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MUSICAL PICK OF THE MOMENT: "Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight" by Johnnie and Jack, 1954

(Surprisingly good COUNTRY remake of the 1953 Doo-Wop R. & B. ballad first recorded by the Spaniels.

Listen on Youtube Click here

  1. Rockin' Rhythm & Blues Radio
  2. Fifties Web
  3. Marv Goldberg's Yesterday's Memories Rhythm & Blues Party
  4. Black Gospel Music Clef
  5. Classic Urban Harmony
  6. Sinner's Crossroads with Kevin Nutt (Great gospel music!)

CARIBBEAN TRAVEL AND CULTURE LINKS:

  1. Aruba Travel Guide
  2. Barbados Tourism Authority
  3. Trinidad and Tobago Homepage
  4. Bahamas Online

DR. HEPCAT ON YOU TUBE!

If you dig boogie woogie and gospel piano check out these two You Tube performances:

Boogie 1

Where Shall I Be?

JUST PUBLISHED IN MARCH 2019: Rhythm and Blues Goes Calypso by Timothy Dodge. See this link for more information.

PUBLISHED IN SEPTEMBER 2013: The School of Arizona Dranes: Gospel Music Pioneer by Timothy Dodge. See this link for more information.

Listen to Dr. Hepcat broadcast the "Golden Oldies" show on WEGL - Auburn, FM 91.1 on Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Central Time). He plays the best rhythm and blues, rock 'n' roll, doo wop, rockabilly, gospel, blues, early country, ska, calypso, and related music of the 1940's and 1950's! Check out WEGL's web site at http://www.weglfm.com/
Tune in!

Play List: See Below


Last updated April 24, 2024 at 9:26 a.m. Copyright (c) 2024.

Send any e-mail comments to me at dodgeti@auburn.edu

Play List

While I was broadcasting on December 1, 2006, a listener called me up to make a very good suggestion: that I keep an online play list of the Golden Oldies records I play on each show! Just so everyone knows, I started out on radio as a trainee on WSRN - Swarthmore, Pa. in the fall of 1975. In those days, even on a college radio station, you had to take a written test from the F.C.C. (Federal Communications Commission) in order to get your license as a Third Class Radiotelephone Operator. Consequently, my real on-air radio career did not start until Sunday, February 1, 1976 at 5:00 a.m. when I played my very first song. It was "Speedo" by the Cadillacs (1955).

I remained a d.j. on WSRN through May 1979. My next radio experience took place Summer 1984 - July 1987 when I hosted a Blues and also sometimes a Gospel program on WDNA - Miami. After that I hosted both a Golden Oldies and a Calypso Carnival show on WUNH - Durham, N.H. from January 1988 - June 1992.

Finally, in May 1998 I joined WEGL - Auburn, Ala. as host of the Golden Oldies. Just wanted to let you all know that even though my online listing of radio show play lists only reflects the current academic semester, I've actually broadcasted a lot of radio shows on and off since February 1, 1976!

NOTICE: As I have typed in these playlists, I have come to the realization that this web site is becoming a bit too long, so starting with the Summer 2007 Semester, I think I will only provide playlists for the length of the current semester. This means I will delete the playlists of the previous semester at the start of the new semester. Thank you for taking note.

Play Lists: Spring 2024

January 2, 2024

  1. "All Right, Baby" by Big Mama Thornton and the Harlem Stars, 1950 (Most famous, of course, for the original version of "Hound Dog," recorded in 1952, this is one her very first recordings. Excellent uptempo R. & B.)
  2. "Goomp Blues" by Ben Webster and the Johnny Otis Orchestra, 1951 (Despite the silly title, this is a fantastic R. & B. instrumental featuring Webster on tenor saxophone lead. HOT!!)
  3. "Old Woman Boogie" by Hubert Robinson, 1950 (More HOT R. & B.)
  4. "Good Golly, MIsss Molly" by LIttle Richard, 1956
  5. "Don't Cry" by Cleo and the Crystaliers, 1957 (Soulful Doo-Wop ballad.)
  6. "Auld Lang Syne" by Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians, 1947
  7. "After New Year's Eve" by the Heartbeats, 1957 (Nice Doo-Wop ballad by the group most famous for their 1956 Doo-Wop ballad hit, "A Thousand Miles Away.")
  8. "1950 Blues" by Tampa Red, 1950
  9. "1951 Blues" by Luther Huff, 1951
  10. "No Mail Today" by Gene Terry and the Downbeats, 1958 (Great Louisiana rocker.)
  11. "Leaning on the Everlasting Arm" by Mahalia Jackson
  12. "Peace in the Valley" by Sister Rosetta Tharpe, 1951 (Very nice version of the lovely slow Gospel number.)
  13. "The Twist" by Chubby Checker, 1960
  14. "Poor Boy" by the Royaltones, 1958 (Tough saxophone instrumental. Their best known number. Group was from Detroit - not to be confused with New York City Doo-Wop group known for their 1956 number, "Crazy Love.")
  15. "Flamingo Express" by the Royaltones, 1961 (Another tough saxophone instrumental.)
  16. "The Camel Walk" by LaBrenda and the Bell Jeans, 1962
  17. "You Must Be an Angel" by the Gainors, 1958 (Nice Doo-Wop ballad. Lead singer, Garnett Mimms, had a major Soul hit in 1963 with the gospel-influenced "Cry Baby.")
  18. "Tragedy" by Thomas Wayne, 1958
  19. "Goin' Wild" by Carole King, 1958 (Fun rocker. King is best known as a songwriter of the 1960's and as a recording artist of the 1970's.)
  20. "I Got a Woman" by Elvis Presley, 1956 (Excellent remake of Ray Charles's 1954 Gospel-flavored uptempo R. & B. hit. Elvis tranforms this into HOT Rockabilly.)
  21. "Splish, Splash" by Bobby Darin, 1958
  22. "Red Hot" by Billy Lee Riley, 1957 (Title says it all. This is an insanely HOT Rockabilly remake of the excellent 1955 R. & B. tune first recorded by Billy "the Kid" Emerson in 1955.)
  23. "When You're Near" by Barbara Gale and the Larks, 1954
  24. "Till I Return" by the Masters, 1958
  25. "One Fine Day" by the Chiffons, 1963 (Nice uptempo rocker. Co-composed by Carole King - see above, #19- and her husband, Gerry Goffin.)
  26. "Travel On" by Derrick Morgan, 1962 (Catchy Jamaican Ska number concerns an unfaithful girlfriend who needs to "travel on.")
  27. "Sucu-Sucu" by the Skatalites, 1965 (The sheer joy of this instrumental is just wonderful.)
  28. "I Love You the Most" by Lloyd Clarke, 1962 (More Ska from Jamaica. Uses the same melody as "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.")
  29. "Love Me Now" by the Clevers (Appealing wistful ballad by this female Doo-Wop group. My guess: 1961-63.)
  30. "Earth Angel" by the Penguins, 1954 (I've probably heard this 1000 times or more but it moves me every time. An absolute classic Doo-Wop gem. This is the ORIGINAL 1954 recording on the Dootone label. Redone successfully by the Crew Cuts in 1955 and the Penguins successfully covered themselves in 1955 after moving to Mercury Records. All versions are nice but the original version played here is, in my opinion, the very best.)
  31. "Since Jesus Came into my Heart" by the Silvertone singers, 1952
  32. "Pray Every Step of the Way" by the Elite Jewels, c. 1951
  33. "Someday, Somewhere" by Helen Foster, 1953 (This obscurity should have been a hit. Foster is a strong singer and the sax-driven accompaniment and HOT instrumental break are outstanding. One of many, many wonderful 1950's Rhythm and Blues records that, for some reason, did not make it.)
  34. "Bounce" by the Spaniels, 1953 (Amusing rocker concerning a guy who gets drunk in a bar. The rarely heard uptempo side of the Spaniels, best known for soulful Doo-Wop ballads.)
  35. "Goodnight, Sweetheart (It's Time to Go)" by the Spaniels, 1953 (Their best known Doo-Wop ballad. A BIG hit into 1954 and redone by many other artists.)
  36. "Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight" by Johnnie and Jack, 1954 (Surprisingly good COUNTRY remake of the Spaniels' hit ballad!)
  37. "Clemae" by Jerry Morris, c. 1960 (Wild Little Richard-flavored rocker.)

January 9, 2024

  1. "Little Girl of Mine" by the Cleftones, 1956 (Prime example of uptempo New York City Doo-Wop. Fun and lively. Hot sax solo too.)
  2. "Bye, Bye, Baby" by Professor Longhair and his Shuffling Hungarians, 1949 (A New Orleans R. & B. classic featuring the professor on piano and vocals.)
  3. "You, Only You" by the Angelettes, 1956
  4. "Puppy Love" by Jimmy Rivers and the Tops, 1959 (Catchy rocker.)
  5. "I'll Be Back" by the La Dolls (My guess: 1959-62. Opening intrumental sounds very much like that used for the Falcons' 1959 hit, "You're so Fine." Same record label: Lu Pine.)
  6. "Dreams of Contentment" by the Dells, 1955
  7. "If You Try" by the Chantels, 1958 (Lovely emotional romantic ballad. Soulful.)
  8. "Rocket Ride" by Floyd Turnham, 1952 (Wonderful HOT instrumental featuring Turnham on baritone sax with solos also featuring other instruments including electric guitar, piano, and bass. Perfect music to cruise by in your '55 Chevy!)
  9. "Big Rock" by Piano Red, 1954 (Exuberant rocker featuring Piano Red on vocals and piano. The "big rock" in question refers to a gigantic diamond ring and not, so much, the excellent rockin' music.)
  10. "Up above my Head (I Hear Music Everywhere)" by Sister Rosetta Tharpe, 1947
  11. "Going Back to Jesus" by the Four Internes, 1952
  12. "Baby, I Love You So" by Joe Weaver and the Don Juans, 1956 (Haunting, bluesy mid-tempo number featuring Weaver on lead vocals and piano backed up by wordless Doo-Wop supplied by the Don Juans. Unusual but very appealing mid-tempo number.)
  13. "My Memories of You" by the Harptones, 1955
  14. "I Can't Rock and Roll to Save my Soul" by Pearl Bailey, 1955 (Despite her protestations, Jazz singer Pearl Bailey actually does a pretty good job on this Rock 'n' Roll number.)
  15. "The Old Payola Blues (from the Beginning)" by Stan Freberg, 1959 (Hilarious spoken and musical comedy concerning the more sordid side of Rock 'n' Roll: talentless artists, exploitation of teenagers, and, yes, paying disk jockeys "payola" to play the record in question.)
  16. "The Old Payola Blues (Like, the End)" by Stan Freberg, 1959 (The story continues. Congress held hearings into the payola practice in 1959-1960 making this a very topical record indeed.)
  17. "Tiger" by Fabian, 1959
  18. "The Devil Hates You" by Rebecca Lea, 1956 (Not exactly Gospel but it's close. Good rocker.)
  19. "I Almost Lost my Mind" by Ivory Joe Hunter, 1949 (BIG R. & B. hit in 1950. Covered by other artists. Melodic Blues featuring Hunter on vocals and piano.)
  20. "I'll Try" by LaVern Baker, c. 1951 (One of her very first records. Appealing Blues.)
  21. "When my Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again" by Gene and Wiley, 1941
  22. "When my Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again" by Elvis Presley, 1956
  23. "(Now and Then There's) a Fool Such as I" by Hank Snow, 1952
  24. "(Now and Then There's) a Fool Such as I" by Elvis Presley, 1958
  25. "I Love You Because" by Leon Payne, 1949
  26. "I Love You Because" by Elvis Presley, 1954
  27. "Old Shep" by Red Foley, 1946 (He also reorded this sad Country song of his faithful dog dying in 1935 and 1941.)
  28. "Old Shep" by Elvis Presley, 1956
  29. "You'll Miss Me When I"m Gone (Just Because)" by Cliff Carlisle, 1936
  30. "Just Because" by Elvis Presley, 1955
  31. "That's Enough" by Dorothy Love Coates and the Original Gospel Harmonettes, 1956 (The ORIGINAL version of this lively Gospel standard you can still hear at Black Gospel programs to this day.)

January 16, 2024

  1. "Little Short Daddy" by the Dell-Tones and the Kelly Owens Orchestra, 1954 (Excellent rocker.)
  2. "While Walking" by the Fabulaires, 1957 (On of the best examples of uptempo male Doo-Wop. Strong vocals, catchy harmony, a solid beat, and a honkin' sax solo.)
  3. "Jam Up Twist" by Tommy Ridgley, 1961 (Very slight updating of his hard rockin' 1954 instrumental, "Jam Up.")
  4. "You Can't Catch Me" by Chuck Berry, 1956
  5. "You Got Me Walking, Talking to Myself" by Nellie Hill and the Ben Carter Quartet, 1949
  6. "Ghost of my Baby" by the Checkers, 1954 (Haunting R. & B. ballad. Very bluesy. Amazing lyrics concern a visit from his dead girlfriend: "Her kisses were from the Devil but that made me realize: new loves come and go, but an old love never really dies.")
  7. "Mess Around" by Ray Charles, 1953
  8. "You Be my Baby" by Ray Charles, 1958
  9. "The Best Part of Breaking Up" by the Ronettes, 1964
  10. "My Man's Coming Home" by Bonnie "Bombshell" Lee, c. 1960 (HOT Gospel-infused rocker.)
  11. "Reet Petite" by Jackie Wilson, 1957 (Exuberant rocker. Man, what a smooth strong voice! His first hit as a solo artist after leaving Billy Ward and the Dominoes.)
  12. "Honor, Honor" by the Clara Ward Singers, 1961
  13. "My Eternal Home" by Norsalus McKissick and the Roberta Martin Singers, 1949 (Simply beautiful slow Gospel.)
  14. "Woogie Boo" by Cousin Ida and Freddie Washington's Orchestra, 1950 (Wonderful Boogie-based rocker. Strong declaratory vocals and absolutely fine Boogie Woogie piano and blastin' sax accompaniment. Cousin Ida - real name Ida Mae Lester - sounds somewhat like the male Blues singer, Frankie "Half-Pint" Jaxon, who recorded a few dozen great sides between 1927-1941.)
  15. "Fan It Boogie Woogie" by Frankie "Half-Pint" Jaxon, 1939
  16. "Blue light Boogie Part 1 and Part 2" by Louis Jordan, 1950 (Atmospheric mid-tempo rocker.)
  17. "She Like to Boogie Real Low (Blue Light Boogie)" by Frankie Lee Sims, 1958 (Outstanding update of the Louis Jordan number. Features sharp electric guitar driven by percussion and bass and Lightnin' Hopkins-like tough baritone vocals. Play this at a party and watch the people dance!)
  18. "Going Home to Stay" by the Hearts, 1956 (Very bluesy slow Doo-Wop by this noted New York City female vocal group.)
  19. "You and Only You" by Tony Orlando, 1959 (Nice Doo-Wop ballad. His first record! Orlando hit big in 1961 with "Halfway to Paradise" and then again in the 1970's with his group, Dawn, with songs like "Knock Three Times" and "Tie a Yellow Ribbon.")
  20. "Bad Boy" by the Donays, 1962
  21. "Do You Know?" by the Chiffons, 1960 (Their first (?) record. Doo-Wop ballad. A far cry from their big hits such as "One Fine Day" from 1963.)
  22. "Get Back (Black, Brown, and White)" by Big Bill Broonzy, 1951 (Hard hitting lively uptempo Blues about racism. Broonzy recorded five or six versions between 1947 and 1958.)
  23. "Strange Fruit" by Billie Holiday, 1938 (Grim minor-key Jazz ballad about lynching.)
  24. "There'll Be No Distinction There" by Blind Alfred Reed, 1929 (I usually play the 1940 remake by the Carter Family but here is the ORIGINAL Country version of this quite racially progressive Gospel number. Reed was a blind preacher who made a handful of recordngs in the late 1920's.)
  25. "No Restricted Signs" by the Golden Gate Quartet, 1946
  26. "Mississippi Goddam" by Nina Simone, 1964 (One of the best and most powerful protest songs of the 1960's.)
  27. "Martin Luther King" by the Mighty Sparrow, 1963 (Wonderful Calypso from Trinidad celebrating the Civil Rights leader.)
  28. "It's Raining" by Irma Thomas, 1963
  29. "Walking in Circles" by Bobby Mitchell, 1963 (Gospel-flavored Soul ballad. Mitchell is most famous for composing and recording the ORIGINAL version of "I'm Gonna Be a Wheel Someday" (1957) that became a big Fats Domino hit in 1958.)
  30. "These Are They!" by Queen C. Anderson and the Brewster Singeres, c. 1951 (Outstanding Gospel! First half is lovely and slow; second half uptempo rouser.)
  31. "My Trouble Is Hard" by the Radio Four, 1952 (Uptempo Gospel.)

January 23, 2024

  1. "Whatcha Gonna Do?" by Clyde McPhatter and the Drifters, 1954 (Outstanding Gospel-flavored Doo-Wop rocker. Some might remember I used this as my opening theme song for several years.)
  2. "Let the Good Things Start" by Pearl Woods, 1955
  3. "It Won't Be Long" by Clarence "Frogman" Henry, 1957 (Cheerful rocker that sounds a lot like Fats Domino. Not surprising, perhaps: both artists were from New Orleans, both played piano, and both had similar accents.)
  4. "Willie and the Hand Jive" by the Johnny Otis Show, 1958
  5. "The Things That I Used to Do" by Guitar Slim, 1953 (Big R. & B. hit in '54, this is a slow-burn Gospel flavored Blues ballad. Features Slim on electric guitar and intense vocals.)
  6. "The Things I Used to Do" by Stella Johnson (A decent remake of Guitar Slim's classic with slight title change. My guess is 1957-58.)
  7. "Boogie Woogie Country Girl" by Big Joe Turner, 1955
  8. "Little Red Rooster" by Margie Day and the Griffin Brothers Orchestra, 1950
  9. "Lay Down your Soul" by the Golden Eagles, 1951
  10. "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" by Sister Rosetta Tharpe, 1941 (Early recording by this Gospel great. Features her clear enthusiastic singing and amazing vigorous guitar. Her first recording dates to 1938.)
  11. "Romance in the Dark" by Lil Green, 1940 (A true Blues classic for lovers only. Lots of others redid this over the next 20 years but this is the ORIGINAL version.)
  12. "It's Too Soon to Know" by Sonny Til and the Orioles, 1948
  13. "Rollin' South" by Porky Freeman, 1946 (Guitar instrumental that definitely points toward Rock 'n' Roll. Great example of the Hillbilly or Country Boogie style.)
  14. "Freight Train Boogie" by the Delmore Brothers, 1946 (More of Rock ' Roll's Country roots.)
  15. "Move It on Over" by the Maddox Brothers and Rose, 1948 (Totally wild remake of Hank Williams's lively 1947 first hit record.)
  16. "Long Gone Lonesome Blues" by Hank Williams, 1950 (Superb Blues by the Country great. One of my favorites!)
  17. "Death at the Bar" by Kitty Wells and the Tennessee Mountain Boys, 1949 (Effective moralistic Country warning to drunkards.)
  18. "The Wheel of Fortune" by the Cardinals, 1952
  19. "Rock" by Chuck Higgins, 1955 (A very apt title for this hot instrumental. Higgins was a great saxophonist.)
  20. "I'm Ready" by Fats Domino, 1959
  21. "Daddy, Daddy" by Richard Berry and the Dreamers, 1955
  22. "Do Not Forget" by the Dreamers, 1957 (Sweet Doo-Wop ballad by this female vocal group.)
  23. "Since You've Been Gone" by the Dreamers, 1957
  24. "Little Louie" by the Blossoms, 1958
  25. "Black Denim Trousers and Motorcycle Boots" by the Cheers, 1955 (Exciting uptempo Pop number concerns a reckless motorcyclist - "The terror of Highway 101" - who comes to a bad end.)
  26. "The Wanderer" by Dion, 1961
  27. "Do You Wanna Ride?" by the Hampton Sisters with Mr. Freddy and his Band, 1954
  28. "What Am I Living For?" by Chuck Willis, 1958 (Soulful bluesy R. & B. ballad.)
  29. "True Love" by Robbie Lee (Nice R. & B. ballad by this obscure New Orleans artist (female). My guess is c. 1962.)
  30. "That's What I Like about Jesus" by the Gay Sisters, 1951
  31. "Get Away, Jordan" by Prof. J. Earle Hines and his Goodwill Singers, 1948 (Outstanding version of this uptempo Gospel classic. Features Hines's rich baritone lead vocals and excellent piano backed up by the (mostly female?) Goodwill Singers.)
  32. "Creeping Late Freight" by Sonny Thompson, 1948
  33. "Honey, Honey, Honey" by Martha Davis, 1948
  34. "Good Rockin' Tonight" by Wynonie Harris, 1947 (BIG R. & B. hit into 1948. The definitive version of the classic rocker. First recorded by composer Roy Brown in 1947 - a moderate R. & B. hit - and later in 1954 by Elvis Presley who turned it into some great Rock 'n' Roll.)

January 30, 2024

  1. "You Ain't Movin' Me" by Linda Hayes, 1956
  2. "Back in the U.S.A." by Chuck Berry, 1959 (Exuberant rocker about the material wealth of the good old U.S.A.: "Anything you want we got here right here in the U.S.A.")
  3. "You and Me" by Gene and Eunice, 1955
  4. "Hey, Joe (Let Me Know)" by Sugar and Spice, 1956
  5. "Cool Saturday Night" by the Striders, c. 1950 (Wistful early Doo-Wop ballad by this male vocal group.)
  6. "Tony, my Darling" by the Charmers, 1954 (Plaintive Doo-Wop ballad with Vickie Burgess on lead backed up by male vocal group.)
  7. "Sh-Boom" by the Charts, 1954 (The CLASSIC uptempo Doo-Wop number considered by some to be the "the first" Rock 'n' Roll record to hit big. The Crewcuts redid it okay but the Chords did it first and best.)
  8. "Chicano Hop" by Joe Houston, 1957
  9. "Choose your God" by Sister Bonnie Bradford, 1953
  10. "Somewhere to Lay my Head" by the Sensational Nightingales, 1955 (Perhaps the definitive version of this uptempo Gospel number. Rousing!)
  11. "I'm in Love" by Solomon Burke, 1956 (Yes, a secular R. & B. ballad but with a nice touch of Gospel too.)
  12. "I Understand (Just How You Feel)" by Ricky Page, 1961 (Nice version of this souful ballad first recorded by the male Four Tunes in 1954. Most famous version is the by male G-Clefs in '61. Don't know if G-Clefs or Ricky Page did it first in 1961. Ricky is a female.)
  13. "I Got a Woman" by Sammy Davis, Jr., 1960 (Pretty good jazzy remake of Ray Charles's 1954 original by this Jazz singer. Interesting to hear how he slightly roughens up his voice to sound more soulful. Most of the time Davis sang in a clear voice.)
  14. "Wild One" by Bobby Rydell, 1960
  15. "South Street" by the Orlons, 1963
  16. "Babalu's Wedding Day" by the Eternals, 1959 (Catchy uptempo Doo-Wop. Especially good is the bass lead voice. The wonderful saxophone solo is, alas, too short.)
  17. "The Story of my Love" by Maureen Gray, 1963
  18. "Lovers Never Say Goodbye" by the Flamingos, 1958
  19. "Hearts of Stone" by the Jewels, 1954 (Lots of remakes including the big hit version by Otis Williams and the Charms later in 1954, but this is the ORIGINAL and best version of them all. Truly funky hard-hitting R. & B. Two strong saxophone solos too!)
  20. "Natural, Natural Ditty" by the Jewels, 1955 (More great uptempo R. & B. Today no one knows that the Jewels made some other fine recordings other than their immortal "Hearts of Stone.")
  21. "Twenty-Two Minutes" by Lilian Childs and the Johnny Bird Orchestra, 1956
  22. "Woke Up this Morning" by B.B. King, 1953 (Stone rocker by King. Alternates between lively Latin-beat verse and roaring uptempo Blues chorus. The extended saxophone solo is practically orgasmic!)
  23. "Is this Goodbye?" by Linda Hopkins, 1953
  24. "Hop, Skip, and Jump" by the Collins Kids, 1957
  25. "Hoy, Hoy" by the Colllins Kids, 1957 (Inspired very lively Rockabilly version by the young brother and sister duo. Larry's electric guitar is simply amazing. Done earlier by Little Johnny Jones in 1954 and Roy Milton in 1948, R. & B.)
  26. "Beetle-Bug Bop" by the Collins Kids, 1955 (Charming Rockabilly by the very young duo - Larry is 9 and Lorrie is 11. Rockabilly but with more of a Country flavor.)
  27. "Whistle Bait" by the Collins Kids, 1958
  28. "Hot Rod" by the Collins Kids, 1957
  29. "Touch the Hem of His Garment" by Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers, 1956 (Sweet mid-tempo Gospel.)
  30. "Blessed Mother" by Bessie Griffin, 1955
  31. "The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)" by the Fontane Sisters, 1957 (Nice version of the Calypso made famous by Harry Belafonte in 1956 (recorded in '55). Their version is a bit different, however, more like the ORIGINAL version of this Jamaican song first recorded by Trinidadian Edric Connor in 1954.)
  32. "Nora" by Lord Kitchener and Cyril Blake's Calypso Sextette, 1950 (First hit by this major Trinidadian Calypsonian. Concerns a Trinidadian homesick in Great Britain and who is leaving despite the pleas of Nora to remain in England.)
  33. "Money, Money" by the Roaring Lion, 1954 (Major Calypsonian from Trinidad who first hit big about 20 years before. The topic is the eternal one: life is easy if you've got the money.)

February 6, 2024

  1. "Bring It Home to Me" by Ella Johnson and the Bee Jays with the Buddy Johnson Orchestra, 1955
  2. "Don't Happen No More" by Young Jessie, 1956 (Tough rocker concerning the demise of the patriarchy - to use a concept not yet in vogue in 1956.)
  3. "Our Boogie" by the Johnson Brothers Combo, 1949
  4. "He's the Best in the Business" by Terry Timmons and the Howard Biggs Orchestra, 1953 (Bluesy R. & B. number concerning Timmons bragging how good her man is as a lover.)
  5. "Diamonds and Pearls" by the Paradons, 1960
  6. "A Thousand Stars" by Rosie and the Originals, c. 1961 (Nice remake of the soulful ballad that was a hit for Kathy Young and the Innocents in '61, a nice remake of the soulful ORIGINAL Doo-Wop ballad by Gene Pearson and the Rivileers from 1954. Rosie and the Originals are best known for their soulful ballad, "Angel Baby," from 1960.)
  7. "Buzz-Buzz-Buzz" by the Hollywood Flames, 1957 (Outstanding catchy Doo-Wop rocker. Great bootin' sax solo too. One of my favorites!)
  8. "Speedo" by the Cadillacs, 1955 (Uptempo Doo-Wop rocker. I first played this when I first went on the air at 5 a.m., Sunday, February 1, 1976 on WSRN - Swarthmore, Pa. Happy radio anniversary!)
  9. "Come, Go with Me" by the Del Vikings, 1956 (Big hit into '57, another great Doo-Wop rocker with a hot saxophone solo. My theme song on WSRN 1976-79.)
  10. "Please, Dear" by the Quintones, 1958
  11. "I Can Call Jesus Anytime" by the Young Gospel Singers, 1953 (Outstanding uptempo Gospel. Young refers to the family name, not ncessarily the age of the group.)
  12. "While the Blood Runs Warm" by Madame Ernestine, 1949 (Superb slow bluesy Gospel. I suspect the artist's name was listed as Madame Ernestine to capitalize on the name of the much more famous Gospel singer of the era, Madame Ernestine Washington. This Madame Ernestine is Madame Ernestine Martin Smith. Not as famous but just about as good, say I.)
  13. "Run, Run, Run" by the Sparks, 1957 (Fun and catchy uptempo Doo-Wop with a hot electric guitar solo. Male vocal group.)
  14. "It's my Party" by Lesley Gore, 1962 (Big '63 hit concerns her crying at her own birthday party while unfaithful boyfriend, Johnny, is seen with rival, Judy.)
  15. "Judy's Turn to Cry" by Lesley Gore, 1963 (Big '63 revenge hit. The unfaithful Johnny comes back and rival Judy gets to now cry. Lesley: my advice to you is to dump that chump if he won't be true.)
  16. "Do You Want to Dance?" by Bobby Freeman, 1958
  17. "Bless You" by the Chords, 1954 (Soulful Doo-Wop ballad. GREAT vocal harmonies. Flip side of their big hit, "Sh-Boom," played on last week's show.)
  18. "I May Be Wrong" by Irma Thomas, 1960
  19. "Why Don't You Do Right?" by Mike Gordon and the El Tempos, 1954 (Fantastic Latin-beat uptempo remake of Lil Green's 1941-42 bluesy hit which was also a hit for Peggy Lee with the Benny Goodman Orchestra in '42.)
  20. "Blow, Lynn, Blow" by Lynn Hope, 1951
  21. "Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee" by Sticks McGhee and his Buddies, 1949
  22. "Beer Bottle Boogie" by Marilyn Scott, 1950
  23. "Tomorrow Night" by LaVern Baker, 1954 (Truly soulful remake of the 1947 (hit in '48) mellow original ballad recorded by Lonnie Johnson.)
  24. "Peggy Sue" by Buddy Holly, 1957
  25. "Peggy Sue Got Married" by Buddy Holly, c. 1957-58 (Wistful mid-tempo rocker answer song.)
  26. "Chantilly Lace" by the Big Bopper, 1958
  27. "It's the Truth, Ruth" by th Big Bopper, 1958 (released '59. Even better than his humorous "Chantilly Lace," this is one fine and rather witty rocker.)
  28. "La Bamba" by Ritchie Valens, 1958
  29. "Come On, Let's Go" by Ritchie Valens, 1958 (This rocker and the five preceding songs, above, commemorate "the day the music died": the February 3, 1959 plane crash that took the lives of these three Rock 'n' Roll stars while on tour.)
  30. "Baby, Oh, Baby" by Kathy Young and the Innocents, 1961 (Nice remake of the Shells' 1957 Doo-Wop ballad original which was not a hit until 1960.)
  31. "Baby, Oh, Baby" by the Shells, 1957 (ORIGINAL version of this Doo-Wop ballad classic. Not a hit until 1960. The Shells were a male vocal group.)
  32. "Trust Him Today" by the Waldo Singers, 1954 (Superb slow Gospel: male and female voices both.)
  33. "All Aboard" by the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, 1954 (Fabulous Gospel! Starts off with an incredibly bluesy slow introduction and then kicks into a high gear uptempo "drive." One of my favorites by this great Gospel group.)

February 13, 2024

  1. "Whole Lotta Shakin'" by Jerry Lee Lewis, 1957 (Big Maybelle did it first in 1955, but Jerry Lee recorded the definitive version in 1957. Outstanding piano and vocals. Truly exciting Rock 'n' Roll.)
  2. "Shake 'til I'm Shook" by Beverly Wright and the Students, 1956
  3. "All Shook Up" by Elvis Presley, 1957
  4. "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" by Big Joe Turner, 1954
  5. "If I Had Listened" by Linda Peters, 1955 (Bluesy R. & B. ballad. Didn't know this was the better-known Dolly Cooper recording under another name.. She recorded during this era on Modern under both names so she wasn't moonlighting for another record label. Why the name change?)
  6. "My Heart's Desire" by the Wheels, 1956 (Superb soulful Doo-Wop ballad.)
  7. "I'm a Bad, Bad Girl" by Little Esther, 1951
  8. "Let's Have Some Fun" by Slim Saunders, 1953
  9. "Way Bye and Bye" by the Silvertone Singers of Cincinnati, 1954 (Incredibly powerful mid-tempo very bluesy Gospel by this male vocal group. An added bonus: steel guitar accompaniment!)
  10. "Savior, Don't Pass Me By" by Margaret Barnes, 1949 (Lovely Gospel tune usually performed slow but here it's uptempo. Quite effective.)
  11. "I'm Going to Move to the Outskirts of Town" by Jackie Wilson with Billy Ward and the Dominoes, 1954 (Very bluesy histrionic - he sobs at times - treatment of the Blues first recorded and also composed by Blues slide guitarist and singer, Casey Bill Weldon, in 1937. Some might recall the biggest hit version which was recorded by Louis Jordan in 1942.)
  12. "Nature's Creation" by the Valentines, 1956
  13. "You're Driving Me Crazy" by Joan Shaw and the Blues Express Orchestra, 1953
  14. "Your Last Chance" by Lewis Lymon and the Teen Chords, 1957 (Lively and catchy uptempo Doo-Wop! Great sax solo too. Younger brother of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers of "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" fame.)
  15. "A Little Bit of Soap" by the Jarmels, 1961
  16. "Pocketful of Money" by Little Cheryl Williams, 1962 (Uptempo mercenary song concerning the "no finance, no romance" theme. Little Cheryl was only 10 years old at the time!)
  17. "Heaven Only Knows" by Little Cheryl, 1963 (Little Cheryl Williams now age 11 with a great cover of the Capris' 1954 "God Only Knows" soulful Doo-Wop ballad.)
  18. "God Only Knows" by the Capris, 1954 (Poignant Doo-Wop ballad with 14-year old Rena Hinton on lead vocals backed up by male group plus piano. Heart-rending lyrics.)
  19. "King Zulu" by Sammy Harris, 1950 (Lively percussive number to start off this Mardi Gras celebration - the next 9 songs - on Mardi Gras Day itself.)
  20. "Mardi Gras in New Orleans" by Roy "Baldhead" Byrd, 1949 (One of the earliest versions of the song Professor Longhair recorded several times over the years. "Bald Head" refers to his 1949 R. & B. local hit, "She Ain't Got No Hair." Prof. Longhair's real name was Henry Roeland Byrd. Very catchy percussive piano combines Blues and Calypso. Hoarse but appealing vocals.)
  21. "Carnival Day" by Dave Bartholomew, 1949
  22. "Junco Partner" by James "Wee Willie" Wayne, 1951
  23. "Let the Good Times Roll" by Shirley and Lee, 1956
  24. "Don"t You Know Yockomo?" by Huey "Piano" Smith and the Clowns, 1958 (Absolutely infectious rocker with Mardi Gras chant lyrics. The piano is simply outstanding here.)
  25. "Iko Iko" by the Dixie Cups, 1965 (Best known for their big hit romantic Pop tune, "Chapel of Love," from 1964, here the ladies sing a funky Mardi Gras number.)
  26. "Jock-a-Mo" by James "Sugarboy" Crawford and the Canecutters, 1953 (The ORIGINAL version of the song the Dixie Cups recorded as "Iko Iko." This original version simply scorches. Alternates between syncopated verse and blastin' R. & B. chorus. The saxophone solo is excellent.)
  27. "Mardi Gras in New Orleans" by Fats Domino, 1952 (Fast remake of the Professor Longhair number originally recorded in '49. As always, Fats's warm engaging vocals and superb Boogie-based piano playing make this a great record.)
  28. "J'Ouvert Barrio" by the Roaring Lion, c. 1955 (Percussive uptempo minor-key Calypso from Trinidad celebrating the opening or start of Carnival.)
  29. The Road" by Lord Kitchener, 1963 (Catchy Calypso from Trinidad celebrates the Roadmarch song for the 1963 Carnival.)
  30. "It's Getting Late in the Evening" by Dorothy Love Coates and the Original Gospel Harmonettes, 1955 (LIVE! Bluesy slow Gospel.)
  31. "Just Beyond the River" by Evangelist Sister Myrtle Miller and Ella Friday, 1950
  32. "Come Back into my Heart" by the Volumes, 1962 (Lively uptempo Doo-Wop similar to their one big hit, "I Love You," from 1962. Male vocal group.)
  33. "The Flea" by the Five Du-Tones, 1962 (Dynamic rocker concerning a dance known as the Flea. The group hit big in 1963 with the Soul dance raver, "Shake a Tail Feather."

February 20, 2024

Note: the font and spacing is now different since Adobe Dreamwever is, apparently, no longer supported. I can't control the appearance better but at least the essential information - the playlist - should still appear here.

1. "Please Forgive Me" by the Du-Ettes, 1964 (A bit "modern" for the show, this is a great Soul dance raver by this female group. Lively!)

2. "Do the New Continental" by the Dovells, 1962 (Truly funky R. & B. by this hep White group most famous for the uptempo Doo-Wop number, "Bristol Stomp," from 1961.)

3) "The Majestic" by Dion, 1961 (Catchy rocker but this dance never seems to have caught on otherwise.)

4) "Let Me In" by the Sensastions, 1961

5) This Is It" by Solomon Burke, 1957 (Romantic ballad done by the future Bishop of Soul of the 1960's.)

6) "Roses Never Fade" by the Jacks and Jills, 1956 (Very nice R. & B. ballad using the "Careless Love" melody. Female lead.)

7) "Honky Tonk Part 1" by the Bill Doggett Combo, 1956

8) "Honky Tonk Part 2" by the Bill Doggett Combo, 1956

9) "Cry Baby" by the Scarlets, 1955 (Before hitting very big with the Doo-Wop ballad classic "In the Still of the Night" in 1956 as the Five Satins, this male vocal group was known as the Scarlets 1954-55. Here is a GREAT uptempo Doo-Wop rocker. Nice baritone sax instrumental break too.)

10) "A Sunday Kind of Love" by the Sentimentals, 1957 (Usually performed by others as a lovely ballad, this male vocal group turns it into a catchy uptempo Doo-Wop rocker. The original version was recorded by Keely Smith and Louis Prima in 1946. Probably the most famous version came out in 1953 by the Harptones as a fabulous Doo-Wop ballad.)

11) "It's So Nice to Be Nice" by Bishop Louis Narcisse, 1955 (Excellent advice via this pleasant slow Gospel number.)

12) "I've Been Changed" by Jackie Verdell and the Davis Sisters, 1958

13) "Black Slacks" by Joe Bennett and the Sparkletones, 1957

14) "Real Gone Daddy" by Jim Flaherty's Caravan (Excellent Rockabilly number concerning hot rodding around in his yellow Cadillac - before getting killed in an accident and then riding to his own funeral in a black Cadillac. My guess: 1956-57.)

15) "Black Cadillac" by Joyce Green, 1959 (Tough menacing rocker where Joyce threatens to attend her unfaithful lover's funeral riding to it in a black Cadillac after shooting him.)

16) "Hardtop Race" by George Stogner, 1952 (HOT Hillbilly Boogie about stock car racing. Truly HOT Boogie Woogie piano!)

17) "Hot Rod Race" by Arkie Shibley and his Mountain Dew Boys, 1950 (Hillbilly Boogie classic that inspired numerous covers and "answer" records and was the model for "Hot Rod Lincoln" recorded by Johnny Bond in 1955 and rereleased in 1960 following Charlie Ryan's 1959 hit version.)

18) "Got You on my Mind" by the Miller Sisters, 1955 (Sweet bluesy ballad. Country remake of the 1951 R. & B. ballad first recorded by Big Joe Greer and the Rhythm Rockers.)

19) "A Sunday Kind of Love" by Sam "the Man" Taylor and Orchestra (An instrumental version of the ballad. Taylor plays saxophone. My guess: 1955-56.)

20) "Gloria" by the Passions, 1960

21) "Please Be my Guy" by Cleo and the Crystaliers, 1957

22) "Moonlight" by the Dynamics, 1958

23) "Echo" by the Emotions, 1962

24) "A Lover's Question" by Clyde McPhatter, 1958

25) "Low Down Man" by Gloria Smith and the Cherokee Conyers Band, 1953

26) "Fifteen Years (and I'm Still Serving Time)" by Pearl Bailey, 1946 (Amusing uptempo R. & B. number concerning marriage and its burdens/disappointments. However, it does end happily with Pearl declaring she'll settle for 30 years. Bailey is best known as a Jazz singer but she did dip into R. & B. occasionally.)

27) "Forces of Evil" by Jay Brinkley, 1955 (Good rocker. This artist is new to me.)

28) "For a Lifetime" by the Five Pennies, 1956 (Superb Doo-Wop romantic ballad by this male group. Lead vocals get emotional and he breaks into fasletto at several times. More soul than you can control!)

29) "In Paradise" by the Cookies, 1956

30) "Holy Father" by the Four Internes, 1953 (Great uptempo Gospel by this male group whose members were medical doctors-in-training at the time.)

31) "Back to the Dust" by the Angelic Gospel Singers, c. 1950 (Cheerful uptempo Gospel concerning death. Major female group.)

32) "Wild about You, Baby" by Elmore James, 1956 (The master of HOT slide guitar and raw vocals. Too bad this important Blues artist is forgotten today. He recorded dozens of great Blues numbers between 1951 and 1963 when he died at age 45 of a heart attack.)

33) "Hello, Mellow Baby" by Thomas Jefferson and the Mardi Gras Loungers, 1954-55 (Fantastic rocker that is something of a commercial for Jax beer. The lyrics claim that chicks will love you if drink Jax. Strong blasting horns on the instrumental break.)

 

February 27, 2024

 

1. Trickle, Trickle" by the Videos, 1958 (Cheerful Doo-Wop number concerns getting ready for a party on a rainy night by this male vocal group.)

2. "The Boy for Me" by the Tassels, 1959

3. "Ruby Baby" by the Drifters, 1955 (Excellent uptempo rocker; a hit in 1956. Redone in a slower bluesier style by Dion in 1963. Also a hit.)

4. "Oo-Wee, Mr. Jeff (Please Be Yourself)" by Georgia Lane, 1953 (Concerns a boyfriend who is a little too fresh.)

5. "Willie Mae's Trouble" by Big Mama Thornton (Bluesy lament by the woman who recorded the original version of "Hound Dog" in 1952. Her real name was Willie Mae Thornton. My guess: 1953-55.)

6. "Nobody Loves Me" by Fats Domino, 1952

7. "The Fat Man" by Fats Domino, 1949 (His first record! This is Rock n' Roll a few years early. Great piano and vocals. The same melody but different lyrics were used by pianist and singer Champion Jack Dupree in his 1940 recording, "Junker's Blues.")

8. "Shake 'Em on Down" by Dr. Ross, 1952 (Tough uptempo Blues by the one-man band where Isaiah Ross sings, plays harmonica, electric guitar, and with his feet, drums. Accompanied by pianist Henry Hill.)

9. "Shake 'Em on Down" by Bukka White, 1937 (The ORIGINAL version of this tough uptempo Blues. Real name Booker White sings and plays acoustic Blues guitar,)

10. "Dirty Mother for You" by Memphis Minnie, 1935 (Excellent tough uptempo Blues by this artist famous as a singer and guitarist late 1920's - early 1950's. Her guitar is almost inaudible here but the piano accompaniment by Jimmie Gordon is excellent.)

11. "Where the Sun Will Never Go Down" by the Georgia Peach and the Harmonaires, 1946 (Nice slow acappella Gospel. The Georgia Peach was Clara Hudmon who used that name long before Little Richard took it over.)

12. "Old Ship of Zion" by the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, 1950

13. "Mommy and Daddy" by the Students, 1957 (One of many "kiddie groups" inspired by the success of 13-year old Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers' "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" Excellent uptempo Doo-Wop. Nice sax solo too. Not the same as the Students of "I'm So Young" fame from 1958.)

14. "Blue Jean Shuffle" by Plas Johnson, 1956

15. "I'm So Happy" by the Ducanes, 1960-61 (Excellent remake of the uptempo Doo-Wop number recorded by Lewis Lymon and the Teenchords in 1957, a hit in 1958.)

16. "Your Love" by Billy Kent and the Andantes, 1961

17. "Down the Aisle of Love" by the Quintones, 1958 (Truly lovely soulful romantic Doo-Wop ballad by this mostly female vocal group.)

18. "Dreamy Eyes" by theYoungsters, 1956

19. "Just Around the Corner" by Big Al Downing, 1958

20. "Follow that Dream" by Elvis Presley, 1961 (Released in '62, one of my favorite Elvis records. Melodic rocker. The lyrics and sound reflect an American optimism about the future that, sadly, has been gone since probably the J.F. K. assassination of Nov. 22, 1963.)

21. "Give Him a Great Big Kiss" by the Shangri-Las, 1964

22. "Sophisticated Boom Boom" by the Shangri-Las, 1966

24. "Remember (Walkin' in the Sand)" by the Shangri-Las, 1964

25. "Maybe" by the Shangri-Las, 1964 (Nice remake of the yearning soulful Doo-Wop ballad first recorded by the Chantels in 1957; a big hit in '58.)

26. "Leader of the Pack" by th Shangri-Las, 1964 (Their big one. Dramatic teenage tale of tragedy.)

27. "What Are They Doing in Heaven?" by the Dixie Humingbirds, 1952

28. "Come in the Room" by the Clara Ward Singers, 1961

29. "Bring It on Home to Me" by Sam Cooke, 1962 (Classic Gospel-flavored Soul ballad.)

30. "I Wanna Go Home" by Charles Brown and Amos Milburn, c.1960 (Definitely the inspiration for Cook's "Bring It on Home to Me.": same melody, very similar piano playing, and the theme of "home." Both Brown and Milburn were singing pianists whose heyday as R. & B. stars took place mid-1940's - early 1950's.)

31. "Aitken's Boogie" by Laurel Aitken, 1957 (Perhaps the earliest example of Jamaican Rhythm and Blues. Excellent bluesy shuffle! A great musical genre c. 1957-62 and an imediate precursor to Ska, c. 1960-65.)

32. "Midnight Train" by Hortense Ellis, 1962 (Nice mid-tempo Ska.)

33. Dumplins" by Byron Lee and the Dragaonaires, 1960 (HOT Ska instrumental. I believe this is a reworking of "Dumplins," an instrumental first recorded by American R. & B. pianist and bandleader Ernie Freeman in 1957. I saw this group in person in 1984 in Miami Beach. They were EXCELLENT. By that point they had moved on to Soca, the modern dance-oriented form of Calypso.)

 

March 5, 2024

1. "Not Me" by the Orlons, 1963 (Lively rocker. The Orlons had the hit but Gary U.S. Bonds recorded it first in 1961.)

2. "Big Boy Pete" by the Olympics, 1959

3. "Wildwood" by Sil Austin, 1956

4. "Teardrops from my Eyes" by Ruth Brown, 1950 (Excellent rocker features Big Band accompaniment.)

5. "Story Untold" by the Nutmegs, 1955

6. "Heavenly Father" by Edna McGriff, 1952

7. "All by Myself" by Fats Domino, 1954 (Fats updates the lively Big Bill Broonzy uptempo Blues of 1941.)

8. "Let's Have Some Fun" by Jesse Thomas, 1949 (Title says it all. HOT blastin' R. & B. features enthusiastic singing, powerful blastin' horns, great Boogie piano, and hot electric guitar. A true party record that will fill the dance floor.)

9. "Your Daddy's Doggin' Around" by Connie Allen and the Todd Rhodes Orchestra, 1952

10. "Ooh-Bop-She-Bop" by the Dukes, 1954

11. "I'm Thinking of the Lord" by the Southern Revivalists, 1948

12. "Prayer for Tomorrow" by the Kelly Brothers, 1955

13. "Get a Job" by the Silhouettes, 1957 (Well-known Doo-wop novelty rocker. Hot sax solo too.)

14. "Rent Man" by the Silhouettes, 1962 (Similar Doo-Wop rocker, this time about trouble paying the rent.)

15. "Looking for a Lover" by the Bobbettes, 1962

16. "Sandra" by the Volumes, 1963 (Appealing uptempo Doo-Wop with falsetto lead. Somewhat reminds me of the Four Seasons who were big at this time. The Volumes had one big hit, "I Love You," from 1962.)

17. "Money (That's What I Want)" by Barrett Strong, 1959

18. "Ooo, Sometimes" by the Shondells, 1963

19. "Lost Someone" by James Brown and the Famous Flames, 1962 (LIVE! Extended version of this Soul ballad. J.B. and his audience at the Apollo Theatre in New York City really have a good connection.)

20. "My Baby" by Jackie Estick and his Blues Blasters, 1960 (Jamaican Rhythm and Blues!)

21. "Good Morning" by Lloyd Clarke, 1962

22. "My Boy Lollipop" by Millie S,a;;, 1964 (Lively bouncy Ska. An international hit and, likely, the only example of Jamaican Ska with which most Amereicans are familiar.)

23. "My Boy Lollipop" by Barbie Gaye, 1956 (The ORIGINAL American rocker! Millie's Ska remake is actually pretty similar.)

24. "A Sunday Kind of Love" by the Harp-Tones, 1953 (Usually spelled Harptones, this was their first record. A SUPERB Doo-Wop version of the ballad first recorded by Keely Smith and Louis Prima in 1946. The Harptones' version is classic.)

25. Why, Oh, Why?" by Bobby Hall and the Kings, 1953

26. "My Brand of Lovin'" by Annisteen Allen, 1953

27. "Jumping Jack" by the Three Riffs, 1950 (Excellent rocker about a dance. Catchy.)

28. "Noah" by the Golden Keys, 1951 (LIVE Gospel by this male vocal group. Great example of the uptempo Jubilee style that definitely is a root of today's Rap.)

29. "Tell It to Jesus" by th Gospel Silhouettes, 1950-51 (Rousing uptempo Gospel by this female vocal group.)

30. "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley, 1956

31. "Important Words" by Gene Vincent and his Blue Caps, 1956 (Best known for the frantic bluesy rocker, "Be-Bop-a-Lula" and other Rockabilly numbers, this record features Gene singing a soulful bluesy ballad. Excellent!)

32. "My Daddy Rocks Me" by Mae West, 1954 (Yes, the sexy movie actress of the 1930's and 1940's sings some great R. & B.! A remake of the suggestive Blues first recorded by trixie Smith in 1922. )

33. "House of Blue Lights" by Ella Mae Morse, 1946 (Accompanied by the HOT Boogie Woogie piano of Freddie Slack, this is the ORIGINAL version of the lively bluesy number redone by otheres including Chuck Miller in 1955, Merrill Moore in 1953, and Chuck Berry in 1964.)

34. "Nashville Jumps" by Cecil Gant, 1948 (Incredibly exciting Boogie Woogie piano plus great vocals, this song celebrates the fun one could have in Nashville.)

35. "Look a There, Look a There" by Tampa Red, 1952 (Effective rocker. Great lyric:, "Now, a copper took her in, she didn't need no bail. She shook it for the judge and he put the cop in jail.")

 

March 12, 2024

  1. "I've Got the Boogie Blues" by Charline Arthur, 1949-50 (Nice mid-tempo example of Hillbilly Boogie. She quotes a verse or two of Johnny Barfield's 1939 "Boogie Woogie.")
  2. "Freight Train Boogie" by the Delmore Brothers, 1946 (Lively Hillbilly Boogie by this Alabama duo. Also includes some great bluesy harmonica by Wayne Raney.)
  3. "Mobile Boogie" by the Delmore Brothers, 1947 (More great Hillbilly Boogie! This one coneerns the Gulf Coast city. Some HOT proto-Rockabilly guitar too.)
  4. "Jukebox Cannonball" by Bill Haley and the Comets, 1952 (Uses the same melody as Roy Acuff's 1936 "Wabash Cannonball" but this time the song concerns music on the jukebox rather than a train. Yes, this is the Bill Haley of "Rock Around the Clock" fame. Although he started recording early Rock 'n' Roll by 1951, he was still, in 1952, more of a (hot) Country artist. His first records were made with the Saddlemen in 1947.)
  5. "A Casual Look" by the Six Teens, 1956 (Soulful Doo-Wop ballad. Charming and naive lead vocals by 12-year old Trudy Williams. Lyrics tell an interesting romantic tale.)
  6. "Just Because" by Lloyd Price, 1956 (A big 1957 hit, this R. & B. ballad marked the beginning of his true stardom through 1960 including, of course, his definitive version of "Stagger Lee" from 1958. Price hit big with his first in 1952 with the bluesy wailing "Lawdy, Miss Clawdy." Following several excellent rockers and Blues ballads in 1953, Price's music career was interrupted by military service c. 1954-55 or so.)
  7. "(Get your Kicks on) Route 66" by the King Cole Trio, 1946
  8. "All of Me" by Billie Holiday, 1941 (First recorded by Mildred Bailey with Paul Whiteman's Orchestra in 1931, Holiday's version is one of the best of the 764 known versions of this jazzy mid-tempo romantic ballad. This was Lady Day in her prime!)
  9. "Precious Lord" by Charles Beck, the Singing Evangelist, 1937 (Interesting up tempo version of the soulful sweet Gospel number by Thomas A. Dorsey. Here Beck plays some quite jazzy piano to accompany his vigorous singing.)
  10. "Strange Things Happening" by Sister Rosetta Tharpe, 1944
  11. "Thirty Days" by Chuck Berry, 1955 (HOT Country-flavored rocker. Fast-paced and the electric guitar playing is simply outstanding. Not too surprising that this Country-flavored number was covered by Country star Ernest Tubb in '55 and by Rockabilly artist Ronnie Hawkins in 1959, oddly, changed to "Forty Days.")
  12. "Ain't Gonna Tell" by Dessa Ray with Jewell Grant and his Band, 1953
  13. "Got You on my Mind" by Big John Greer and his Rhythm Rockers, 1951 (Sweet bluesy ballad. This is the ORIGINAL R. & B. version of the excellent remake I played by the Country artists, the Miller Sisters, from 1955, on the February 20 show, see above.)
  14. "I Walk Alone" by the Vocaleers, 1953 (Soulful street corner Doo-Wop ballad by this male vocal group from New York City.)
  15. "Eatin' with Boogie" by Slim Gaillard, 1956 (Amusing rocker concerning food. Gaillard is most famous as a Jazz-oriented R. & B. singer and guitarist whose heyday was the mid-1940's.)
  16. "Barbecued Ribs" by the Three Riffs, c. 1950
  17. "Rice, Red Beans, and Turnip Greens" by Little Richard and the Tempo Toppers, 1954 (Pre-"Tutti Frutti" Little Richard here sings a catchy mid-tempo R. & B. number concerning the limited food selections he encounters in a restaurant. Some pretty good electric organ and sax playing too.)
  18. "Hot Dog" by Chris Powell and his Blue Flames, 1949 (Amusing R. & B. number concerning this food item. Conclusion (spoken): "You'll get fattah and fattah and fattah.")
  19. "Foolishly Yours" by Savannah Churchill and the Sentimentalists, 1946
  20. "Blue Heaven" by Little Sylvia, 1952
  21. "It's Terrific" by the Rainbows, c. 1954
  22. "Evening" by the Rainbows, 1954 (Soulful Doo-Wop ballad. Flip side of this male group's lively semi-hit, "Mary Lee.")
  23. "Hold my Hand" by the Rainbows, 1957 (Nice soulful Doo-Wop ballad.)
  24. "Mary Lee" by the Rainbows, 1954 (EXCELLENT up tempo Doo-Wop! A moderate hit in the Washington, D.C. - Philadelphia- New York City area in 1955. Distinctive structure and very appealing. Good piano too.)
  25. "Shirley" by the Rainbows, 1956 (Another great uptempo number. Sounds similar to "Mary Lee.")
  26. "You're Gonna Lose your Gal" by Barbara Gale and the Larks, 1954
  27. "Rickety-Rock" by the Jewels, 1956 (Excellent tough uptempo Doo-Wop rocker about a girl with big hips. This group is most famous for the ORIGINAL and best version of "Hearts of Stone," a melodious rocker redone by many including Otis Williams and the Charms who enjoyed the biggest hit with it later in '54.)
  28. "Keep the Fire Burning within Me" by the Wilson and Watson Singers, 1951
  29. "I Bowed on my Knees and Cried Holy" by Mahalia Jackson, 1951 (Superb slow and intense bluesy Gospel.)
  30. "I Love You, Really I Do" by the Tantones, 1956 (Cheerful Doo-Wop rocker by this obscure male vocal group.)
  31. "Bila" by the Versatones, 1958
  32. "Houston's Hot House" by Joe Houston, 1951 (HOT describes this honkin' and blastin' saxophone instrumental.)

SHOW CANCELLED: the March 19 show has just been CANCELLED due to a sports broadcast scheduled for 6 p.m. that day. (I just found out today - March 18). Sorry for any inconvenience, folks. Sure wish the sports people would let me know AT LEAST a week in advance, so I can plan accordingly and also inform you, the loyal listener. Barring unforeseen circumstances, I look forward to broadcasting the Golden Oldies next on TUESDAY, MARCH 26.

March 26, 2024

  1. "Ala-Men-Sy" by the Quotations, 1961 (Wonderfully catchy uptempo Doo-Wop by this male vocal group. Pretty hot electric guitar solo too.)
  2. "Believe in Me" by the Copesetics, 1956
  3. "Squeeze Me, Baby" by the Crystals, 1954 (There were at least two other Crystals groups around before the very famous 1960's female Crystals. This male vocal group sings a vigorous uptempo bluesy Doo-Wop number very effectively.)
  4. "Your Last Chance" by Lewis Lymon and the Teenchords, 1957 (Truly enjoyable uptempo Doo-Wop with a HOT sax solo to boot.)
  5. "Ankle Bracelet" by the Pyramids, 1959 (Appealing sentimental Doo-Wop ballad by this male vocal group.)
  6. "Ask Me" by Sugar Pie DeSanto, 1962
  7. "Tall Cool One" by the Wailers, 1959
  8. "Whooee, Sweet Daddy" by Katie Webster, 1958-59 (Incendiary rocker featuring Webster on both vocals and rockin' piano.)
  9. "My Heart's Delight" by Dakota Staton and the Howard Biggs Orchestra, 1955 (Good rocker. Eartha Kitt also recorded this in 1955. Not sure who did it first but both versions are good.)
  10. "Barbara Ann" by the Regents, 1961 (The ORIGINAL up tempo Doo-Wop version of this famous rocker redone in 1965 and a big hit in '66, by the Beach Boys. I love both versions. I saw the Regents in person back in 1980 and they were GREAT.)
  11. "The Walk" by Jimmy McCracklin, 1958
  12. "Keep the Fire Burning within Me" by the Wilson and Watson Singers, 1951 (Simply beautiful slow Gospel by this mixed male and female group.)
  13. "I Must See Jesus for Myself" by Lil Greenwood, 1951 (Nice slow bluesy Gospel by an otherwise very secular R. & B. artist.)
  14. "Kansas City" by Hank Ballard and the Midnighters, 1958 (Superb version of the classic rocker made most famous by Wilbert Harrison in 1959. The ORIGINAL was recorded back in 1952 by Little Willie Littlefield as "K.C. Lovin'" The first of many remakes of which I am aware was recorded by Little Richard in 1955 as "Kansas City.")
  15. "Mailman Blues" by Lloyd Price, 1952 (Truly Rock 'n' Roll in 1952. Flipside of his big bluesy wailing hit, "Lawdy, Miss Clawdy." "Mailman Blues" is quite prophetic: the mailman brings Lloyd his draft notice. In real life, Lloyd was drafted in late 1953 interrupting his budding music career. Fortunately, starting in 1956 with "Just Because" he came back and was more successful than ever, for example, "Stagger Lee" in 1958.)
  16. "Bim Bam Baby" by Jeanne Gayle and Cliffie Stone's Music, 1952
  17. "Crawfishin'" by Clarence "Bon Ton" Garlow, 1954 (Wow! One of the HOTTEST party records ever!)
  18. "This Is my Story" by Gene and Eunice, 1955 (Recorded in '54, I think, but a hit in '55, this is an appealing plaintive R. & B. romantic ballad.)
  19. "Worried Over You" by Keith and Enid, 1960 (Very appealing Jamaican R. & B. ballad. A different song, but clearly influenced, stylistically, by Gene and Eunice, see above.)
  20. "Jeannie" by the Thrashers, 1956-57
  21. "Why Can't You Be True?" by the Vernalls, 1958
  22. "Flashlight" by Jimmy Wright (HOT honkin' saxophone instrumental c. 1955. Wright appeared on a number of New York City R. & B. records c. 1954-57, for example, "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" by Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers in 1955.)
  23. "It's Gonna Be All Right" by the Decoys, 1962
  24. "That's What Girls Are Made For" by the Spinners, 1961 (Very appealing Doo-Wop ballad by this male vocal group who really hit big in the 1970's.)
  25. "Cherry Pie" by Marvin and Johnny, 1954
  26. "I Promise to Remember" by Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, 1956 (Truly exciting LIVE performance from 1956. Lymon had the hit record of this uptempo Doo-Wop classic but it was first recorded by kiddie group Jimmy Castor and the Juniors earlier in 1956.)
  27. "Hot Little Mama" by Johnny "Guitar" Watson, 1955 (Nice extended electric guitar solo reminds me a bit of B.B. King. Watson also played a pretty darn good Boogie piano on previous records back to 1952.)
  28. "Jesus Is Listening" by Candi Staton and the Jewel Gospel Trio, 1956
  29. "Palms of Victory" by Azie Lawrence, 1961 (Jamaican Gospel!)
  30. "That Lucky Old Sun" by Ray Charles, 1963
  31. "A Love of my Own" by Carla Thomas, 1961 (Sweet ballad.)
  32. "Boogu Yagga Gal" by A. Bedasse and Chin's Calypso Sextette, c. 1956 (Catchy Jamaican Mento (Calypso) concerning a cheating girl.)
  33. "Rum, More Rum" by Lord Beginner and the Calypso Rhythm Kings, 1951 (Cheerful Trinidadian Calypso celebrates a Caribbean favorite.)

\April 2, 2024

  1. "I Need a Man" by Barbara Pittman, 1956 (Hard charging Rockabilly. Includes two great instrumental breaks: one electric guitar and the other piano.)
  2. "Bop Street" by Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps, c. 1956
  3. "Baby, Let's Play House" by Elvis Presley, 1955 (Great early rocker where Elvis transforms Arthur Lee Gunter's excellent R. & B. original version from '54 into some pretty wild Rock 'n' Roll.)
  4. "Buddy" by Jackie Dee, 1958 (Pretty good Rockabilly by the singer better known as Jackie DeShannon, however, her real name was Sharon Lee Myers.)
  5. "Poor Little Fool" by Ricky Nelson, 1958 (Surprisingly effective teen ballad of romantic disappointment.)
  6. "Santa Margherita" by Dion and the Belmonts, 1957 (Their FIRST record! Truly beautiful melody and vocal harmonies with a strong Italian flavor. No surprise since Dion (Dion DiMucci) and his group were Italian Americans. Dion and the Belmonts split up in 1960 with Dion enjoying a very successful solo career. He's STILL active in his eighties and now focuses mostly on Blues music. Quite a change from the "Santa Margherita" days.)
  7. "Rollin' Stone" by the Fontane Sisters, 1955 (Nice remake of the 1955 original recorded by the male vocal group, the Marigolds. Calypso-flavored R. & B. The Cadets also recorded a version in '55 - '56.)
  8. "Pigeon" by Blind Blake and his Royal Victoria Hotel Calypsos, 1951 (Lively Bahamian Goombay music!)
  9. "New York Subway" by Lord Invader, 1946 (Classic Trinidadian Calypso about Lord Invader's misadventures getting home. A serious undertone (the race issue) despite the jolly melody: although he has the money, he is unable to get a taxi to take him back home to Harlem which is why he is trying - unsucessfully - to take the subway.)
  10. "Old Time Calypsoes" by Lord Melody (Lively and amusing Calypso with snippets of older songs. My guess is this was recorded about 1960.)
  11. "Lemon Squeezer" by the Four Barons, 1950 (Very bluesy double-entendre vocal group R. & B.)
  12. "In the Hands of the Lord" by the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, 1965 (Absolutely intense slow bluesy Gospel.)
  13. "Lord, When I Get Home" by Madame Edna Gallmon Cooke, 1961 (Absolutely intense slow bluesy Gospel.)
  14. "Sixty Minute Man" by Billy Ward and the Dominoes, 1951
  15. "Since my Baby's Been Gone" by Tampa Red, 1951 (Lively uptempo number with Latin or Caribbean type percussion. Tampa Red sings and also takes an instrumental solo playing the kazoo! Also backed up by excellent Boogie pianist, Little Johnny Jones.)
  16. "Shine On" by Ruth Brown, 1951 (Excellent remake and retitling of Tampa Red's number, see above. This storming version is lively and Ruth's backing big band swings up a storm!)
  17. "Wise Woman Blues" by Dinah Wahsington, 1945
  18. "Love Will Break your Heart" by Little Esther and the Johnny Otis Orchestra, 1950 (Compelling R. & B. ballad about the miseries of love. Accompanying male singer might be the deep-voiced Bobby Nunn of the Robins and later of the Coasters, but not sure.)
  19. "Cherokee Boogie" by Hank Williams and his Drifting Cowboys, 1951 (LIVE radio broadcast of this fine example of Hillbilly Boogie. A nice cover of the Moon Mullican original from 1950; Hank never recorded a studio version which is too bad. Here, he and his band do an excellent job. Proto-Rock 'n' Roll for sure.)
  20. "Corinne, Corinna" by Big Joe Turner, 1956 (THE classic version of this melodic number first recorded by Bo Carter and Charlie McCoy in 1928. Of the many, many versions done by others, Big Joe's is the best I say. Exuberant warm-hearted shouter. The instruumental break featuring saxophonee is also outstanding.)
  21. "Moondog Boogie" by Freddie Mitchell, 1952 (Hot saxophone instrumental.)
  22. "I've Gotta Leave You" by Faye Adams, 1953
  23. "My Dear, Dearest Darling" by the Five Willows, 1953 (Soulful Doo-Wop ballad.)
  24. "Love Bells" by the Five Willows, 1953 (Soulful Doo-Wop ballad.)
  25. "Church Bells May Ring" by the Willows, 1956 (Same group but slightly different name. Their only charting record, this is lively uptempo Doo-Wop. Others including the Diamonds and the Cadets redid it too.)
  26. "Rock, Little Frances" by the Five Willows, 1953 (An absolute HOT Doo-Wop rocker. Fast-paced and fun and includes a blastin' saxophone solo that will send you to the moon. Title says "Francis" but since the song concerns a GIRL the name should be spelled Frances.)
  27. "Going to Canaan's Shore" by the Simmons-Akers Singers, 1951
  28. "One Day" by the Dixie Hummingbirds and the Angelic Gospel Singers, 1950-51
  29. "Heaven Knows" by the Chuck-a-Lucks, 1957 (Nice romantic Doo-Wop ballad by this male vocal group.)
  30. "It's Heavenly" by Annie Alford and Group, 1956
  31. "Times Square Stomp" by the Summits, 1961 (Fast-paced instrumental somewhat reminds me of Jamaican Ska current at that time too.)
  32. "Alrightee' by the Teenos, 1958 (Fun uptempo rocker by this male vocal group.)

SHOW CANCELLED: About 8 hours to go and I was notifed that the softball game, scheduled originally for Wednesday, April 10, has TODAY been rescheduled for TONIGHT, Tuesday, April 9 due to forecasted bad weather. Sorry, folks, NO Golden Oldies tonight (April 9). This is kind of outrageous when you think about it: the Athletics Dept. should just have cancelled the darn game. After all, the softball team plays something like four or five games A WEEK. (When do these student athletes ever study?). I know that May 7 the Golden Oldies will be pre-empted by yet another softball game too. Sorry, folks. Guess we'll just have to look forward to the NEXT Golden Oldies show which SHOULD take place Tuesday, April 16 at 7 - 9 p.m. Central Time.

April 16, 2024

  1. "Lover" by Sherri Taylor and Sammy Ward, 1960
  2. "I'm Young" by Hank Ballard and the Midnighters, 1962 (Tough rocker.)
  3. "The Watusi" by the Vibrations, 1960 (One of the BEST dance records ever!! Truly exciting.)
  4. "If" by Ike and Tina Turner, 1961
  5. "Human" by Tommy Hunt, 1961 (Outstanding soulful ballad.)
  6. "Baby, It's You" by the Shirelles, 1961
  7. "Raunchy" by Ernie Freeman and his Combo, 1957 (Great instrumental first recorded and composed by Bill Justis in 1956, but this, the Ernie Freeman version, is the BEST of several versions. Sorry, Bill.)
  8. "Big Fat Mama" by Bill Ramsey, 1961 (Wild rocker featuring some excellent Boogie Woogie piano as well. LIVE recording. Never heard of this artist, but he sure is good.)
  9. "God Is a Battle Axe" by Sister Wynona Carr, 1949
  10. "So Many Fallen by the Wayside" by the Dedicators, c. 1965 (Appealing mid-tempo somewhat swinging Gospel.)
  11. "Shy One" by Shirley Ellis, 1963 (Sweet Soul ballad by the artist best known for her funky 1964 hits - recorded in 1963 - "The Nitty Gritty" and "The Name Game.")
  12. "The Glory of Love" by the Velvetones, 1957
  13. "The Purple People Eater" by Sheb Wooley, 1958
  14. "Martian Band" by the Wild Tones, 1958
  15. "Rockin' Satellite" by the Three Honeydrops, 1957
  16. "Let's Have a Party" by Wanda Jackson, 1958 (Big hit in 1960. Very effective raspy-voiced take on Elvis Presley's 1957 "Party." Hard poundin' Rock 'n' Roll!)
  17. "To Know Him Is to Love Him" by the Teddy Bears, 1958
  18. "My Heart's Desire" by the Wheels, 1956 (One of my favorite Doo-Wop ballads. Truly soulful.)
  19. "W-P-L-J" by the Four Deuces, 1955 (Catchy bluesy Doo-Wop rocker concerning white port lemon juice: W- P-L-J!)
  20. "Shim Sham Shimmy" by Champion Jack Dupree, 1953 (Hot rocker featuring Champion Jack on vocals and poundin' piano plus some great electric guitar.)
  21. "Get Goin', Engineer" by Toni Harper, 1950 (Appealing R. & B. rocker by the 13-year old singer.)
  22. "You Got to Have What it Takes" by Betty Hall Jones, 1949 (Uptempo number reaturing Jones on vocals and excellent Boogie Woogie piano.)
  23. "Time and Time Again" by Billy Murray and the Four Cousins, 1955
  24. "Shake a Hand" by LaVern Baker, 1960 (Competent remake of Faye Adams's 1953 Gospel-flavored hit. One of several remakes.)
  25. "Happy, Happy Birthday, Baby" by the Tuneweavers, 1957 (Sad and sweet Doo-Wop ballad with female lead. Note: the group was from Boston and the record was released the week of April 15, 1957. I was born in Boston on April 15, 1957, so this is my birthday song!)
  26. "The Flying Saucer, Part 1" by Buchanan and Goodman, 1956 (Hilarious record "samples" a number of then-current Rock 'n' Roll hits.)
  27. "Buchanan and Goodman on Trial" by Buchanan and Goodman, 1956 (This likely first use of "sampling" caused a lawsuit by affected record companies/artists but Buchanan and Goodman won since the samples they used were very brief. Some odd and interesting Rock 'n' Roll history.)
  28. "Talkin' All Out of my Head" by Little Esther, 1953
  29. "Get It" by the Royals, 1953 (First hit record by the group that became much more fmaous as Hank Ballard and the Midnighters starting in 1954. The Royals were founded in 1951, began recording in 1952 and Hank Ballard joined them in '52. "Get It" is, characteristically, bluesy and hot with suggestive lyrics.)
  30. "No More Sorrow" by the Bells of Joy, 1954
  31. "Angels, Angels" by the Singing Stars, 1954 (Sweet mid-tempo Gospel by this mixed male and female group. Nice!)
  32. "Pretzel" by the Alan Freed Band, 1955-56 (LIVE instrumental! Very exciting. Several saxophonists take solos backed up by roaring big band horns and a very excited audience cheering them on. Wish I could have been there!)
  33. "Bam-a-Lam" by Mickey Champion and the Roy Milton Orchestra, 1954-55.

April 23, 2024

  1. "Ain't That a Shame?" by Fats Domino, 1955
  2. "Don't Mean Maybe" by Dakota Staton, 1956
  3. "All in my Dreams" by Boyd Gilmore, 1952 (Tough uptempo Blues! The amazing electric guitar work is by the great Elmore James who was not, actually, at the session. His performance was, according to a Blues discography I consulted, spliced in on the recording tape that was then used for pressing the record. My only reason for checking was that I knew this recording featured Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm as the backing musicians and I knew that Ike Turner's excellent work on either electric guitar or piano was NOT what I was hearing when it came to those hot electric guitar riffs.)
  4. "Drink Up" by the Du Droppers, 1953 (Joyful invitation to drink.)
  5. "Sittin' Here Drinking" by Christine Kittrell, 1952 (Melancholy Blues about drinking.)
  6. "I Almost Lost my Mind" by Ivory Joe Hunter, 1949
  7. "If You've Got the Money, I've Got the Time" by Lefty Frizzell, 1950 (Lively debut for the future Country star. A realistic look at romance and finance.)
  8. "Triflin' Woman" by Moon Mullican, 1947 (HOT Hillbilly Boogie featuring Mullican on vocals and piano. Pretty close to Rock 'n' Roll!)
  9. "When God Dips His Love in my Heart" by the Maddox Brothers and Rose, 1950 (Very nice Country version of the familiar Gospel tune.)
  10. "I Love my God" by the Gospel Twins, 1951 (Veery nice up tempo Country Gospel by this female duo.)
  11. "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" by Hank Williams and his Drifting Cowboys, 1949 (CLASSIC Country ballad. Sad Hank.)
  12. "Why Don't You Love Me?" by Hank Williams and his Drifting Cowboys, 1950 (CLASSIC Country stomper. Sad lyrics but joyful up tempo delivery. Happy Hank.)
  13. "Talkin' Dust Bowl Blues" by Woody Guthrie, 1940 (Humorous spoken number concerning the serious topic of the Dust Bowl crisis of the 1930's. Guthrie, folk singer, is of course, most fmaous for the original "This Land Is your Land.")
  14. "Hot Rod Race" by Arkie Shibley and his Mountain Dew Boys, 1950 (!0 years later, except for the words, this sure sounds a lot like Woody Guthrie's "Talkin' Dust Bowl Blues!" Proto-Rockabilly number that prefigures "Hot Rod Lincoln" recorded in 1955 by Johnny Bond and rereleased in 1960 following the Charlie Ryan hit remake of 1959.)
  15. "Midget Auto Blues" by Paul Tutmark, 1953 (Starting in the 1930's this was a type of car race featuring, yes, very small racing cars. Some good Hillbilly Boogie featuring husband, Paul, on steel guitar and wife, Bonnie, on vocals.)
  16. "Night Owl" by Tony Allen and the Champs, 1955 (Soulful Doo-Wop ballad concerning an unfaithful girlfriend.)
  17. "All in my Mind" by Maxine Brown, 1961 (Soulful ballad concerning romantic uncertainty/jealousy.)
  18. "The Happy Organ" by Dave "Baby" Cortez, 1959
  19. "Dilly Dally Darling" by Anne Kaye and the Jimmy Wright Orchestra, 1956
  20. "Troubles, Troubles" by Clarence "Frogman" Henry, 1956 (Cheerful rocker concerning...suicide!)
  21. "Lonely Tramp" by Clarence "Frogman" Henry, 1956
  22. "(I Don't Know Why) I Love You but I Do" by Clarence "Frogman" Henry, 1960 (Fats Domino style ballad. Not surprising considering Henry was, like Fats, a native of New Orleans and a piano player too.)
  23. "You Always Hurt the One You Love" by Clarence "Frogman" Henry, 1961
  24. "Ain't Got No Home" by Clarence "Frogman" Henry, 1956 (Yes, his CLASSIC amusing rocker. This is where he got the nickname "Frogman." He sings in three different voices: his normal baritone, falsetto, and then a croaking frog-like voice. He also plays the hot bluesy piano riff heard throughout.)
  25. "A Million Thanks" by Anita Tucker, c. 1954
  26. "Paradise Roll" by Warren Lucky and Combo, 1955 (HOT saxophone instrumental. Lucky also recorded "Paradise Rock" but it was not, in my opinion, as good as "Paradise Roll." "Rock" and "Roll," get it?)
  27. "Saved by the Blood" by the Hightower Brothers, 1962
  28. "Oh, Lord, Won't You Have Mercy?" by the Gay Sisters, 1953
  29. "Sorry, I Ran All the Way Home" by the Impalas, 1958 (Catchy up tempo Doo-Wop.)
  30. "Red River Rock" by Johnny and the Hurricanes, 1959 (Very catchy instrumental Rock 'n' Roll adaptation of the familiar American folksong.)
  31. "Easier Said than Done" by the Essex, 1963
  32. "Twist, Twist, Senora" by Gary U.S. Bonds, 1961 (Rock 'n' Roll combined with Calypso.)
  33. "Love Me Always" by Arthur Lee Maye and the Crowns, 1955 (Very soulful romantic Doo-Wop.)
Dr. Hepcat age 17 in 1974 with his first car, a 1958 Oldsmobile Super 88
Last updated April 24, 2024 at 9:26 a.m. Copyright (c) 2024.