Hour Four of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise turns its attention to the rich world of postwar Chicago blues, featuring a remarkable collection of artists who helped define the sound of electric blues during the 1950s and early 1960s. From harmonica masters and guitar innovators to overlooked vocalists and regional favorites, this hour captures a period when blues music was evolving rapidly while remaining firmly rooted in tradition.

The set begins with Big Walter Horton’s “Hard Hearted Woman,” recorded in 1951. Horton’s harmonica playing ranks among the finest in blues history, and his influence can still be heard in generations of musicians who followed. His expressive style helped elevate the harmonica from a supporting instrument to a leading voice within the blues.

Billy Boy Arnold follows with “Kissing at Midnight,” bringing his distinctive harmonica sound and strong vocal delivery to the program. Arnold emerged from Chicago’s vibrant blues scene and became one of the most important young artists to record during the decade.

Eddie Taylor contributes “I’m Gonna Love You,” while Johnny Young offers the memorable “My Baby Walked Out in 1954.” Both men were essential figures in Chicago blues circles, providing dependable musicianship and helping support many of the city’s better-known stars.

Otis Spann’s “Mr. Jelly Roll Baker” showcases the piano mastery that made him one of the most respected blues pianists of his generation. His work with Muddy Waters and countless recording sessions established him as one of the defining keyboard players in blues history.

Johnny Littlejohn delivers the classic “Shake Your Moneymaker,” while guitarist Jody Williams appears with “You May.” Williams was one of the most inventive guitarists to emerge from Chicago’s blues community, and his influence extended well beyond the records released under his own name.

The hour continues with a collection of lesser-known but highly rewarding recordings from Woodrow Adams, Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Love, Willie Nix, J.L. Smith, Oscar Boyd, Mary Lane, Piney Brown, Slim Willis, Syl Johnson, and Lee Shot Williams. These performances reveal the remarkable depth of talent that existed throughout the blues world, much of which remains underappreciated outside dedicated blues circles.

Particularly noteworthy are Syl Johnson’s “I Resign From Your Love” and Lee Shot Williams’ “When You Move You Lose,” both showcasing artists who bridged the worlds of blues, soul, and rhythm and blues. Their recordings hint at the musical directions that Black popular music would soon take during the 1960s.

Johnny Ace’s “So Long” provides one of the hour’s most emotional moments. Ace’s smooth vocal style made him one of the brightest stars of early rhythm and blues, and his recordings continue to resonate decades after his untimely death.

The hour concludes with Lloyd Glenn’s “Night Time,” a fitting late-evening instrumental from one of the finest blues and jazz pianists of the postwar era. Glenn’s elegant playing brings the session to a graceful close while setting the stage for the after-hours atmosphere of the final hour.

Together, these recordings offer a vivid snapshot of blues music during a period of tremendous creativity. Some artists became household names, while others remain hidden treasures waiting to be rediscovered. Blues Before Sunrise proudly gives them all a place on the turntable.

Playlist – Hour Four

Hard Hearted Woman (1951) – Big Walter Horton
Kissing at Midnight – Billy Boy Arnold
I’m Gonna Love You – Eddie Taylor
My Baby Walked Out in 1954 – Johnny Young
Mr. Jelly Roll Baker – Otis Spann
Shake Your Moneymaker – Johnny Littlejohn
You May – Jody Williams
Pretty Baby – Woodrow Adams
Everybody’s in the Mood – Howlin’ Wolf
Lonesome World Blues – Willie Love
Take a Little Walk With Me – Willie Nix
Tears Won’t Help You Baby – J.L. Smith
Twist With Ossie Lee – Oscar Boyd
I Always Want You Near – Mary Lane
Sugar in My Tea – Piney Brown
Strange Feeling – Slim Willis
I Resign From Your Love – Syl Johnson
When You Move You Lose – Lee Shot Williams
So Long – Johnny Ace
Night Time – Lloyd Glenn