Hour Five of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise eases listeners into the final stretch of the program with a rich blend of jazz, vocal harmony, rhythm and blues, and classic blues. It is an hour perfectly suited for the quiet moments before dawn, combining sophisticated performances with deeply expressive blues recordings from some of the finest artists of the twentieth century.
The hour opens with the Delta Rhythm Boys and “Shoo Shoo Baby,” showcasing the smooth vocal harmony and impeccable timing that made the group one of the premier vocal ensembles of their era. Their polished style helped bridge the worlds of jazz, popular music, and rhythm and blues.
Saxophonist Tab Smith follows with “Blanket of Blue,” bringing a warm and elegant instrumental sound that became one of his trademarks. Smith’s ability to blend jazz sophistication with rhythm-and-blues accessibility earned him a loyal following throughout the postwar years.
The Duke Ellington Orchestra is represented through two outstanding vocal performances. Ivie Anderson delivers the charming “In a Mizz,” while Herb Jeffries contributes the timeless classic “Flamingo.” Both singers were among Ellington’s finest vocal collaborators, helping to elevate the orchestra’s recordings beyond the instrumental brilliance for which the band was already famous.
Jimmy Smith arrives with “Someone to Watch Over Me,” demonstrating why he remains one of the most influential organists in jazz history. His innovative approach transformed the Hammond organ into a major jazz instrument and influenced generations of musicians.
The Cats & Jammers contribute “When I Close My Eyes” and “Lilacs in the Rain,” adding a touch of vocal-group elegance before the hour gradually shifts toward a stronger blues focus.
George Harmonica Smith’s “Sunbird” showcases the powerful harmonica work that made him one of the leading blues harp players of the Chicago scene. Bo Diddley follows with “I’m Looking for a Woman,” reminding listeners of the distinctive rhythmic style that helped make him one of the architects of rock and roll.
Jody Williams’ “Lucky Lou” highlights the inventive guitar playing that influenced countless Chicago blues musicians, while Eddie Burns delivers the emotional “Hard Hearted Woman.” Baby Boy Warren’s “Bad Lover Blues” continues the Detroit blues connection with a performance rich in feeling and authenticity.
The final portion of the hour features a series of powerful blues recordings. Big Maceo’s “Big Road Blues” reflects the piano blues tradition that helped shape Chicago’s sound. Tampa Red’s “You Missed a Good Man” offers his trademark combination of smooth vocals and masterful guitar work, while Johnny Shines contributes “Ain’t Doin’ No Good,” carrying forward the Delta blues tradition he learned firsthand from his longtime friend Robert Johnson.
Champion Jack Dupree closes the featured performances with “Bad Health Blues,” combining his New Orleans piano style and expressive storytelling into a memorable finale. Few artists could communicate hardship, humor, and resilience as effectively as Dupree.
As always, Fleetwood Mac’s instrumental masterpiece “Albatross” provides the program’s traditional closing. Its gentle melody serves as a peaceful farewell after another five hours dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of blues, jazz, gospel, and rhythm and blues.
Playlist – Hour Five
Shoo Shoo Baby – Delta Rhythm Boys
Blanket of Blue – Tab Smith
In a Mizz – Ivie Anderson & Duke Ellington Orchestra
Flamingo – Herb Jeffries & Duke Ellington Orchestra
Someone to Watch Over Me – Jimmy Smith
When I Close My Eyes – Cats & Jammers
Lilacs in the Rain – Cats & Jammers
Sunbird – George Harmonica Smith
I’m Looking for a Woman – Bo Diddley
Lucky Lou – Jody Williams
Hard Hearted Woman – Eddie Burns
Bad Lover Blues – Baby Boy Warren
Big Road Blues – Big Maceo
You Missed a Good Man – Tampa Red
Ain’t Doin’ No Good – Johnny Shines
Bad Health Blues – Champion Jack Dupree
Albatross – Fleetwood Mac