Hour One of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise explodes out of the speakers with a long-overdue tribute to one of […]
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Aristocrat Records and the Sound of Postwar Chicago
Hour Two of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise begins the program’s deep exploration of Aristocrat Records, the small Chicago label […]
Gospel Harmony, Jump Blues, and Aristocrat Rarities
Hour Three of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise expands the Aristocrat Records spotlight into some of the label’s most unusual […]
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Aristocrat Records and a Farewell to Little Richard
This week’s edition of Blues Before Sunrise combines two powerful themes: a tribute to the explosive legacy of Little Richard […]
Read moreFinal Ethel Waters Session and a Tour Through Vintage Blues
This week’s edition of Blues Before Sunrise marks the conclusion of one of the program’s longest-running archival journeys: the 60-week […]
Read moreBirmingham Quartets, Blues Royalty, and Deep Roots Traditions
This week’s edition of Blues Before Sunrise travels through nearly every corner of vintage Black American music, weaving together jazz, […]
Read moreAbout Blues Before Sunrise




Blues Before Sunrise is a long-running radio program hosted by Steve Cushing, dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of African American music. From rare 78s to gospel quartets, from jump blues to early R&B, each broadcast is a carefully curated journey through America’s musical and cultural heritage. With expert commentary and deep historical knowledge, Cushing brings forgotten voices and recordings back into the spotlight, turning each episode into both a listening experience and a history lesson.
This website serves as a digital archive and heritage showcase, ensuring that the music, voices, and stories featured on the show are preserved for future generations. Here you’ll find selected show archives, detailed playlists, artist profiles, and educational resources—all part of a larger effort to document and honor the roots of the blues. Whether you’re a casual listener or a serious scholar, this site invites you to explore the depth and beauty of a tradition that continues to shape American culture.