Hour Four of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise delivers a powerful collection of postwar blues recordings, spotlighting artists who helped define the electric blues sound that emerged during the 1940s, 1950s, and early 1960s. From Texas guitar pioneers and Chicago blues innovators to future blues legends just beginning their careers, this hour offers an outstanding survey of modern blues at its creative peak.

The set opens with three recordings from guitarist Pee Wee Crayton, one of the earliest blues artists to successfully blend sophisticated jazz influences with the emerging electric blues sound. “Texas Hop,” “Dedicating the Blues,” and “The Telephone Is Ringing” showcase Crayton’s elegant guitar work and polished approach, helping establish many of the characteristics that would become standard in postwar blues.

Mercy Dee Walton follows with “Danger Zone,” bringing his distinctive piano style and emotionally direct vocals to the program. Walton’s recordings remain highly regarded among blues collectors for their raw energy and originality.

T-Bone Walker appears with “That’s Better for Me” and “First Love Blues,” demonstrating why he remains one of the most influential guitarists in blues history. Walker’s smooth electric guitar style helped create the blueprint for generations of blues, rhythm-and-blues, and rock-and-roll musicians.

Big Mama Thornton’s “They Call Me Big Mama” serves as one of the hour’s highlights. Thornton’s commanding voice and larger-than-life personality made her one of the most powerful performers of the postwar era. Her influence can be heard in countless blues and rock vocalists who followed.

The hour continues with Smokey Hogg’s “Boogie All Night Long,” followed by Little Walter’s “Too Late.” Walter’s revolutionary harmonica playing permanently changed the role of the instrument in blues music, elevating it to a lead voice capable of matching the intensity of electric guitar.

Additional highlights include Othum Brown’s “Oranelle Blues,” Snooky Pryor’s energetic “Boogie,” Floyd Jones’ “Rising Wind,” and St. Louis Jimmy’s “Hard Work Boogie.” These recordings demonstrate the depth and variety found within postwar blues, from dance-oriented boogies to deeply personal blues narratives.

Jimmy Rogers contributes “Ludella,” a classic example of the smooth Chicago blues style that helped define the sound of Chess Records during the 1950s. Rogers’ understated vocals and tasteful guitar work remain among the finest examples of the genre.

J.B. Lenoir follows with two exceptional performances, “Natural Man” and “Don’t Dog Your Woman.” Lenoir was one of the most distinctive voices in blues, known for his high tenor vocals, sharp songwriting, and willingness to address social issues in his music.

The hour also includes Koko Taylor’s “I Got What It Takes,” a reminder of why she became known as the Queen of the Blues. Her powerful voice carried the Chicago blues tradition into a new generation of listeners.

Willie Dixon’s “I Just Want to Make Love to You” highlights the legendary songwriter, bassist, producer, and bandleader whose compositions became blues standards. Few individuals had a greater impact on the development of Chicago blues than Dixon.

Closing the hour is “Ain’t Gonna Be Your Monkey Man” by the Big Three Trio, featuring a young Willie Dixon alongside guitarist Homesick James and drummer Odie Payne. The recording provides a fascinating glimpse into the early development of artists who would become central figures in Chicago blues history.

Hour Four captures the energy, innovation, and emotional power that made postwar electric blues one of America’s greatest musical achievements. It is a lineup filled with pioneers, innovators, and enduring classics.

Playlist – Hour Four

Texas Hop – Pee Wee Crayton
Dedicating the Blues – Pee Wee Crayton
The Telephone Is Ringing – Pee Wee Crayton
Danger Zone – Mercy Dee Walton
That’s Better for Me – T-Bone Walker
First Love Blues – T-Bone Walker
They Call Me Big Mama – Big Mama Thornton
Boogie All Night Long – Smokey Hogg
Too Late – Little Walter
Oranelle Blues – Othum Brown
Boogie – Snooky Pryor
Rising Wind – Floyd Jones
Hard Work Boogie – St. Louis Jimmy
Ludella – Jimmy Rogers
Natural Man – J.B. Lenoir
Don’t Dog Your Woman – J.B. Lenoir
I Got What It Takes – Koko Taylor
I Just Want to Make Love to You – Willie Dixon
Ain’t Gonna Be Your Monkey Man – Big Three Trio