Hour Four of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise shifts the program firmly into the electric era, where the blues grows louder, tighter, and more urban. After the earlier hours explored swing, R&B, and prewar roots, this hour captures the sound of the blues as it settled into city life—amplified, confident, and built around the band.

The hour opens with a strong presence from Jimmy Rogers, whose recordings helped define the Chicago blues sound in the 1950s. Tracks like “Goin’ Away Baby,” “Cryin’ Shame,” and “Act Like You Love Me” showcase his smooth vocals and clean, understated guitar style. Rogers never overplays—he lets the groove do the work, creating performances that feel relaxed but deeply rooted.

Sunnyland Slim’s “It’s You Baby” keeps that Chicago feel moving, anchored by his rolling piano style. There’s a looseness in his playing that contrasts nicely with the tighter guitar-driven tracks, adding variety without breaking the flow.

The mood deepens with “Hard-Hearted Woman” by Big Walter, bringing in a heavier, more emotional tone. From there, Big Boy Spires’ “Murmur Low” adds a raw edge, reminding listeners that even within the electric era, there was still plenty of grit and individuality.

A major highlight of the hour comes from T-Bone Walker, whose influence on electric guitar cannot be overstated. Tracks like “That’s Better for Me,” “Prison Blues,” and “T-Bone Shuffle” show his smooth, jazz-influenced approach to the blues. Walker’s playing is elegant and precise, bridging the gap between earlier swing styles and the more modern electric sound.

Lloyd Glenn’s “Blues Hangover” brings a piano-driven groove that feels both relaxed and rhythmically strong, while Dickie Thompson’s “13 Women & Only One Man” adds a touch of storytelling and personality.

The hour continues with Jimmy Wilson’s “Mistake in Life,” a track that leans into emotional storytelling, followed by Eddie Boyd’s “I’m Going Downtown,” which brings the focus back to classic Chicago blues structure—steady rhythm, expressive vocals, and a strong sense of place.

St. Louis Jimmy’s “Hard Luck Boogie” adds a transitional feel, connecting earlier blues styles with the more modern sounds heard throughout the hour. That sense of continuity continues with Tender Slim’s “I’m Checkin’ Up,” a track that blends blues themes with a slightly more contemporary delivery.

Rose Johnson’s “Home Work Blues” brings a unique vocal perspective, adding variety to the lineup, while James Reed’s “Things Ain’t What They Used to Be” reflects a theme that runs throughout the blues—change, loss, and adaptation.

The hour closes with “Prison Bound” by Lowell Fulson, a fitting ending that captures the emotional weight and storytelling tradition of the blues while maintaining the electric, band-driven sound that defines this portion of the program.

Hour Four is where everything comes together. The roots explored in earlier hours are now amplified and refined, shaped by city life and evolving musical tastes. It’s the blues stepping into a new era—without losing the feeling that made it powerful in the first place.

Playlist – Hour Four

Goin’ Away Baby – Jimmy Rogers

It’s You Baby – Sunnyland Slim

Cryin’ Shame – Jimmy Rogers

Hard-Hearted Woman – Big Walter

Act Like You Love Me – Jimmy Rogers

Murmur Low – Big Boy Spires

That’s Better for Me – T-Bone Walker

Blues Hangover – Lloyd Glenn

Prison Blues – T-Bone Walker

13 Women & Only One Man – Dickie Thompson

T-Bone Shuffle – T-Bone Walker

Mistake in Life – Jimmy Wilson

I’m Going Downtown – Eddie Boyd

Hard Luck Boogie – St. Louis Jimmy

I’m Checkin’ Up – Tender Slim

Home Work Blues – Rose Johnson

Things Ain’t What They Used to Be – James Reed

Prison Bound – Lowell Fulson