Hour Five of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise provides a sophisticated and relaxing conclusion to another journey through the first fifty years of recorded Black music. Blending jazz standards, blues shouters, harmonica-driven performances, and rhythm-and-blues rarities, the final hour creates the perfect soundtrack for the quiet hours before dawn.

Henry Mancini opens the set with the vocal version of “Mr. Lucky,” bringing the elegance and sophistication that made him one of America’s most successful composers and arrangers. The mood continues with Wes Montgomery’s beautiful interpretation of “Dreamsville.” Montgomery’s warm guitar tone and melodic brilliance transformed every tune he touched into something uniquely his own, and this performance is no exception.

Billy Eckstine follows with “A Sure Thing,” demonstrating the smooth baritone voice that made him one of the most admired singers of the postwar era. Lorez Alexandria contributes “Then I’ll Be Tired of You,” showcasing the refined phrasing and emotional depth that earned her a loyal following among jazz enthusiasts.

The organ takes center stage as Groove Holmes delivers “Misty” and “On the Street Where You Live.” Holmes possessed an uncanny ability to blend jazz sophistication with blues feeling, creating performances that were both accessible and deeply musical. His recordings remain favorites among organ-jazz fans decades after they were made.

Ella Fitzgerald appears with “What’s the Matter With Me” and “It’s a Blue World,” reminding listeners why she remains one of the most influential vocalists in American music history. Her flawless technique, impeccable timing, and natural swing are on full display throughout both selections.

The mood shifts toward rhythm and blues when the Jive Bombers offer their version of “It’s a Blue World,” providing an interesting contrast to Fitzgerald’s interpretation. George Harmonica Smith then arrives with “Blowing the Blues,” delivering the powerful harmonica work that helped make him one of Chicago blues’ most respected performers.

Harmonica King follows with “Hot Rolls,” while Gus Jenkins contributes the upbeat “You’ll Be the One.” Slim Green’s “Shake ’Em Up” and Ace Holder’s colorful “Wabba Susie-Q” add humor, energy, and personality to the latter half of the hour.

Louis and Frosty bring a touch of melancholy with “Lonesome & Confused,” while Frank Patt’s “Just a Minute” and C.C. Griffin’s “I Do Believe” continue the exploration of lesser-known rhythm-and-blues recordings that have become a hallmark of Blues Before Sunrise programming.

Mercy Dee Walton closes the featured performances with “Traveling Alone Blues,” a deeply expressive recording that perfectly captures the loneliness and resilience that have long been central themes in blues music. Walton’s piano playing and heartfelt vocals provide a fitting final statement before the program’s traditional closing selection.

As always, Fleetwood Mac’s instrumental masterpiece “Albatross” brings the broadcast to a peaceful conclusion. Its gentle melody serves as a quiet farewell after five hours devoted to preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of blues, jazz, gospel, and rhythm and blues.

Playlist – Hour Five

Mr. Lucky (Vocal) – Henry Mancini
Dreamsville – Wes Montgomery
A Sure Thing – Billy Eckstine
Then I’ll Be Tired of You – Lorez Alexandria
Misty – Groove Holmes
On the Street Where You Live – Groove Holmes
What’s the Matter With Me – Ella Fitzgerald
It’s a Blue World – Ella Fitzgerald
It’s a Blue World – Jive Bombers
Blowing the Blues – George Harmonica Smith
Hot Rolls – Harmonica King
You’ll Be the One – Gus Jenkins
Shake ’Em Up – Slim Green
Wabba Susie-Q – Ace Holder
Lonesome & Confused – Louis & Frosty
Just a Minute – Frank Patt
I Do Believe – C.C. Griffin
Traveling Alone Blues – Mercy Dee Walton
Albatross – Fleetwood Mac