Hour Two of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise shines a well-deserved spotlight on pianist, bandleader, songwriter, and producer Sonny Thompson, one of the most important architects of postwar rhythm and blues. While Thompson may not be as widely recognized today as some of his contemporaries, his recordings helped shape the sound of rhythm and blues during the late 1940s and early 1950s, influencing countless musicians who followed.

Much of the hour is devoted to Thompson’s recordings for the Miracle label, where he developed a sophisticated style that blended blues, jazz, boogie-woogie, and popular music into a distinctive sound. His recordings were notable for their strong melodies, tasteful arrangements, and exceptional musicianship, helping establish him as one of the premier bandleaders of the era.

The feature begins with “Southside Boogie” and “Sonny’s Boogie,” two energetic instrumentals that immediately showcase Thompson’s piano skills and knack for creating memorable performances. The recordings capture the excitement of postwar rhythm and blues while retaining strong roots in the boogie-woogie tradition.

A pair of recordings by saxophonist Dick Davis, “Memphis Train” and “Benson Jump,” helps illustrate the collaborative nature of the Miracle label’s roster. These performances fit comfortably alongside Thompson’s work and highlight the label’s commitment to instrumental rhythm-and-blues music.

The spotlight then returns to Thompson with a lengthy sequence of recordings that demonstrate his remarkable versatility. “In the Rain,” “Late Freight,” and “Blues on Rhumbas” reveal his ability to move between blues, dance rhythms, and sophisticated instrumental arrangements. Thompson’s bands consistently featured excellent musicians, and these recordings remain enjoyable examples of postwar rhythm and blues craftsmanship.

The mood shifts with “Moon Is on My Side” and “Tears Follow My Dreams,” showcasing the more emotional side of Thompson’s catalog. His ability to balance upbeat instrumentals with heartfelt ballads helped broaden the appeal of his recordings.

Seasonal novelty meets rhythm and blues on “Sonny Claus Blues,” while “Backyard Affair” and “Dreaming Again” demonstrate Thompson’s talent for creating memorable vocal performances alongside his instrumental work. “The Fish” rounds out the feature with another example of the playful and entertaining style that made many of his recordings commercial successes.

Following the Sonny Thompson spotlight, the hour transitions into the traditional gospel segment that has long been a hallmark of Blues Before Sunrise. The Bryant’s Jubilee Quintet delivers “World Can’t Stand Much Longer,” followed by Rev. J.M. Gates’ powerful sermon performance “Eagle Stirs Its Nest.” Gates remains one of the most influential religious recording artists of the twentieth century, and his recordings continue to captivate listeners nearly a century after they were made.

The Soul Stirrers bring their legendary harmony singing to “Walk Around,” while the Norfolk Brothers offer “Jesus Is All the World to Me.” The Dixie Hummingbirds contribute “Lord Come See About Me,” demonstrating why they became one of the most influential gospel groups in American music history.

Together, the rhythm-and-blues recordings of Sonny Thompson and the inspiring gospel performances that follow create an hour that celebrates both the secular and spiritual traditions that helped shape Black American music during the middle decades of the twentieth century.

Playlist – Hour Two

Southside Boogie – Sonny Thompson
Sonny’s Boogie – Sonny Thompson
Memphis Train – Dick Davis
Benson Jump – Dick Davis
In the Rain – Sonny Thompson
Late Freight – Sonny Thompson
Blues on Rhumbas – Sonny Thompson
Moon Is on My Side – Sonny Thompson
Tears Follow My Dreams – Sonny Thompson
Sonny Claus Blues – Sonny Thompson
Backyard Affair – Sonny Thompson
Dreaming Again – Sonny Thompson
The Fish – Sonny Thompson
World Can’t Stand Much Longer – Bryant’s Jubilee Quintet
Eagle Stirs Its Nest – Rev. J.M. Gates
Walk Around – Soul Stirrers
Jesus Is All the World to Me – Norfolk Brothers
Lord Come See About Me – Dixie Hummingbirds