The first hour of Blues Before Sunrise opened the night with a vibrant blend of swing, jump blues, Broadway charm, and big band sophistication. This set drew heavily from the crossover era when jazz, blues, and entertainment collided on radio, in theaters, and in recording studios. The result was a rich listening experience that highlighted the versatility of African American performers in the mid-20th century.
The hour began with Scatman Crothers’ “I’m in Love Again.” Before he became a familiar face in Hollywood, Crothers was a skilled singer, drummer, and bandleader. His warm delivery and easy sense of swing made him a natural fit for the popular tunes of his day, and his recording here set the tone with an upbeat charm.
Then came a powerful stretch devoted to the legendary Louis Jordan, one of the architects of rhythm and blues. Jordan’s music bridged the swing era and early rock ’n’ roll, with humor, irresistible grooves, and witty lyrics. The hour featured several of his broadcast performances, including “Pistol Packin’ Mama,” “Five Guys Named Moe,” “Nagasaki,” “Bahama Joe,” and “You Was Right Baby.” Each showcased Jordan’s sly showmanship and the tight, propulsive sound of his Tympany Five. His work not only influenced blues and jazz audiences but also laid the foundation for rock’s rise in the postwar years.
The spotlight then shifted to Big Joe Turner, another towering figure who helped define jump blues. Known as the “Boss of the Blues,” Turner brought a powerful shouting style that could cut through any band. The broadcast featured “Low Down Dog,” “A Gal for Everyday of the Week,” “Johnson & Turner Blues,” “Goin’ Away Blues,” and his iconic “Roll ’Em Pete.” That last song, first recorded in 1938 with pianist Pete Johnson, is often cited as one of the earliest rock ’n’ roll songs. Turner’s commanding voice and larger-than-life persona captured the energy of Kansas City blues at its finest.
The mood shifted with the elegance of Lena Horne, who brought sophistication and glamour to the stage. Three of her songs — “If You Can Dream,” “The Spring,” and “Trembling of a Leaf” — demonstrated her control, diction, and emotional nuance. Horne’s presence in Hollywood films and Broadway productions made her one of the most visible Black female entertainers of her generation, and her recordings carried both artistry and cultural significance.
The Delta Rhythm Boys then delivered “What Would It Take.” This vocal harmony group specialized in blending jazz arrangements with rhythm and gospel roots. Their sound was smooth, uplifting, and versatile, bridging the gap between entertainment and artistry.
Another vocal gem came from Deryck Sampson, whose “Canal Street Boogie” offered a driving, jazz-inflected instrumental that carried a New Orleans flavor. The piece evoked the energy of early rhythm and blues clubs, bringing both grit and sophistication.
A rare treat followed with Bert Williams’ “Death Where Is Thy Sting.” Williams, one of the first Black superstars of American entertainment, made his mark in vaudeville and early recording. While his work predates most of the music featured on the show, his influence was immense, and this track reminded listeners of the depth and longevity of Black artistry in popular music.
The hour closed with Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis’ “The Way You Look Tonight.” Davis, a tenor saxophonist with a muscular, soulful tone, was known for bridging swing and hard bop. His interpretation of this standard provided a perfect bookend, balancing the lighter vocal numbers with jazz instrumental sophistication.
Hour 1 was a masterclass in musical diversity, showing how performers like Louis Jordan and Big Joe Turner pushed blues toward R&B, how Lena Horne carried elegance to mainstream stages, and how both early pioneers and modern jazz players kept the art form evolving.
Hour 1 Playlist
- I’m in Love Again – Scatman Crothers
- Pistol Packin’ Mama (broadcast) – Louis Jordan
- Five Guys Named Moe (broadcast) – Louis Jordan
- Nagasaki (broadcast) – Louis Jordan
- Bahama Joe (broadcast) – Louis Jordan
- You Was Right Baby (broadcast) – Louis Jordan
- Low Down Dog (broadcast) – Big Joe Turner
- A Gal for Everyday of the Week (broadcast) – Big Joe Turner
- Johnson & Turner Blues (broadcast) – Big Joe Turner
- Goin’ Away Blues (broadcast) – Big Joe Turner
- Roll ’Em Pete (broadcast) – Big Joe Turner
- If You Can Dream – Lena Horne
- The Spring – Lena Horne
- Trembling of a Leaf – Lena Horne
- What Would It Take – Delta Rhythm Boys
- Canal Street Boogie – Deryck Sampson
- Death Where Is Thy Sting – Bert Williams
- The Way You Look Tonight – Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis