Hour Two of Blues Before Sunrise is a musical journey that moves effortlessly through rhythm & blues, early jump music, classic blues, and vintage gospel. While the first half of the hour celebrates the postwar sounds that helped lay the foundation for rock and roll, the second half turns toward spiritual recordings that provided inspiration and hope for countless listeners. The result is another reminder that blues and gospel have always shared common roots, often existing side by side throughout the history of American music.

The hour opens with Smiley Lewis and the infectious “Big Mamou,” one of the New Orleans singer’s most recognizable performances. Lewis possessed one of the finest voices in rhythm and blues, though commercial success often eluded him as other artists found bigger hits with songs he introduced first.

Big Joe Turner follows with “I Want My Baby,” delivering the commanding vocals that made him one of the giants of Kansas City blues and one of the key architects of rock and roll. Percy Mayfield slows the pace with the beautifully crafted “What a Fool I Was,” demonstrating the thoughtful songwriting that earned him the nickname “The Poet of the Blues.”

The program continues with Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson’s “Queen Bee Blues,” Cecil Gant’s lively “We’re Gonna Rock,” Ruth Brown’s energetic “One More Time,” and Hadda Brooks’ elegant “Don’t You Think I Ought to Know.” Each artist brought a distinctive personality to rhythm and blues during its formative years, helping shape the music that would dominate popular culture in the decades ahead.

Floyd Dixon contributes “Tired, Broke & Busted,” capturing everyday struggles with humor and honesty, while Cow Cow Davenport’s “Alabama Mistreater” reaches back toward the country blues tradition. Frankie “Half-Pint” Jaxon appears with two entertaining performances, “The Jive Man Blues” and “Some Sweet Day,” reminding listeners of his importance as both a blues singer and one of the great entertainers of early recorded music.

The mood gradually shifts as Willie Mae McKinzie, Lovin’ Sam Theard, Bessie Smith, and Alberta Hunter bridge the worlds of blues, vaudeville, and classic female vocal performance before the broadcast transitions into its weekly gospel segment.

The spiritual portion begins with the Pace Jubilee Singers performing “Walk Thru the Valley in Peace,” followed by Mitchell’s Christian Singers with the powerful “My Po’ Mother Died A-Shoutin’.” Reverend F.W. McGee’s “Half Ain’t Never Been Told” delivers a passionate sermon in song, while Georgia Peach’s “Gonna Wait on the Risin’ Sun” offers a message of perseverance and faith. The Pilgrim Travelers conclude the hour with “He’s Pleading in Glory,” providing a stirring finish that reflects the enduring relationship between gospel music and the blues traditions heard throughout the broadcast.

Hour Two demonstrates one of the defining characteristics of Blues Before Sunrise: the ability to connect seemingly different musical styles into one continuous story. From dance halls and juke joints to storefront churches and gospel conventions, these recordings represent the full spectrum of African American musical expression during the first half of the twentieth century. Each performance adds another chapter to the rich history that continues to inspire musicians and listeners around the world.

Playlist – Hour Two

Big Mamou – Smiley Lewis
I Want My Baby – Big Joe Turner
What a Fool I Was – Percy Mayfield
Queen Bee Blues – Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson
We’re Gonna Rock – Cecil Gant
One More Time – Ruth Brown
Don’t You Think I Ought to Know – Hadda Brooks
Tired, Broke & Busted – Floyd Dixon
Alabama Mistreater – Cow Cow Davenport
The Jive Man Blues – Frankie “Half-Pint” Jaxon
Some Sweet Day – Frankie “Half-Pint” Jaxon
Up with the Rising Sun – Willie Mae McKinzie
Can You Imagine That – Lovin’ Sam Theard
Devil’s Gonna Get You – Bessie Smith
Sugar – Alberta Hunter
Walk Thru the Valley in Peace – Pace Jubilee Singers
My Po’ Mother Died A-Shoutin’ – Mitchell’s Christian Singers
Half Ain’t Never Been Told – Rev. F.W. McGee
Gonna Wait on the Risin’ Sun – Georgia Peach
He’s Pleading in Glory – Pilgrim Travelers