The celebration of Harlem continues in Hour Two of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise, expanding upon the neighborhood’s enormous influence on American music and culture. While Hour One focused primarily on songs that celebrated Harlem by name, this hour explores the community from even more perspectives, highlighting its streets, landmarks, nightlife, musicians, and lasting cultural legacy through an outstanding collection of jazz, blues, rhythm and blues, and vocal performances.
The hour opens with Johnny Otis’ interpretation of “Harlem Nocturne,” one of the most recognizable melodies ever associated with the city after dark. Its moody saxophone lines immediately create the atmosphere of Harlem’s famous nightlife, where clubs, theaters, and dance halls once showcased many of America’s greatest performers.
The Delta Rhythm Boys follow with the Duke Ellington classic “Take the A Train,” forever linked with the subway line that carried visitors directly into the heart of Harlem. Helen Humes continues the neighborhood tour with “Jumpin’ on Sugar Hill,” celebrating one of Harlem’s most historic residential districts, while Coot Grant and Sox Wilson offer another perspective with “Blue Monday on Sugar Hill.”
Betty Roche delivers another memorable version of “Take the A Train,” reminding listeners how Ellington’s signature composition became an enduring musical symbol of Harlem itself. Herbie Fields revisits “Harlem Nocturne,” offering a fresh instrumental interpretation before Louis Armstrong brings his unmistakable energy to “Harlem Stomp.”
Ruby Smith’s “Harlem Gin” captures the colorful personality of neighborhood life, while Noble Sissle’s “You Can’t Live in Harlem” reflects the pride and unique identity that made Harlem unlike any other community in America. Washboard Rhythm Kings contribute the delightful “Underneath a Harlem Moon,” transporting listeners back to the dance halls and lively evenings that defined the neighborhood during its golden years.
Victoria Spivey’s “Harlem Susie-Q” continues the celebration with her trademark wit and confidence, while Tampa Red’s “When I Take My Vacation in Harlem” illustrates just how magnetic the community had become for musicians and audiences across the country.
Pianist James P. Johnson, one of the architects of Harlem stride piano, performs “The Harlem Strut,” showcasing the innovative piano style that helped shape both jazz and popular music. Ethel Waters follows with three remarkable recordings—“Harlem on My Mind,” “You’ve Seen Harlem at Its Best,” and “Old Man Harlem.” Few performers captured the emotional complexity of the neighborhood more effectively than Waters, whose career blossomed during the height of the Harlem Renaissance.
The Harlem Hamfats contribute “When the Sun Goes Down in Harlem,” painting a musical portrait of the neighborhood as evening arrives, while Rosetta Howard’s lively “Harlem Jamboree” celebrates the excitement and entertainment that made Harlem famous around the world.
The hour concludes with Fats Waller’s delightfully humorous “What the Well-Dressed Man in Harlem Will Wear.” Waller’s playful personality provides the perfect closing note for this affectionate musical portrait of one of America’s most influential cultural centers.
Together, the selections in Hour Two demonstrate that Harlem was far more than a location—it was a creative force that inspired composers, singers, instrumentalists, and songwriters for generations. Through these timeless recordings, Blues Before Sunrise celebrates not only a remarkable neighborhood but also the enduring artistic spirit that continues to influence American music today.
Playlist – Hour Two
Harlem Nocturne – Johnny Otis
Take the A Train – Delta Rhythm Boys
Jumpin’ on Sugar Hill – Helen Humes
Blue Monday on Sugar Hill – Coot Grant & Sox Wilson
Take the A Train – Betty Roche
Harlem Nocturne – Herbie Fields
Harlem Stomp – Louis Armstrong
Harlem Gin – Ruby Smith
You Can’t Live in Harlem – Noble Sissle
Underneath a Harlem Moon – Washboard Rhythm Kings
Harlem Susie-Q – Victoria Spivey
When I Take My Vacation in Harlem – Tampa Red
The Harlem Strut – James P. Johnson
Harlem on My Mind – Ethel Waters
You’ve Seen Harlem at Its Best – Ethel Waters
Old Man Harlem – Ethel Waters
When the Sun Goes Down in Harlem – Harlem Hamfats
Harlem Jamboree – Rosetta Howard
What the Well-Dressed Man in Harlem Will Wear – Fats Waller