Hour Four of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise turns the volume up with a powerhouse collection of electric blues recordings from some of the genre’s most influential artists. Featuring legendary guitarists, unforgettable vocalists, and masters of the amplified Chicago sound, this hour traces the evolution of postwar blues as it became one of the defining musical styles of the twentieth century.
The hour opens with three exceptional recordings from Johnny Guitar Watson. “Hot Little Mama,” “Too Tired,” and “Three Hours Past Midnight” showcase the dazzling guitar work and confident vocals that made Watson one of the most innovative blues musicians of his generation. Long before he became known for his funk and soul recordings of the 1970s, Watson was already pushing the boundaries of electric blues with a style that blended technical brilliance with infectious energy.
Bobby “Blue” Bland follows with four outstanding performances that highlight one of the smoothest and most emotionally expressive voices in rhythm and blues. “I Pity the Fool,” “You Got Me Where You Want Me,” “Two Steps from the Blues,” and “I Woke Up Screaming” combine blues, gospel, and soul influences into a sound that helped define modern blues singing. Few artists could communicate heartbreak and resilience as effectively as Bland.
John Lee Hooker changes the pace with two signature recordings, “Boogie Chillen” and “Let’s Talk It Over.” Hooker’s hypnotic guitar rhythms and conversational vocal style created one of the most recognizable sounds in blues history. His music remained deeply rooted in the Mississippi Delta while helping shape the future of electric blues.
Lil Son Jackson contributes “Time Changes Things,” bringing his Texas blues style to the program before pianist Lloyd Glenn follows with the swinging instrumental “Old Time Shuffle.” Glenn’s sophisticated piano work made him one of the most respected accompanists and bandleaders of the postwar era.
The Chicago blues tradition continues with James Cotton’s “My Baby.” Cotton’s explosive harmonica playing would eventually establish him as one of the greatest blues performers of the twentieth century, and this recording captures him early in his remarkable career.
Bo Diddley appears with the unforgettable “Who Do You Love,” one of the defining recordings of rock and roll’s formative years. Built around his famous signature rhythm, the song continues to influence musicians across countless genres.
Billy Boy Arnold delivers the heartfelt “My Heart Is Crying,” while Frank Frost contributes the driving “Feel Good Babe,” demonstrating the continuing vitality of Southern blues traditions during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Jerry McCain adds two energetic performances, “Rock & Roll Ball” and “She’s Tough,” highlighting his distinctive harmonica style and lively stage presence. His recordings blended blues with the emerging sounds of rock and roll while remaining firmly grounded in traditional blues.
The hour concludes with Lightning Slim’s “Rooster Blues,” Lonesome Sundown’s “Don’t Go,” and Buster Brown’s “Doctor Brown.” Together, these final selections provide a fitting close to an hour filled with authentic electric blues, memorable songwriting, and outstanding musicianship.
From Texas to Chicago and Louisiana, Hour Four celebrates the explosive creativity that transformed the blues during the postwar years. These recordings remain essential listening for anyone who appreciates the roots of modern American music.
Playlist – Hour Four
Hot Little Mama – Johnny Guitar Watson
Too Tired – Johnny Guitar Watson
Three Hours Past Midnight – Johnny Guitar Watson
I Pity the Fool – Bobby Bland
You Got Me Where You Want Me – Bobby Bland
Two Steps from the Blues – Bobby Bland
I Woke Up Screaming – Bobby Bland
Boogie Chillen – John Lee Hooker
Let’s Talk It Over – John Lee Hooker
Time Changes Things – Lil Son Jackson
Old Time Shuffle – Lloyd Glenn
My Baby – James Cotton
Who Do You Love – Bo Diddley
My Heart Is Crying – Billy Boy Arnold
Feel Good Babe – Frank Frost
Rock & Roll Ball – Jerry McCain
She’s Tough – Jerry McCain
Rooster Blues – Lightning Slim
Don’t Go – Lonesome Sundown
Doctor Brown – Buster Brown