Hour Four shines the spotlight on one of the great independent record companies of the postwar era: Fire Records, the New York label founded by producer Bobby Robinson. While Robinson is often remembered for discovering and recording artists in rock and soul music, Fire also became home to an impressive roster of blues musicians whose recordings helped bridge the gap between traditional country blues and the modern electric sound emerging during the 1950s and early 1960s.

The hour begins with two classic performances by Elmore James, “Sunnyland Train” and “Something Inside of Me.” James’ unmistakable slide guitar and emotionally charged vocals made him one of the defining figures of electric blues, and his Fire recordings demonstrate why generations of guitarists have cited him as a major influence.

Lightnin’ Hopkins follows with “Mojo Hand” and “Coffee for Mama,” showcasing the Texas blues master’s relaxed storytelling, hypnotic guitar work, and effortless ability to transform simple arrangements into unforgettable performances. Hopkins’ style remained deeply rooted in the country blues tradition while sounding completely modern.

Big Boy Crudup contributes “Mean Old Frisco” and “Dig Myself a Hole,” reminding listeners that his songwriting and guitar playing helped shape the music that followed. Crudup’s influence reached far beyond the blues, inspiring countless rock and roll performers in the decades ahead.

Buster Brown keeps the momentum going with “Don’t Dog Your Woman” and “Dr. Brown,” bringing his energetic harmonica playing and upbeat vocal delivery to the Fire catalog. The program then shifts toward instrumental rhythm and blues with Willis Jackson’s swinging saxophone features “Making It” and “Good to the Bone,” adding a dose of late-night groove to the broadcast.

Wild Jimmy Spruill, one of the most underrated guitarists of the era, delivers the driving instrumentals “Hard Grind” and “Kansas City March.” His aggressive, innovative guitar style helped define many Fire sessions and foreshadowed the louder electric blues that would emerge during the following decade.

Dr. Horse provides a pair of entertaining performances with “Jack That Cat Was Clean” and “I’m Tired of It,” demonstrating the humor and personality that often accompanied rhythm and blues recordings of the period. Johnny Acey follows with the heartfelt “Please Don’t Go” and “Why,” while Tarheel Slim & Little Ann contribute the soulful duet “Lock Me in Your Heart” and “Can’t Stay Away from You.”

The hour concludes with Mighty Joe Young, whose powerful guitar work and expressive vocals point toward the next generation of Chicago blues. His appearance serves as a fitting conclusion to a program that celebrates the remarkable diversity of artists Bobby Robinson brought together under the Fire label.

Although Fire Records existed during an intensely competitive era for independent labels, Bobby Robinson’s willingness to record established blues veterans alongside rising performers produced a catalog that remains both historically important and immensely enjoyable. Hour Four reminds listeners that behind every great label is a producer with vision, and behind every classic recording is an artist whose music continues to inspire generations of blues fans.

Playlist – Hour Four

Sunnyland Train – Elmore James
Something Inside of Me – Elmore James
Mojo Hand – Lightnin’ Hopkins
Coffee for Mama – Lightnin’ Hopkins
Mean Old Frisco – Big Boy Crudup
Dig Myself a Hole – Big Boy Crudup
Don’t Dog Your Woman – Buster Brown
Dr. Brown – Buster Brown
Making It – Willis Jackson
Good to the Bone – Willis Jackson
Hard Grind – Wild Jimmy Spruill
Kansas City March – Wild Jimmy Spruill
Jack That Cat Was Clean – Dr. Horse
I’m Tired of It – Dr. Horse
Please Don’t Go – Johnny Acey
Why – Johnny Acey
Lock Me in Your Heart – Tarheel Slim & Little Ann
Can’t Stay Away from You – Tarheel Slim & Little Ann
Temp – Mighty Joe Young