Hour One of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise opens with an engaging collection of jazz, blues, and popular standards that perfectly reflects the program’s commitment to showcasing the rich diversity of early American music. Featuring elegant vocal performances, sophisticated jazz interpretations, and a few unforgettable blues classics, the first hour eases listeners into another memorable five-hour journey through musical history.
The program begins with Nellie Lutcher’s cheerful “He Sends Me,” immediately setting a warm and welcoming tone. Lutcher’s playful piano style and distinctive vocals made her one of the most original performers to emerge during the late 1940s, blending jazz, blues, and pop into a sound that remains instantly recognizable.
Joe Williams takes center stage with an outstanding four-song set featuring “By the River St. Marie,” “Have You Met Miss Jones,” “Come Back Baby,” and “This Can’t Be Love.” Williams possessed one of the richest voices in American music, equally comfortable singing sophisticated jazz standards or deep blues. His effortless phrasing and remarkable versatility shine throughout this collection.
Sarah Vaughan follows with four elegant performances that remind listeners why she is considered one of the greatest vocalists in jazz history. “If I Knew Then,” “Can’t Get Out of This Mood,” “Idle Gossip,” and “An Occasional Man” showcase Vaughan’s extraordinary vocal range, impeccable technique, and emotional depth. Few singers could move so naturally between intimate ballads and swinging jazz arrangements.
The mood shifts toward classic rhythm and blues as Jimmy Witherspoon delivers four memorable recordings. “Good Rockin’ Tonight,” “My Money Is Long This Morning,” “I Won’t Tell a Soul,” and “Sweet Slumber” capture the relaxed yet powerful vocal style that made Witherspoon one of the defining blues singers of the postwar era. His ability to combine jazz sophistication with earthy blues feeling helped shape the future of rhythm and blues.
The Jubalaires contribute the beautiful spiritual “I Waited All My Life for You,” demonstrating the remarkable harmony singing that made the group one of the finest gospel vocal ensembles of the twentieth century. Their polished performances frequently crossed musical boundaries, appearing on both sacred and secular recordings.
Piano virtuoso Meade Lux Lewis follows with the legendary “Honky Tonk Train” from 1935, one of the defining performances of boogie-woogie piano. Lewis’ driving left-hand rhythms and brilliant improvisation helped popularize a style that would influence generations of blues, jazz, and rock musicians.
One of the hour’s true historical treasures comes from Eddie Green performing “Big Business,” taken from the celebrated stage production Hot Chocolates. Green was a gifted entertainer whose work on Broadway showcased the growing influence of African American performers during the Harlem Renaissance. His performance offers listeners a fascinating glimpse into an important chapter of theatrical and musical history.
The hour concludes with Lester Young’s swinging instrumental “Jumpin’ at the Woodside.” Backed by Count Basie’s orchestra, Young’s smooth, melodic tenor saxophone provides a joyful finish that perfectly captures the excitement and sophistication of the Swing Era.
Hour One demonstrates exactly what makes Blues Before Sunrise unique. Rather than focusing on a single style, it celebrates the connections between jazz, blues, rhythm and blues, gospel, and popular music, creating an entertaining and historically rich listening experience that sets the stage for the hours to follow.
Playlist – Hour One
He Sends Me – Nellie Lutcher
By the River St. Marie – Joe Williams
Have You Met Miss Jones – Joe Williams
Come Back Baby – Joe Williams
This Can’t Be Love – Joe Williams
Teach Me Tonight – Joe Williams
If I Knew Then – Sarah Vaughan
Can’t Get Out of This Mood – Sarah Vaughan
Idle Gossip – Sarah Vaughan
An Occasional Man – Sarah Vaughan
Good Rockin’ Tonight – Jimmy Witherspoon
My Money Is Long This Morning – Jimmy Witherspoon
I Won’t Tell a Soul – Jimmy Witherspoon
Sweet Slumber – Jimmy Witherspoon
I Waited All My Life for You – Jubalaires
Honky Tonk Train (1935) – Meade Lux Lewis
Big Business – Eddie Green
Jumpin’ at the Woodside – Lester Young