Hour One of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise sets the stage with a lively mix of swing, early rhythm and blues, and boogie-woogie piano. These recordings capture a period when the blues was expanding beyond rural traditions into urban dance halls, nightclubs, and radio broadcasts. The artists featured here helped bridge the worlds of jazz, blues, and popular music, creating sounds that would shape American music for decades to come.

The hour begins with guitarist Tiny Grimes and his energetic performance of “Frankie & Johnny Boogie.” Grimes was known for his distinctive electric guitar work and his ability to blend blues and swing styles. His recordings often featured driving rhythms and playful arrangements that made them favorites in postwar dance halls.

From there the program moves into the Kansas City swing tradition with bandleader Buddy Johnson and vocalist Ella Johnson. Their recordings “Did You See Jackie Robinson,” “Til My Baby Comes Back,” “You’ll Get Them Blues,” and “Dr. Jive Jives” showcase the powerful blend of big band arrangements and blues-influenced vocals that made the Johnson orchestra a major force in the 1940s. Ella Johnson’s warm, expressive voice became one of the defining sounds of the band.

The Kansas City connection continues with pianist and bandleader Jay McShann, whose recordings “Jumpin’ the Blues,” “Lonely Boy Blues,” and “Swingmatism” demonstrate the relaxed but driving groove that characterized the Kansas City sound. McShann’s band was also notable for launching the career of saxophonist Charlie Parker, making his recordings an important part of jazz and blues history.

Next comes pianist and singer Hadda Brooks, often called the “Queen of the Boogie.” Her recordings “When a Woman Cries,” “Don’t Call It Love,” and “Juke Box Boogie” combine smooth piano playing with soulful vocals, reflecting the nightclub atmosphere of the late 1940s Los Angeles music scene.

Tenor saxophonist Julian Dash brings a strong instrumental presence with “Deacon Dash,” “Blue Velvet,” and “Preachin’.” Dash was known for his rich saxophone tone and his ability to move easily between jazz and rhythm-and-blues styles, contributing to the rise of sax-driven R&B instrumentals.

Vocal harmony enters the hour with the smooth sound of the Delta Rhythm Boys performing “How High the Moon.” The group’s polished harmonies helped popularize vocal jazz during the 1930s and 1940s, and their recordings became widely heard on radio and in films.

Boogie-woogie piano legend Albert Ammons appears with “Monday Struggle,” reminding listeners of the powerful left-hand rhythms that defined the boogie style and influenced generations of blues and rock pianists.

A rare historical recording follows from bandleader James Reese Europe with “My Chocolate Soldier.” Europe was one of the most important African American bandleaders of the early twentieth century, leading military bands during World War I and helping introduce jazz-influenced music to international audiences.

The hour also features the smooth tenor saxophone of Lucky Thompson performing “Smooth Sailin’.” Thompson was known for his lyrical approach to jazz improvisation and his ability to bridge swing and bebop traditions.

Together these recordings create an energetic opening hour that moves from swing orchestras and boogie-woogie piano to early rhythm-and-blues instrumentals. It’s a reminder that the blues has always lived alongside jazz, swing, and popular music, constantly evolving while maintaining its emotional core.

Playlist – Hour One

Frankie & Johnny Boogie – Tiny Grimes

Did You See Jackie Robinson – Buddy Johnson

Til My Baby Comes Back – Ella Johnson

You’ll Get Them Blues (1947) – Ella Johnson

Dr. Jive Jives – Buddy Johnson

Jumpin’ the Blues – Jay McShann

Lonely Boy Blues – Jay McShann

Swingmatism – Jay McShann

When a Woman Cries – Hadda Brooks

Don’t Call It Love – Hadda Brooks

Juke Box Boogie – Hadda Brooks

Deacon Dash – Julian Dash

Blue Velvet – Julian Dash

Preachin’ – Julian Dash

How High the Moon – Delta Rhythm Boys

Monday Struggle – Albert Ammons

My Chocolate Soldier – Lt. Jim Europe

Smooth Sailin’ – Lucky Thompson