Hour Two of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise builds a powerful bridge between early blues traditions and the rise of rhythm and blues, blending hard-edged vocals, jump rhythms, and deeply rooted gospel influences. If Hour One sets the tone and Hour Three looks back to the origins, this hour sits right in the middle—where the blues begins to evolve into something louder, more urban, and more direct.

The hour kicks off with the commanding voice of Big Maybelle on “Ramblin’ Blues.” Her delivery is bold and unapologetic, immediately establishing a tone of strength and emotional intensity. That feeling continues with Big Joe Turner and “Low Down Dog,” where his booming voice rides a driving rhythm that points straight toward the birth of rock and roll.

Amos Milburn follows with “That Was Your Last Mistake,” bringing his signature blend of piano-driven blues and sly vocal phrasing. Milburn’s recordings often balanced humor and heartbreak, and that duality is on full display here. The mood deepens with Ivory Joe Hunter and “Lying Woman Blues,” a smoother, more melodic take on the blues that highlights his crossover appeal.

The hour continues to shift stylistically with performances from Clyde Bernhardt and the duo Don and Dewey, whose “Just a Little Lovin’” adds a touch of early rock and roll energy into the mix. Then comes the comedic and theatrical side of the blues with Pigmeat Markham and “Insane Asylum,” a reminder that humor has always been part of the tradition.

A major highlight arrives with a trio of recordings by Ray Charles—“Baby Don’t You Cry,” “Born to Lose,” and “You Don’t Know Me.” These performances showcase his ability to fuse gospel emotion with blues structure, creating a sound that would redefine popular music. Charles doesn’t just sing the blues—he transforms it.

Instrumental blues and barrelhouse piano make a strong appearance with Cow Cow Davenport and “Mooch Piddle,” bringing a rolling, rhythmic energy that connects back to earlier piano traditions.

The hour then takes a turn toward classic vocal blues with Ethel Waters, whose recordings “Miss Otis Regrets,” “Dinah,” “When It’s Sleepy Time Down South,” and “Moonglow” demonstrate her incredible versatility. Waters could move effortlessly between blues, jazz, and popular standards, and her presence here adds depth and historical weight to the program.

As the hour winds down, gospel music takes center stage, reinforcing the spiritual roots that have always run parallel to the blues. Sister Sallie Sanders delivers “Tree of Life” with conviction and grace, followed by Rev. J.C. Burnett and “God Will Deliver His People,” a performance filled with urgency and faith.

The closing track by the Soul Stirrers, “One More River to Cross,” provides a powerful finish. Their harmonies and emotional delivery feel like both a conclusion and a continuation—tying together the blues, gospel, and R&B elements that define this hour.

Hour Two is where the blues begins to stretch its boundaries. It’s louder, more rhythmic, and more connected to the world beyond the juke joint. At the same time, it never loses sight of its roots, keeping one foot firmly planted in tradition while the other steps forward into something new.

Playlist – Hour Two

Ramblin’ Blues – Big Maybelle

Low Down Dog – Big Joe Turner

That Was Your Last Mistake – Amos Milburn

Lying Woman Blues – Ivory Joe Hunter

I’m Henpecked – Clyde Bernhardt

Just a Little Lovin’ – Don & Dewey

Insane Asylum – Pigmeat Markham

Baby Don’t You Cry – Ray Charles

Born to Lose – Ray Charles

You Don’t Know Me – Ray Charles

Mooch Piddle – Cow Cow Davenport

Miss Otis Regrets – Ethel Waters

Dinah – Ethel Waters

When It’s Sleepy Time Down South – Ethel Waters

Moonglow – Ethel Waters

Tree of Life – Sister Sallie Sanders

God Will Deliver His People – Rev. J.C. Burnett

One More River to Cross – Soul Stirrers