Hour Two of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise settles into a rich blend of blues, early rhythm and blues, and gospel-inflected soul, creating a deeply expressive and emotionally layered segment of the program. If Hour One set the stage with swing and jump energy, this hour brings things closer to the heart—stories of love, loss, resilience, and everyday struggle, all carried by powerful voices and steady grooves.

The hour opens with Jo Jo Adams’ “Rebecca,” a track that immediately establishes a relaxed but grounded blues feel. From there, Rubberlegs Williams’ “Bring It On Home” adds a touch of humor and personality, reminding listeners that even in hard times, the blues often carries a wink and a smile.

Ruth Brown follows with “We’ll Be Together Again,” bringing a smooth, confident vocal style that helped define early R&B. Her delivery is both polished and emotional, striking a balance that would influence generations of singers to come. Cecil Gant’s “Hit That Jive Jack” keeps the momentum going, blending blues and swing elements into a rhythm that feels both familiar and fresh.

Percy Mayfield’s contributions—“The Lonely One” and “Loose Lips”—shift the mood into something more introspective. Known for his poetic songwriting, Mayfield brings a reflective quality to the hour, where the focus turns inward and the stories become more personal.

Etta James arrives with “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” injecting the set with raw energy and vocal power. Her performance stands out as a bridge between classic blues phrasing and the emerging soul sound, adding urgency and intensity to the hour.

The instrumental side of the blues is represented by Great Gates, whose tracks “Blues After Hours” and “Home Town Boy” provide space for the music to stretch out. These pieces emphasize mood and groove, allowing the listener to settle into the rhythm without the need for lyrics.

Little Margie’s “Years & Tears” continues the emotional thread, while Monette Moore’s “Birmingham Black Bottom” and “Don’t You Leave Me Here” bring a classic blues vocal style that feels rooted in earlier traditions. Her performances add depth and continuity, linking different eras of the genre.

Ethel Waters plays a central role in the latter half of the hour, with a series of recordings that highlight her versatility and enduring influence. Tracks like “Give Me a Heart to Sing” and “I Ain’t Gonna Sin No More” move between blues and early popular song, while “Trade Market” and “You’re Going to Leave the Old Folks Home” showcase her storytelling ability and emotional range.

The hour closes with Billie Holiday’s “Too Lovely to Last,” a fitting ending that brings everything back to a quiet, reflective space. Holiday’s understated delivery captures the essence of the hour—beauty mixed with sadness, strength wrapped in vulnerability.

Hour Two is where the blues becomes deeply personal. The grooves are steady, the voices are expressive, and the stories feel lived-in. It’s a portrait of a music form evolving—moving from its early roots toward something more modern, while still holding onto the emotion that defines it.

Playlist – Hour Two

Rebecca – Jo Jo Adams

Bring It On Home – Rubberlegs Williams

We’ll Be Together Again – Ruth Brown

Hit That Jive Jack – Cecil Gant

The Lonely One – Percy Mayfield

Loose Lips – Percy Mayfield

Something’s Got a Hold on Me – Etta James

Blues After Hours – Great Gates

Home Town Boy – Great Gates

Years & Tears – Little Margie

Birmingham Black Bottom – Monette Moore

Don’t You Leave Me Here – Monette Moore

Give Me a Heart to Sing – Ethel Waters

I Ain’t Gonna Sin No More – Ethel Waters

Trade Market – Ethel Waters

You’re Going to Leave the Old Folks Home – Ethel Waters

Too Lovely to Last – Billie Holiday