After celebrating the sophisticated vocal harmony groups that filled the first half of the broadcast, Hour Three returns to the roots of the blues with an outstanding collection of prewar recordings. Spanning the late 1920s through the early 1940s, the playlist showcases many of the musicians whose work laid the foundation for every style of blues that followed. From Delta classics and urban blues to vaudeville performances and early Chicago recordings, this hour serves as a master class in the diversity of early blues.
William Harris opens the set with the haunting “Electric Chair Blues,” one of the era’s most memorable recordings. Blind Lemon Jefferson follows with “Big Night Blues,” reminding listeners why he became one of the first true stars of recorded country blues. His expressive guitar work and unmistakable vocal style influenced generations of musicians throughout the South.
Charlie Spand’s “Levee Camp Moan” paints a vivid picture of life along the Mississippi River, while Frank Brasswell’s “Mountain Jack Blues” preserves another example of regional country blues traditions that rarely receive the attention they deserve today.
Joe McCoy contributes “What’s the Matter With You,” displaying the versatility that made him one of the most prolific session musicians of the prewar period. Bessie Tucker follows with “My Man Has Quit Me,” representing the classic female blues tradition that flourished during the 1920s and early 1930s.
Big Bill Broonzy brings his warm vocals and accomplished guitar playing to “Worried in Mind Blues” before Charley Patton delivers the powerful “I’m Goin’ Home.” Patton’s influence on Delta blues cannot be overstated, and his commanding performances continue to stand among the most important recordings ever made.
Ramblin’ Thomas offers the reflective “Little Old Mama Blues,” while Kansas Joe McCoy returns with the spirited “I’m Going Crazy.” Blind Blake injects his trademark ragtime guitar brilliance into the lively “C’mon Boys Let’s Do That Messin’ Around,” providing one of the hour’s most joyful performances.
Victoria Spivey dominates the middle of the program with three outstanding selections: “Murder in the First Degree,” “No Papa No,” and the two-part “You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now.” One of the most accomplished singers of the classic blues era, Spivey’s recordings combine theatrical storytelling with remarkable vocal confidence.
Dr. Clayton follows with the moving wartime recording “Pearl Harbor Blues,” capturing the uncertainty and emotion that swept across America following the events of December 1941. Judson Brown contributes the deeply personal “You Don’t Know My Mind,” while Tricky Sam closes in with the memorable “Stavin’ Chain.”
Carolina Slim concludes the hour with “Worry You Off My Mind,” bringing listeners closer to the postwar era while maintaining the strong country blues tradition that defines the entire set.
Hour Three perfectly illustrates the incredible range of early blues music. The performances move seamlessly between rural and urban styles, male and female artists, solo performers and fuller accompaniments, revealing a musical tradition far richer and more diverse than many listeners realize. It is another reminder that Blues Before Sunrise continues to uncover remarkable recordings that deserve to be heard and appreciated by new generations.
Playlist – Hour Three
Electric Chair Blues – William Harris
Big Night Blues – Blind Lemon Jefferson
Levee Camp Moan – Charlie Spand
Mountain Jack Blues – Frank Brasswell
What’s the Matter With You – Joe McCoy
My Man Has Quit Me – Bessie Tucker
Worried in Mind Blues – Big Bill Broonzy
I’m Goin’ Home – Charley Patton
Little Old Mama Blues – Ramblin’ Thomas
I’m Going Crazy – Kansas Joe McCoy
C’mon Boys Let’s Do That Messin’ Around – Blind Blake
Murder in the First Degree – Victoria Spivey
No Papa No – Victoria Spivey
You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now, Parts I & II – Victoria Spivey
Pearl Harbor Blues – Dr. Clayton
You Don’t Know My Mind – Judson Brown
Stavin’ Chain – Tricky Sam
Worry You Off My Mind – Carolina Slim