Hour Five brings another Blues Before Sunrise to a close with a relaxed but rewarding collection of jazz, blues, and rhythm & blues performances. After the vocal harmony celebration of the first half of the broadcast, the vintage blues of Hour Three, and the fascinating Howlin’ Wolf interview in Hour Four, the final hour allows the music to speak for itself. The playlist moves effortlessly between sophisticated jazz, soulful ballads, Chicago blues, and early rock and roll, providing the perfect soundtrack for the final moments before sunrise.

Jackie Davis opens the hour with the classic “Softly as in a Morning Sunrise.” Known for his expressive Hammond organ playing, Davis combines jazz sophistication with a bluesy feel that immediately sets an inviting mood. Don Byas follows with a beautiful rendition of “Summertime,” reminding listeners why he was one of the finest tenor saxophonists to emerge from the swing era. His lyrical phrasing and rich tone transform the familiar standard into a memorable jazz performance.

Ray Charles contributes the heartfelt “Don’t Set Me Free,” demonstrating the emotional depth that made him one of America’s greatest vocalists. Shirley Horn follows with the elegant ballad “Just for a Thrill,” delivering the understated, intimate style that became her trademark over a remarkable career spanning decades.

Jimmy Smith raises the energy with the infectious “Groanin’,” showcasing the Hammond B-3 organ style that revolutionized jazz during the 1950s. His driving rhythms and blues-based improvisation helped create the soul jazz sound that would influence generations of musicians.

Annie Laurie slows the pace once again with two deeply emotional performances, “I’ll Never Be Free” and “Lonesome & Blue.” Although often overlooked today, Laurie possessed one of rhythm & blues’ most expressive voices, equally capable of conveying heartbreak and resilience.

John Lee Hooker dominates the middle portion of the hour with three distinctive recordings: “Send Me Your Pillow,” “This Is Hip,” and “She Shot Me Down.” Hooker’s hypnotic guitar style, powerful vocals, and unmistakable rhythmic drive remain unlike anyone else’s in blues history. Whether performing intimate blues or harder-driving material, his individuality shines through every note.

Texas country bluesman Jesse Thomas contributes the appropriately titled “Texas Blues,” preserving the older acoustic traditions that continued to thrive alongside the electric blues revolution. Charlie Bradix follows with “Wee Wee Hours,” capturing the reflective mood often associated with late-night blues.

Boyd Gilmore’s “Just an Army Boy” offers another fascinating glimpse into postwar rhythm & blues before Ernest Lane delivers the energetic “What’s Wrong Baby.” Both recordings highlight talented performers whose contributions deserve wider recognition among blues fans.

The hour closes with two entertaining selections from Bo Diddley. “Bo Diddley’s a Gunslinger” displays his trademark rhythmic style and larger-than-life personality, while “Surfer’s Love Call” demonstrates his willingness to experiment with new musical ideas during the 1960s. Finally, as always, Fleetwood Mac’s instrumental masterpiece “Albatross” provides the familiar and fitting conclusion to another memorable edition of Blues Before Sunrise.

Hour Five serves as an ideal conclusion to a broadcast that celebrated both vocal harmony and blues history. By blending jazz standards, soulful ballads, electric blues, and rhythm & blues into one seamless listening experience, Steve Cushing once again demonstrates the remarkable connections between these musical traditions. It’s a satisfying finale that leaves listeners looking forward to the next journey through America’s rich musical past.

Playlist – Hour Five

Softly as in a Morning Sunrise – Jackie Davis
Summertime – Don Byas
Don’t Set Me Free – Ray Charles
Just for a Thrill – Shirley Horn
Groanin’ – Jimmy Smith
I’ll Never Be Free – Annie Laurie
Lonesome & Blue – Annie Laurie
Send Me Your Pillow – John Lee Hooker
This Is Hip – John Lee Hooker
She Shot Me Down – John Lee Hooker
Texas Blues – Jesse Thomas
Wee Wee Hours – Charlie Bradix
Just an Army Boy – Boyd Gilmore
What’s Wrong Baby – Ernest Lane
Bo Diddley’s a Gunslinger – Bo Diddley
Surfer’s Love Call – Bo Diddley
Albatross – Fleetwood Mac