Hour Four of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise cleverly builds itself around artists carrying the name “King,” creating a loose […]
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Swing Era Sophistication and Jazz-Age Energy
Hour One of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise opens the program with a lively collection of swing, jazz, blues, and […]
Rhythm & Blues, Gospel, and the Johnny Otis Connection
Hour Two of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise showcases the vibrant sounds of postwar rhythm and blues while also making […]
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Five Hours Across the Spectrum
This week’s Blues Before Sunrise has no formal theme, but that freedom allows the program to do what it does […]
Read moreAristocrat 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 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.