The second hour of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise brought together a wide range of voices, weaving between blues shouters, smooth balladeers, and gospel harmony groups. This set showcased the way the blues lived alongside rhythm and blues, jazz, and gospel in the middle decades of the 20th century — sometimes colliding, sometimes overlapping, and always resonating.
The hour opened with Camille Howard’s “Groovy Blues.” Howard, a piano powerhouse associated with Roy Milton’s Solid Senders, was one of the few women to break into the male-dominated rhythm-and-blues band scene. Her piano style was rhythmic, boogie-heavy, and infectious, and “Groovy Blues” demonstrated her ability to bring both drive and swing.
Next came Charles Brown’s “Jilted Blues.” Brown, known for his smooth, mellow voice and sophisticated piano work, became one of the leading figures of the West Coast blues. His understated delivery contrasted with the harder shouters of his era, making him a favorite in cocktail lounges and urban clubs.
The spotlight then shifted to Etta James, whose pair of recordings — “Sunshine of Love” and “I Hope You’re Satisfied” — captured the fiery, versatile spirit of one of the most enduring singers in American music. James could belt with raw power or deliver with tender restraint, and her contributions anchored the hour with emotion and presence.
Percy Mayfield’s “Lost Love” followed, offering the work of the man often called the “Poet Laureate of the Blues.” Mayfield’s lyrics were introspective and literary, often touching on loneliness, regret, and the struggles of everyday life. His voice was gentle yet poignant, setting him apart from the rowdier figures of R&B.
Texas singer Jimmy T-99 Nelson appeared twice, with “Second Hand Fool” and “I Sat & Cried.” Nelson was deeply influenced by Big Joe Turner, and his expressive voice carried the tradition of blues shouting into the R&B era. His recordings blended grit with smooth phrasing, giving him a distinct identity among Texas blues singers.
Another Texas voice came with Jimmy Wilson’s “Easy Easy Baby.” Wilson was known for his silky vocals and his work with the guitarist Lafayette “Thing” Thomas. His style was intimate, and his recordings remain prized examples of 1950s West Coast blues.
A historical gem followed: Tampa Red’s “What Is It Tastes Like Gravy.” Tampa Red was a slide guitar pioneer and one of the most prolific recording artists of the prewar blues era. His playful, double-entendre-laden songs were immensely popular, and this recording showed his humor as well as his instrumental brilliance.
The set continued with Lil Johnson’s “House Rent Scuffle.” Johnson was one of the more risqué singers of the 1930s, known for her bawdy material and vibrant energy. This track fit perfectly with her reputation for mixing humor, social commentary, and double meanings.
Lonnie Johnson then brought sophistication with “I Done Told You.” Johnson was a pioneering guitarist whose single-string solos influenced jazz greats as well as blues players. His voice was gentle but assured, and his recordings helped push blues toward modern phrasing and instrumental technique.
The spotlight then shifted to Ethel Waters, one of the most versatile performers of her time. With four tracks — “Weary Feet,” “Smile,” “Home Cradle of Happiness,” and “Take Your Black Bottom Outside” — she showcased her range, moving from blues and jazz to popular song. Waters was a groundbreaking figure who made her mark on Broadway, film, and the recording industry.
The closing section brought gospel into the mix. The Original Gospel Harmonettes delivered “One Day” and “99 1/2,” songs filled with urgency and spiritual uplift. Their harmonies were tight, passionate, and rooted in the Black church tradition. The Dixie Hummingbirds closed the hour with “Get Right Church,” a fiery call-and-response piece that exemplified why they became one of the most influential gospel quartets of all time.
By moving from blues ballads to bawdy humor and finally into gospel harmonies, hour two captured the full spectrum of African American music traditions. It showed how artists navigated the thin lines between the sacred and the secular, between nightlife entertainment and spiritual uplift.
Hour 2 Playlist
- Groovy Blues – Camille Howard
- Jilted Blues – Charles Brown
- Sunshine of Love – Etta James
- I Hope You’re Satisfied – Etta James
- Lost Love – Percy Mayfield
- Second Hand Fool – Jimmy T-99 Nelson
- I Sat & Cried – Jimmy T-99 Nelson
- Easy Easy Baby – Jimmy Wilson
- What Is It Tastes Like Gravy – Tampa Red
- House Rent Scuffle – Lil Johnson
- I Done Told You – Lonnie Johnson
- Naptown Special – Herve Duerson
- Weary Feet – Ethel Waters
- Smile – Ethel Waters
- Home Cradle of Happiness – Ethel Waters
- Take Your Black Bottom Outside – Ethel Waters
- One Day – Original Gospel Harmonettes
- 99 1/2 – Original Gospel Harmonettes
- Get Right Church – Dixie Hummingbirds