50s, Ivory Joe Hunter.  Today, most people only know a handful of Hunter’s hits, but between the years 1945-1958, he scored 21 R&B hits.  He was a prolific piano player who constantly blurred the lines between rhythm & blues and country & western music and was very successful for it.  This week, Matt The Cat plays all of his charting hits from the 1940s.  Next week on part 2, Matt will featuring all of Hunter’s hits from the 1950s.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Honkin’ At Midnight – Frank Motley & The Crew – Big Town 1955
3. Mary Ann – Ray Charles – Atlantic 1956
4. Ofay And Oxford Gray – Louis Jordan – Decca 1945
5. Blues At Sunrise – Ivory Joe Hunter With Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers – Exclusive 1945
6. Pretty Mama Blues – Ivory Joe Hunter – Pacific 1948
7. Don’t Fall In Love With Me – Ivory Joe Hunter – King 1948
8. What Did You Do To Me – Ivory Joe Hunter – King 1948
9. I Like It – Ivory Joe Hunter – King 1948
10. Waiting In Vain – Ivory Joe Hunter – King 1949
11. Blues At Midnight – Ivory Joe Hunter – 4 Star 1949
12. Guess Who – Ivory Joe Hunter – King 1949
13. Great 78 – Landlord Blues – Ivory Joe Hunter – King 1949
14. Jealous Heart – Ivory Joe Hunter – King 1949
15. Sick And Tired – Chris Kenner – Imperial 1957
16. Comin’ On – The Clovers – Atlantic 1953
17. I Can’t Hold Out Any Longer – Lavern Baker – Atlantic 1954
18. Million Dollar Bills – Robert & Johnny – Old Town 1956
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #021

Airdate: October 3, 2010

Titus Turner

The “Juke In The Back” spotlights two extremely underrated R&B pioneers this week: Titus Turner and saxophonist Buddy Lucas. Turner recorded some amazing R&B sides for Regal, Okeh, Wing, King and many other top labels, but he just couldn’t score a sizable hit on his own. Today he is mostly remembered as a songwriter and his songs were hits by the likes of Little Willie John (“All Around The World,” “Leave My Kitten Alone”) and Ray Charles (“Sticks And Stones,” “Get On The Right Track”). Buddy Lucas is mostly remembered today as a great session player, but he scored a few hits under his own name in the early 1950s for the Jubilee Label. Matt The Cat tells their stories and plays some of their greatest sides. Hear what you’ve been missing on this week’s “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Oop Shoop – Shirley Gunter & The Queens – Flair 1954
3. Big Foot May – Hal Paige – Atlantic 1953
4. Stop Trying To Make A Fool Of Me – Titus Turner – Regal 1951
5. Got So Much Trouble – Titus Turner – Okeh 1952
6. Jambalaya – Titus Turner – Okeh 1952
7. Livin’ In Misery – Titus Turner – Okeh 1953
8. (Going Down To) Big Mary’s – Titus Turner – Okeh 1953
9. My Lonely Room – Titus Turner – Okeh 1954
10. All Around The World – Titus Turner – Wing 1955
11. Sweet And Slow – Titus Turner – Wing 1955
12. Have Mercy Baby – Titus Turner – King 1957
13. GREAT 78 – Big John – Titus Turner – Wing 1955
14. Diane – Bobby Lucas & His Band Of Tomorrow – Jubilee 1951
15. Heavenly Father – Edna McGriff With Bobby Lucas & His Band Of Tomorrow – Jubilee 1952
16. My Pinch Hitter – Bobby Lucas Feat. Almeda Stewart – Groove 1954
17. 7-11 – The Gone All Stars Featuring Bobby Lucas – Gone 1958
18. Night Train – The Bobby Lucas Band – Vim 1960
19. I Will Return – The Cobras – Modern 1955
20. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #020

Airdate: September 26, 2010

Billy Stewart

Many 1960s soul legends had their start in 1950s R&B and this week, the “Juke In The Back” takes a listen to Billy Stewart’s early records for the Chess and Okeh labels. You can really hear Stewart’s distinctive singing style develop on his early recordings with Bo Diddley’s band providing the musical backing and the DC vocal group The Marquees (Marvin Gaye was a member) singing behind him. We’ll also spend a few days in jail as Matt The Cat spins a few “prison song” 78s. There are other surprises as well, so don’t miss this week’s “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Rockin’ At Cosmo’s – Lee Allen – Aladdin 1956
3. Mary Lou – Young Jesse & The Cadets – Modern 1955
4. Love Is Stange – Bo Diddley – Prev. Unreleased 1956
5. Billy’s Blues Part 1 – Billy Stewart – Chess 1956
6. Billy’s Blues Part 2 – Billy Stewart – Chess 1956
7. Billy’s Heartache – Billy Stewart – Okeh 1957
8. Baby, You’re My Only Love – Billy Stewart – Okeh 1957
9. Fat Boy – Billy Stewart – Chess 1962
10. Shirley – The Rainbows – Pilgrim 1956
11. Ten Days In Jail – The Robins – RCA Victor 1953
12. Jailhouse Blues – Andre Williams – Fortune 1958
13. A Prisoner’s Prayer – The Prisonaires – Sun 1953
14. GREAT 78 - Please Mr. Jailer – Wynona Carr – Specialty 1956
15. Prison Blues – T-Bone Walker – Capitol 1947
16. Need Your Love So Bad – Little Willie John – King 1955
17. Little Maiden – The Chords – Cat 1954
18. Baby It’s You – The Spaniels – Vee-Jay 1953
19. Three Hours Past Midnight – Johnny “Guitar” Watson – RPM 1956
20. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #019

Airdate: September 19, 2010

Lloyd Price

Lloyd Price joins Matt The Cat in the “Juke In The Back” this week to discuss his early career on Specialty Records and the recording of “Lawdy Miss Clawdy.”  Lloyd paints a picture of New Orleans during the early 1950s that you won’t hear anywhere else.  Mr. Price also gives us the “story behind the story” on how he wrote “Just Because” and how is cousin Larry Williams tried to take it away from him.   His greatest records from 1952-3 are also featured on this very special edition of the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. She’s My Baby – Fats Domino – Imperial 1950
3. That’s How You Got Killed Before – Dave Bartholomew – Imperial 1950
4. Lloyd Price Interview 1 – Lloyd Price & Matt The Cat
5. Lawdy Miss Clawdy – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1952
6. Mailman Blues – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1952
7. Lloyd Price Interview 2 – Lloyd Price & Matt The Cat
8. Ooh, Ooh, Ooh – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1952
9. Restless Heart – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1952
10. Ain’t It A Shame? – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1953
11. Tell Me Pretty Baby – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1953
12. Great 78 – Where You At? – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1953
13. What’s The Matter Now? – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1953
14. Lloyd Price Interview 3 – Lloyd Price & Matt The Cat
15. So Long – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1953
16. Lloyd Price Interview 4 – Lloyd Price & Matt The Cat
17. Just Because – Lloyd Price – KRC 1956 & ABC/Paramount 1957
18. I Didn’t Want To Do It – The Spiders – Imperial 1954
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #018

Airdate: September 12, 2010

Trumpet Records

Matt The Cat & The “Juke In The Back” feature a look at one of most significantlittle record labels in history: Trumpet Records. Based in Jackson, MS, Trumpet only lasted for 5 years and only scored one national hit (Elmore James’ “Dust My Broom,” but they recorded some of the greatest delta blues artists.  Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller) began his career on Trumpet, while Arthur Crudup’s Trumpet sides came after his enormous success on RCA Victor.  Blues legend Big Joe Williams also recorded for Lillian McMurry’s little Mississippi label.  So get the “story behind the story” of Trumpet Records on this week’s “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947

2. Lovin’ Machine – Wynonie Harris With Todd Rhodes Orch. – King 1951

3. Insect Ball – Big Jay McNeely – Imperial 1951

4. Rolli Polli – Chuck Berry – Chess 1955

5. Dust My Broom – Elmo James – Trumpet 1952

6. Catfish Blues – Elmo James (Bobo Thomas) – Trumpet 1952

7. Pontiac Blues – Sonny Boy Williamson – Trumpet 1951

8. Eyesight To The Blind – Sonny Boy Williamson – Trumpet 1951

9. Everybody’s Fishing – Willie Love & His Three Aces – Trumpet 1951

10. Dirty Disposition – Luther Huff – Trumpet 1951

11. Mama Don’t Allow Me – Big Joe Williams – Trumpet 1951

12. GREAT 78 – Hot Fish – Sherman “Blues” Johnson & His Clouds Of Joy – Trumpet 1953

13. Gonna Find My Baby – Elmer James (Arthur Crudup) – Trumpet 1952

14. Wine O Wine – Jerry “Boogie” McCain – Trumpet 1953

15. Too Old To Get Married – Wally Mercer – Trumpet 1954

16. City Of New Orleans – Sonny Boy Williamson – 1953

17. You Never Had It So Good – The Checkers – King 1953

18. Mystery Train – Little Junior’s Blue Flames – Sun 1953

19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #017

Airdate: September 5, 2010

Ray Charles: The 1953 Rehearsal Tapes

The “Juke In The Back” features the legendary Ray Charles 1953 rehearsal tapes.  This is Ray at his most raw as he learns some new tunes that he will soon record at his second Atlantic session.  These rehearsal tapes represent Ray at a crossroads in his early career as he begins to develop his own unique musical style.  Up to this point, Ray had been emulating his idols, Charles Brown and Nat King Cole.  Matt The Cat also shares an interview with Ahmet Ertegun, who explains how he came to sign Ray Charles to Atlantic Records in 1952.  The R&B music featured on the “Juke In The Back” directly effected the birth of rock n’ roll and the course of American music history.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947

2. The Train Kept A-Rollin’ – Tiny Bradshaw – King 1951

3. Oooh-Wow – Roy Montrell – Specialty 1956

4. When I Leave These Prison Walls – The Larks – Apollo 1951

5. Truckin’ Little Woman – Willie Nix – Chess 1952

6. Ahmet Ertegun On Ray Charles Interview – Ahmet Ertegun With Matt The Cat – 2004

7. Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953

8. Unknown Title – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953

9. Piano Improvisation & Dialog #1 – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953

10. “Losing Hand” & Dialog #1 – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953

11. “Heartbreaker” & Dialog – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953

12. “Losing Hand” & Dialog #4 (w/ reverb) – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953

13. “It Should Have Been Me” & Dialog – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953

14. Mess Around -  Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953

15. Funny (But I Still Love You – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953

16. GREAT 78 – Funny (But I Still Love You) – Ray Charles – Atlantic 1954

17. Sinner’s Prayer – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953

18. Boogie Woogie – Ray Charles – Prev. Unreleased 1953

19. Christine – Little Hank & The Rhythm Kings – Rhythm & Range 1956

20. I’ll Wait For You – Ruth Brown – Atlantic 1951 – #3

21. Loch Lomond – The Four Rockets – Aladdin 1948

22. Bring It To Jerome – Bo Diddley – Checker 1955

23. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #016

Airdate: August 29, 2010

Howlin’ Wolf’s Memphis Beginnings

This week, the “Juke In The Back” focuses on the great Howlin’ Wolf’s earliest recordings. Before he became a huge star on Chess Records in Chicago, Wolf was a local celebrity in Memphis, recording with Sam Phillips (before Phillips started Sun Records). Matt The Cat spins Wolf’s demo acetates and his 1951 recordings, some of which Phillips sold to RPM Records in LA and others he sold to Chess in Chicago. Howlin’ Wolf was a mammoth man in both voice and stature and you’ll hear how it all began on the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Pachuko Hop – Chuck Higgins & His Mellotones – Combo 1952
3. New Orleans Blues – Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers – Exclusive 1947
4. Cherry Red – Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson & His Orch – Mercury 1946
5. Howlin’ Wolf Talks, No. 1 – Howlin’ Wolf – Chess Box 1991
6. Baby Ride With Me (Ridin’ In The Moonlight) (Demo Acetate) – Howlin’ Wolf – 1951
7. Riding In The Moonlight – Howlin’ Wolf – RPM 1951
8. How Many More Years (Demo Acetate) – Howlin’ Wolf – 1951
9. How Many More Years – Howlin’ Wolf – Chess 1951
10. Moanin’ At Midnight – Howlin’ Wolf – RPM 1951
11. Moanin’ At Midnight – Howlin’ Wolf – Chess 1951
12. GREAT 78 – Mr. Highway Man – Howlin’ Wolf – Chess 1952
13. Passing By Blues – Howlin’ Wolf – RPM 1951
14. Crying At Daybreak – Howlin’ Wolf – RPM 1951
15. Wolf Is At Your Door – Howlin’ Wolf – Chess 1952
16. Howlin’ Wolf Boogie – Howlin’ Wolf – Chess 1952
17. Why – Shirley Gunter & The Queens – Flair 1955
18. T.J. Boogie – T.J. Fowler – National 1949
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #015

Airdate: August 22, 2010

The Excello Records Story

Drop a nickel in the ol’ Rockola Juke as Matt The Cat dedicates the entire hour to the great little Nashville R&B label, Excello Records. Ernie Young started Excello as a sister label to his Nashboro Label and both labels were housed in his Ernie’s Record Mart building in Nashville. For a city mostly known for Country Music, Nashville sure had a lot of great R&B acts and we’re going to hear some of ‘em this week. From The Marigolds to Arthur Gunter to Slim Harpo, Excello’s fantastic R&B catalog is in the spotlight on the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Step By Step – The Boyer Brothers – Excello 1952
3. Wail Daddy – The Charlie Dowell Orch. With Willie Lee Patton – Excello 1953
4. Down South In Birmingham – Del Thorne & Her Trio – Excello 1953
5. Skip’s Boogie – Kid King’s Combo – Excello 1953
6. Banana Split – Kid King’s Combo – Excello 1953
7. Drive Soldier Drive – “Little Maxie” Bailey – Excello 1953
8. I’m Your Country Man – Shy Guy Douglas – Excello 1953
9. Drivin’ Down The Highway – The Blue Flamers – Excello 1954
10. Baby Let’s Play House – Arthur Gunter – Excello 1954
11. It’s Love Baby (24 Hours A Day) – Earl Gaines With Louis Brooks & His Hi-Toppers – Excello 1955
12. Rollin’ Stone – The Marigolds – Excello 1955
13. GREAT 78 – Congo Mambo – Guitar Gable – Excello 1956
14. Calling All Cows – The Blues Rockers – Excello 1955
15. My Mumblin’ Baby – Rudy Green – Excello 1956
16. Pleadin’ For Love – Larry Birdsong – Excello 1956
17. Chicken Hearted Woman – Clarence Samuels – Excello 1956
18. Little Darlin’ – The Gladiolas – Excello 1957
19. I’m A King Bee – Slim Harpo – Excello 1957
20. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #014

Airdate: August 15, 2010

Before Motown

The entire “Juke In The Back” this week features Motown’s biggest acts, BEFORE there even was a Motown Records and before those acts were household names. Matt The Cat spins the earliest records by The Miracles (1958), The Four Tops (1956), The Supremes (as The Primettes) and many more. Marvin Gaye’s first recordings with The Marquees are discussed with fellow group member, Reese Palmer. You’ll get the real story behind the story as to how DC’s Marquees became the “new” Moonglows as well as hear the original Bo Diddley produced version of the Marquees’ “Wyatt Earp,” which Okeh Records wouldn’t release. All this and more on this week’s, “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. Whistle My Love – The Pips – Brunswick 1958
3. Every Beat Of My Heart – The Pips – Huntom 1961 & Vee-Jay 1961
4. Could It Be You? – Four Tops – Chess 1956
5. Woke Up This Morning – Four Tops – Chess 1956 – PREV UNRELEASED
6. Got A Job – The Miracles – End 1958
7. Money – The Miracles – End 1958
8. Tears Of Sorrow – The Primettes (The Supremes) – Lu Pine 1960
9. I’ll Let You Know – Del-Phis (Martha & The Vandellas)– Checkmate 1961
10. You – Eddie Holland – Mercury 1958
11. Moments To Remember You By – The Romeos (Lamont Dozier) – Fox 1957, Atco 1958
12. Shock – Briant Holland (Brian Holland) – Kudo 1958
13. Roll On – Futuretones (Edwin Starr) – Tress 1957
14. GREAT 78: Come On – The Distants (Temptations) – Northern 1960 & Warwick 1960
15. I know – Futuretones (Edwin Starr) – Tress 1957
16. Wyatt Earp (1rst Version) – The Marquees (Marvin Gaye) – Okeh 1958 – PREV UNRELEASED
17. Wyatt Earp – The Marquees (Marvin Gaye) – Okeh 1958
18. Mama Loochie – Harvey & The Moonglows (Marvin Gaye) – Chess 1959
19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #013

Airdate: August 8, 2010

Flamingos On Chance

The “Juke In The Back” jumps and grooves this week as Matt The Cat features both sides of all six single releases for The Flamingos on Chance Records in 1953-54. These are The Flamingos very first recordings and most of them feature the amazing Sollie McElroy on lead tenor. The Flamingos would become known as one of the greatest and smoothest sounding R&B vocal groups of the 1950s and would achieve cross-over success by the end of the decade. You’ll hear how it all began, this week on the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. How Can You Leave A Man Like This – Lavern Baker – Atlantic 1953
3. Tryin’ To Get To You – The Eagles – Mercury 1954
4. Someday, Someway – Flamingos – Chance 1953
5. If I Can’t Have You – Flamingos – Chance 1953
6. That’s My Desire – Flamingos – Chance 1953
7. Hurry Home Baby – Flamingos – Chance 1953
8. Golden Teardrops – Flamingos – Chance 1953
9. Carried Away – Flamingos – Chance 1953
10. Plan For Love – Flamingos – Chance 1953
11. You Ain’t Ready – Flamingos – Chance 1953
12. Cross Over The Bridge – Flamingos – Chance 1954
13. Listen To My Plea – Flamingos – Chance 1954
14. Blues In A Letter – Flamingos – Chance 1954
15. Jump Children – Flamingos – Chance 1954
16. Lucille – Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters – Atlantic 1954
17. Lucille – Joe Turner – Imperial 1950
18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #012

Airdate: August 1, 2010

Big Joe Turner Pt. 2

This week, we continue our salute to the great blues shouter, Big Joe Turner with part 2 of 2.  The show opens in 1951, with Turner’s first recording session for his new label, Atlantic and continues through to his cross-over pop success in 1956.  This is the most successful stretch in Joe Turner’s long recording career.  He would score 19 R&B hits during the 1950s and only 1 of them would ever touch the pop top 50.  Matt The Cat talks to the late Ahmet Ertegun about signing Turner to Atlantic and James Austin talks to the late Joe Turner about signing with that great label.  Joe Turner’s records almost single-handedly invented rock n’ roll, so don’t miss this great tribute to one of America’s true blues treasures.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947

2. Shake, Rattle & Roll – Joe Turner & His Blues Kings – Atlantic 1954

3. MTC Interview With Ahmet Ertegun – 2005

4. Chains Of Love – Joe Turner w/ Van “Piano Man” Walls & His Orch. – Atlantic 1951

5. Chill Is On – Joe Turner w/ Van “Piano Man” Walls & His Orch. – Atlantic 1951

6. Sweet Sixteen – Joe Turner w/ Van “Piano Man” Walls & His Orch. – Atlantic 1952

7. I’ll Never Stop Loving You – Joe Turner w/ Van “Piano Man” Walls & His Orch. 1952

8. Don’t You Cry – Joe Turner W/ Van “Piano Man” Walls & His Orch. – Atlantic 1952

9. Big JT Interview With James Austin – KCSN “Bop Street” 1983

10. Honey Hush – Joe Turner & His Band – Atlantic 1953 – #1, Fall of 53

11. Crawdad Hole – Joe Turner & His Band – Atlantic 1953

12. TV Mama – Joe Turner & His Blues Kings (with Elmore James) – Atlantic 1954

13. GREAT 78: Oke-She-Moke-She-Pop – Joe Turner & His Blues Kings – Atlantic 1954

14. Married Woman – Joe Turner & His Blues Kings– Atlantic 1954

15. Flip, Flop & Fly – Joe Turner & His Blues Kings – Atlantic 1955

16. Hide & Seek – Joe Turner & His Blues Kings – Atlantic 1955

17. Corrine Corrina – Joe Turner w/ Chorus & Orch. – Atlantic 1956

18. You’re Driving Me Crazy (What Did I Do?) – Joe Turner – Atlantic 1956 –

19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #011

Airdate: July 25, 2010

Big Joe Turner Pt. 1

This week, the “Juke In The Back” is loaded with nothing but the great recordings of Big Joe Turner, the “Boss Of The Blues.”  Part one covers Joe Turner’s early years from his Kansas City beginnings to his big breakthrough in NYC at the first “From Spirituals To Swing” show in 1938 to just before he signed to Atlantic Records in 1951.  Turner recorded for many different labels during the 1940s and we’re going to feature the best, including his classics “Roll ‘Em Pete,” “Cherry Red,” “Careless Love,” “SK Blues” and many more.  The show also features interview clips with the late Joe Turner taken from a classic 1982 James Austin interview.  Next week, we’ll have part two and feature Joe Turner’s highly successful 1950s recordings that led up to the birth of rock n’ roll.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947

2. Well All Right – Joe Turner – Atlantic 1954

3. Big JT Interview Segment #1 – Big Joe Turner & James Austin – 1983

4. Roll ‘Em Pete – Joe Turner & Pete Johnson – Vocalion 1938

5. Low Down Dog – Joe Turner With Pete Johnson – Live “From Spirituals To Swing” 1938

6. Cherry Red – Pete Johnson & His Boogie Woogie Boys – Vocalion 1939

7. Big JT Interview Segment #2 – Big Joe Turner & James Austin – 1983

8. Café Society Rag – Pete Johnson & His Boogie Woogie Boys – Vocalion 1939

9. Piney Brown Blues – Joe Turner & His Fly Cats – Decca 1940

10. Careless Love – Big Joe Turner – Decca 1941

11. Rocks In My Bed – Joe Turner With The Freddie Slack Trio – Decca 1941

12. S.K. Blues Pt. 1 – Joe Turner w/ Pete Johnson’s All Stars – National 1945

13. GREAT 78 – Rebecca – Big Joe Turner & The Pete Johnson Trio – Decca 1944

14. My Gal’s A Jockey – Joe Turner w/ Bill Moore’s Lucky Seven Band – National 1946

15. Battle Of The Blues Pt. 1 & 2 – Joe Turner & Wynonie Harris – Aladdin 1949 & 1953

16. Jumpin’ At The Jubilee – Joe Turner – Freedom 1950

17. Still In The Dark – Joe Turner – Freedom 1950

18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #010

Airdate: July 18, 2010

The “Juke In The Back” is jumpin’ this week as we take a look at the history and influence of the Champion Jack Dupree classic, “Junker’s Blues.”  He learned the tune from New Orleans boogie woogie pianist Drive ‘Em Down, but it was Dupree’s recording that influenced Fats Domino, Lloyd Price and Professor Longhair.  We’ll also make some long distance rhythm & blues phone calls from Floyd Dixon, Sonny Terry, Muddy Waters and Big Walter. Grab a nickel and dig on the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947

2. I’m Tore Up – Billy Gayles – Federal 1956

3. Teardrops From My Eyes – Ruth Brown – Atlantic 1950

4. Crying Won’t Help You – BB King – RPM 1956

5. Hucklebuck With Jimmy – Five Keys – Aladdin 1951

6. Tempting – The Moonglows – Chess 1954

7. Junker’s Blues – Champion Jack Dupree – Okeh 1941

8. The Fat Man – Fats Domino – Imperial 1949

9. Lawdy Miss Clawdy – Lloyd Price – Specialty 1952

10. Tipitina – Professor Longhair – Atlantic 1954

11. Junker’s Blues – Champion Jack Dupree – Atlantic 1958

12. GREAT 78: I’m Still In Love With You – T-Bone Walker – Comet 1948

13. Telephone Is Ringing – Pee Wee Crayton – Vee-Jay 1956

14. Telephone Blues – Floyd Dixon With Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers – Aladdin 1950

15. Calling Margie – Big Walter & His Thunderbirds – TNT 1955

16. Call Operator 210 – Floyd Dixon – Aladdin 1952

17. Long Distance Call – Muddy Waters – Chess 1951

18. Telephone Blues – Sonny Terry – Capitol 1950

19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #009

Airdate: July 11, 2010

Deacon Jones & Fanny Brown

This week, we take a look at two of the most famous “characters” from 1940s and ’50s R&B: Deacon Jones and Fanny Brown.  Sometimes these two were referenced in the same song, as in “Good Rockin’ Tonight” and sometimes they got their own songs, as in Louis Jordan’s “Deacon Jones” and Roy Brown’s “Miss Fanny Brown.”  Matt The Cat gets the story behind the story on these two R&B mainstays on the Juke In The Back.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947

2. Deacon Jones – Louis Jordan & His Tympani Five – Decca 1943

3. Who Threw The Whiskey In The Well – Lucky Millinder Feat. Wynonie Harris – Decca 1945

4. I know Who Threw The Whiskey In The Well – Bull Moose Jackson – Queen 1946

5. Fare Thee Well, Deacon Jones – Bull Moose Jackson – King 1947

6. Good Rockin’ Tonight – Wynonie Harris – King 1947

7. Deacon’s Hop – Big Jay McNeely – Savoy 1949

8. Deacon Jones – The Orioles – Jubilee 1949

9. Double Faced Deacon – Tommy Brown – Savoy 1951

10. The Deacon Moves In – Little Esther & The Dominoes – Federal 1951

11. The Deacon Don’t Like It – Wynonie Harris – King 1953

12  GREAT 78: Rockin’ At Midnight – Roy Brown – De-Luxe 1949

13. Miss Fanny Brown – Roy Brown – DeLuxe 1947

14. Miss Fanny Brown Returns – Roy Brown – DeLuxe 1948

15. I Want My Fanny Brown – Wynonie Harris – King 1949

16. Fannie Brown Got Married – Roy Brown – King 1954

17. Miss Fannie Brown – Chester Guyden – OJ 1957

18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #008

Airdate: July 4, 2010

4th Of July Special on R&B Songs About Food

What’s more American than celebrating America’s birthday with some good ol’ red, white and Rhythm & Blues about THE Fourth of July staple: food? Dig in on an hour of classic R&B about hot dogs, cole slaw, potato salad, ribs and ice cream sung by the heroes of the “soul that came before rock n’ roll” on the Juke In The Back.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947

2. Rib Joint – Sam Price & His Texas Bluesicians – Savoy 1956

3. House Of Blue Lights – Ella Mae Morse With Don Raye – Capitol 1946

4. Smoky Joe’s Café – The Robins – Spark 1955

5. Chicken Shack – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1956

6. Everybody Eats When They Come To My House – Cab Calloway – Columbia 1947

7. Pass The Biscuits Please – Andre Williams – Fortune 1957

8. Beans & Cornbread – Louis Jordan – Decca 1949

9. Corn Bread – Hal Singer Sextette – Savoy 1948

10. Hot Dog – Chris Powell & The Five Blue Flames – Okeh 1949

11. Dumplin’s – Doc Bagby – Okeh 1957

12. Monkey Hips & Rice – The “5” Royales – King 1954

13. GREAT 78 SPOTLIGHT – Cole Slaw – Frank Culley – Atlantic 1949

14. Pork Chops & Mustard Greens – Ernie Andrews With Maxwell Davis Orch – Imperial 1951

15. Cabbage Greens #2 – Champion Jack Dupree – Okeh 1940

16. The Frim Fram Sauce – King Cole Trio – Capitol 1945

17. Solid Potato Salad – Ella Mae Morse – Capitol 1943 (Prev. Unreleased)

18. Ice Cream Man – John Brim – Chess 1953

19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #007

Airdate: June 27, 2010

Drop a nickel in the ol’ Rockola Juke for an hour of pre-rock rhythm & blues.  This week, we feature the very first recordings made by Jackie Wilson.  His first sides, cut as Sonny Wilson as well as leader of Billy Ward & His Dominoes from 1952-53 are in the spotlight.  Everyone must start somewhere and these early recordings give us a glimpse of Jackie’s amazing power as a singer.  Also, we examine the brief vocal jazz phenomenon known as Vocalese, which top-notch records from King Pleasure, Annie Ross and many more.  Vocalese hit hard in 1952 and then virtually disappeared.  Since many R&B records during this time were made with jazz musicians playing the sessions, it only makes sense to feature some jazz on the “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947

2. Rock Bottom – Milt Trenier – RCA Victor 1953

3. This Is It – The Treniers – Okeh 1952

4. Looped – Calvin Boze – Aladdin 1952

5. Rainy Day Blues – Sonny Wilson (Jackie Wilson) – Dee Gee 1952

6. You Can’t Keep A Good Man Down – Billy Ward & His Dominoes – Federal 1953

7. Above Jacob’s Ladder – Billy Ward & His Dominoes – Federal 1954

8. Rags To Riches – Billy Ward & His Dominoes – King 1953

9. Until The Real Thing Comes Along – Billy Ward & His Dominoes – Federal 1953

10. One Moment With You – Billy Ward & His Domines – Federal 1957

11. Jump Jack Jump – Wynona Carr – Specialty 1956

12. Don’t You Know – Ray Charles – Atlantic 1954

13. Flat Foot Floogie – Slim Gaillard – Savoy 1945

14. Body & Soul – Eddie Jefferson – Hi-Lo 1952

15. Moody’s Mood For Love – King Pleasure – Prestige 1952

16. Twisted – Annie Ross – Prestige 1952

17. The Boss Is Back – Babs Gonzales – Savoy 1953

18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #006

Airdate: June 20, 2010

R&B Car Songs

The juke is jumpin’ with records focusing on classic R&B songs about cars.  The automobile is a “road tested” symbol of the American Dream.  We have all this land and the car gives us the freedom to get from one place to another.  We’ll dig on some tunes about Cadillacs, Buicks, Mercurys and Model Ts.  Plus, musicologists Billy Vera and Steve Propes drop by the “Juke In The Back” to make their cases that the first rock n’ roll song might have been about a car.  “Juke In The Back” focuses on the “soul that came before rock n’ roll,” the records that inspired Elvis, Buddy Holly, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and countless others.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947

2. Motorhead Baby – Chuck Higgins & The Mellotones – Combo 1951

3. No Money Down – Chuck Berry – Chess 1955

4. I Gotta New Car – Big Boy Groves & Band – Spark 1955

5. Buick 59 – Vernon Green & The Medallions – Dootone 1954

6. Push Button Automobile – Vernon Green & The Medallions – Dootone 1956

7. Fishtail Blues – Wynonie Harris – King 1955

8. T-Model Boogie – Rosco Gordon – 1951 (Prev. Unreleased)

9. Rocket 88 – Jackie Brenston & His Delta Cats – Chess 1951

10. Cadillac Boogie – Jimmy Liggins & His Drops Of Joy – Specialty 1947

11. Cadillac Song – The Ravens – National 1950

12. S’Cadillac – The Squires – Vita (Prev. Unreleased)

13. V-Eight Baby – Tommy Brown – Savoy 1951

14. Mercury Boogie – Hosie Dwine Craven – Mercury 1949

15. Heaven On Wheels – Richard Berry & The Locketts – Flip 1958

16. Too Many Drivers – Smiley Lewis – Imperial 1955

17. Automobiles – The Spaniels – 1958 (Prev. Unreleased)

18. Flat Tire – Del Vikings – Mercury 1958

19. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #005

Airdate: June 13, 2010

R&B Novelty Songs

The juke is jumpin’ this week with a salute to the lighter side of classic 1950s rhythm and blues.  These “novelty” R&B tunes come from jump blues masters from Louis Jordan to Bull Moose Jackson and all the side-splittin’ jive in-between.  You’ll hear all about Richard Berry, Wynonie Harris, Andre Williams and Dusty Fletcher getting in trouble with the law as well as a wacky song about crazy food.  Join Matt The Cat for a hilarious look at the “soul that came before rock n’ roll” on “Juke In The Back.”

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947

2. Dad Gum Ya Hide Boy  – Louis Jordan – Aladdin 1954

3. Good Morning Judge – Wynonie Harris – King 1950

4. Gabbin’ Blues – Big Maybelle – Okeh 1953

5. Rubber Biscuit – The Chips – Josie 1956

6. Open The Door, Richard – Dusty Fletcher – National 1947

7. You’re The Greatest – Dallas Bartley – National 1947

8. Riot In Cell Block #9 – The Robins – Spark 1954

9. Next Time – Richard Berry – Flair 1955

10. You Can’t Beat The Horses – Big Boy Groves – Vita 1956

11. I Must have Been An Ugly Baby – King Perry – Specialty 1951

12. Trio Mail Call – Emitt Slay Trio – Savoy 1953

13. Your Cash Ain’t Nothin’ But Trash – The Clovers

14. Who Drank My Beer, While I Was In The Rear – Dave Bartholomew – Imperial 1952

15. Jail bait – Andre Williams – Fortune 1957

16. Big Ten Inch Record – Bull Moose Jackson – King 1952

17. Beware – Louis Jordan – Decca 1946

18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #004

Airdate: June 6, 2010

Early Lavern Baker

This week, “The Juke In The Back” looks at how one of R&B’s greatest voices, Lavern Baker, got her start.  Matt The Catcollects ALL of Baker’s early records together in one place.  From her first recordings with the Eddie “Sugarman” Penigar Orch to her breakthrough sides with The Todd Rhodes Orch and all the records in-between.  You can really hear how Baker’s sound evolved between 1949 and 1953.  Her true breakthrough wouldn’t come until “Tweedlee Dee” became a huge R&B and pop hit in 1955.

Plus, in our “Harlem Hit Parade,” celebrate America’s National Pastime with a collection of R&B baseball songs.  Soon after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier and signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 and Larry Doby went to the Indians, blues and rhythm artists started singing about a game that could now be enjoyed by everybody.

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947

2. I Wonder Baby – Eddie “Sugarman” Penigar Orch – RCA 1949

3. Easy Baby – Eddie “Sugarman” Penigar Orch – RCA 1949

4. I’ve Tried – Little Miss Sharecropper – National 1951

5. How Long – Little Miss Sharecropper  – Flip of above

6. I Want To Rock – Little Miss Sharecropper – National 1951

7. Take Out Some Time – Little Miss Sharecropper – Flip of above

8. Good Daddy – Maurice King & His Wolverines – Columbia 1951 Vox: Bea Baker

9. I Want A Lavender Cadillac – Maurice King & His Wolverines – Okeh 1951

10. Make It Good – Maurice King & His Wolverines – Okeh 1951

11. Trying – Todd Rhodes Orch. – King 1952 – Vox: LaVern Baker

12. Pig Latin Blues – Todd Rhodes Orch – King 1952

13. Must I Cry Again – Todd Rhodes Orch – King 1952

14. Lost Child – Todd Rhodes Orch – King 1953

15. Robbie-Doby Boogie – Brownie McGhee – Savoy 1948

16. Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball – Buddy Johnson & His Orch. – Decca 1949

17. Baseball Boogie – Mabel Scott – King 1950

18. Say Hey – The Treniers – Epic 1954

19. The Ballgame – Sister Wynona Carr – Specialty 1953

20. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #003

Airdate: May 30, 2010

Amos Milburn’s R&B Drinkin’ Songs

The ol’ Rockola Juke is jumpin’.  Drop a nickel in and throw a few back with the “king of R&B drinking songs,” Amos Milburn.  We’ll hear all about “Bad, Bad Whiskey,” “Good, Good Whiskey,” “Vicious, Vicious Vodka” and many more of Milburn’s early ’50s rhythm and “booze” hits.  Plus, Big Mama Thornton tells us how she recorded the original “Hound Dog” with Johnny Otis in 1952.  This, however, was not the version that truly inspired Elvis.  We’ll hear the version that did and much, much more on this edition of “The Juke In The Back” with Matt The Cat.

1. Turn Me Loose – The Lamplighters – Federal 1953

2. I Can’t Lose With The Stuff I Use – Lester Williams – Specialty 1952

3. Leo The Louse – Jackie Brenston – Chess 1951

4. Rollin’ Stone – The Marigolds – Excello 1955

5. Bad Bad Whiskty – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1950

6. Good Good Whiskey – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1954

7. Let Me Go Home, Whiskey – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1953

8. Vicious, Vicious Vodka – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1954

9. One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1953

10. Thinking And Drinking – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1952

11. Just One More Drink – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1951

12. Milk & Water – Amos Milburn – Aladdin 1954

13. Baby Please – The Prisonaires – Sun 1953

14. Will You Remember – Billy Ward & His Dominoes – Decca 1956

15. Hound Dog – Big Mama Thornton – Peacock 1953

16. Hound Dog – Freddie Bell & The Bellboys – Teen 1955

17. Caldonia – Chuck Willis – Okeh 1952

18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #002

Airdate: May 23, 2010

This week on The Juke In The Back: late Atlantic co-founder Ahmet Ertegun tells an amazing story about how the label came to sign Professor Longhair, we hear some of Jesse Belvin’s first records, a set of blazin’ R&B instrumentals and both sides of a rare vocal group record on Specialty.  Matt The Cat also tells the story about one of the first black record label owners, John Dolphin.  This is the “soul that came before rock n’ roll,” 1950s rhythm and blues at its best!

1. Mighty, Mighty Man – Roy Brown – DeLuxe 1950

2. Chicken Shack Boogie – Aladdin 1949

3. Hole In The Wall – Floyd Dixon – Specialty 1953

4. Bald Head – Roy Byrd & His Blues Jumpers – Mercury 1950

5. Tipitina – Professor Longhair – Atlantic 1954

6. Ball The Wall – Professor Longhair – Atlantic Rec 1953, Rel 1972

7. This Joint’s Too Hip For Me – Betty Hall Jones – Capitol 1949

8. All That Wine Is Gone – Big Jay McNeely – Imperial 1951

9.  Wine Woogie – Marvin Phillips – Specialty 1952

10. Dream Girl – Jesse & Marvin – Specialty 1952

11. All Night Long – Joe Houston – Money 1954

12. Jivin’ Around Pt. 1 – Ernie Freeman Combo – Cash 1955

13. Flamingo – Earl Bostic – King 1951

14.Young John Watson – Space Guitar – Federal 1954

15. She’s Gone – The Metronomes – Specialty 1953

16. That’s Bad – The Metronomes – Specialty 1953

17. Jungle King – Hot Lips Page – King 1953

18. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946

Episode #001

Airdate: May 16, 2010

This week on the old Rockola Juke In The Back, host Matt The Cat takes a look at some R&B songs about TV.  We’ll also trace the evolution of the Ray Charles classic “Mess Around” with the guy who wrote it, Ahmet Ertegun and catch some rare live 1950s R&B care of Alan Freed.  This is the first show in the new series, “The Juke In The Back,” from host, writer and producer Matt The Cat, formally of XM Radio.

1. King Kong – Big “T” Tyler – Aladdin 1957

2. Hello Little Boy – Ruth Brown – Atlantic 1954

3. Shame, Shame, Shame – Smiley Lewis – Imperial 1956

4. Going To The River – Fats Domino – Imperial 1953

5. TV Mama – Big Joe Turner & Elmore James – Atlantic 1953

6. TV Is The Thing This Year – Dinah Washington – Mercury 1953

7. Needless – The Clovers – Atlantic 1951

8. No Chance – The Cadillacs – Josie 1955

9. Mess Around – Ahmet Ertegun – Rehearsal 1953

10. Mess Around – Ray Charles – Atlantic 999, July, 1953

11. Jam Up – Tommy Ridgley – Atlantic 1954

12. Heeby Jeebies – Little Richard – Specialty 1956

13. Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine) – Penguins – LIVE on ALAN FREED 1956

14. Pitty Pat Band – Dori Anne Gray – LIVE on ALAN FREED 1956

15. Hearts Of Stone – The Jewels – R&B 1954

16. For You My Love – Larry Darnell – Regal 1949

17. Soul On Fire – LaVern Baker – Atlantic 1953

18. Hoy Hoy – Little Johnny Jones – Atlantic 1954

19. Bloodshot Eyes – Wynonie Harris – King 1951

20. After Hours – Erskine Hawkins – Bluebird 1946