Hour Two of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise moves with a steady, confident stride through classic rhythm and blues, early blues traditions, and a closing stretch rooted in gospel conviction. It’s an hour that balances energy with reflection, capturing the full emotional range that defines the music.
Big Joe Turner opens with authority on “Baby Won’t You Marry Me” and “My Heart Belongs to You.” His booming voice and effortless sense of swing immediately ground the hour in rhythm and presence. From there, Ray Charles steps in with “Let the Good Times Roll” and “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Cryin’,” blending blues feeling with a more modern R&B approach. His delivery bridges eras, connecting the jump blues tradition with the soul sound that would soon follow.
Paula Watson’s “Chick-Chick-Chick-A-Dee” adds a playful, upbeat moment, while Linda Hayes’ “Darling Angel” brings a smoother, more emotional tone. Gene Phillips’ “Wonder What the Poor Folks Are Doin’” introduces a reflective edge, hinting at the social awareness often woven into blues and R&B lyrics.
Andre Williams’ “Mean Jean” injects personality and grit, followed by a shift back toward earlier blues roots with Leroy Carr’s “Hard Hearted Papa.” Carr’s relaxed piano style and understated vocals provide a contrast to the more energetic performances earlier in the hour. Joe Dean’s “I’m So Glad I’m 21 Years Old Today” and the Hokum Boys’ “Let Me Pat That Thing” continue that connection to prewar blues traditions, blending humor and rhythm in equal measure.
Ethel Waters anchors the middle of the hour with a series of recordings—“You’re Mine,” “Frankie & Johnnie,” “They Say,” and “Jeepers Creepers.” Her versatility shines through, moving easily between blues, jazz, and popular song. She brings both emotional depth and technical precision, acting as a bridge between styles and generations.
As the hour progresses, the tone shifts toward gospel. The Chattahoochee Valley Choir’s “King Jesus Is Listening” introduces a sense of spiritual reassurance, followed by Rev. F.W. McGee’s “Nothing to Do in Hell,” which delivers a more urgent, sermon-like intensity. The Angelic Gospel Singers close the hour with “Back to the Dust,” offering a reflective and grounding finish.
Hour Two works as a journey—from lively, danceable rhythms to deeper emotional and spiritual themes. It reflects the natural connection between blues and gospel, showing how both forms speak to the same core experiences: love, hardship, hope, and resilience.
Playlist – Hour Two
Baby Won’t You Marry Me – Big Joe Turner
My Heart Belongs to You – Big Joe Turner
Let the Good Times Roll – Ray Charles
Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Cryin’ – Ray Charles
Chick-Chick-Chick-A-Dee – Paula Watson
Darling Angel – Linda Hayes
Wonder What the Poor Folks Are Doin’ – Gene Phillips
Mean Jean – Andre Williams
Hard Hearted Papa – Leroy Carr
I’m So Glad I’m 21 Years Old Today – Joe Dean
Let Me Pat That Thing – Hokum Boys
You’re Mine – Ethel Waters
Frankie & Johnnie – Ethel Waters
They Say – Ethel Waters
Jeepers Creepers – Ethel Waters
King Jesus Is Listening – Chattahoochee Valley Choir
Nothing to Do in Hell – Rev. F.W. McGee
Back to the Dust – Angelic Gospel Singers