Hour Five of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise provides the perfect late-night soundtrack, blending sophisticated jazz, smooth vocal performances, classic soul, and timeless Chicago blues into a relaxed and satisfying conclusion. From elegant standards to gritty electric blues, the final hour reflects the wide musical landscape that has always defined the program.
The closing hour begins with the Delta Rhythm Boys performing the classic “Begin the Beguine.” Their polished harmonies and effortless style set an elegant tone before saxophone master Don Byas follows with a beautiful interpretation of “Night & Day.” Byas was one of the great tenor saxophonists of the swing era, and his lyrical playing bridges jazz and blues with remarkable ease.
Duke Ellington contributes “Every Hour on the Hour,” taken from one of his Treasury broadcasts. These recordings captured Ellington’s orchestra at the height of its creative powers and remain an invaluable part of American musical history. Ella Fitzgerald continues the sophisticated mood with “It’s a Blue World,” reminding listeners why she remains one of the most celebrated vocalists in jazz history.
The atmosphere shifts toward soul-jazz as alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson delivers the swinging instrumental “Dapper Dan.” His blues-based approach made him one of the defining voices of the hard bop and soul-jazz movements.
Sam Cooke follows with two beautiful performances, “Comes Love” and “The Bells of St. Mary.” Long before becoming one of soul music’s greatest stars, Cooke displayed extraordinary warmth, phrasing, and emotional depth, qualities that shine throughout both recordings.
The final stretch of the hour returns to Chicago blues with Jimmy Rogers performing “You’re the One” and “She Loves Another Man.” Rogers’ understated guitar work and smooth vocals helped define the classic Chess Records sound during the 1950s.
Otis Spann, widely regarded as one of the greatest blues pianists of all time, contributes “This Is the Blues,” showcasing his expressive piano playing and heartfelt vocals. Eddie Boyd follows with the deeply personal “Done Got Lonesome Here,” another fine example of postwar Chicago blues.
B.B. King brings his unmistakable guitar tone and emotional delivery to “Chains & Things,” demonstrating the sophisticated blues style that made him one of the genre’s greatest ambassadors around the world.
Little Arthur adds two energetic numbers, “Ruthie Mae” and “Pretty Girls Everywhere,” before Kid Thomas contributes the lively instrumental “Wolf Pack #2,” bringing additional energy to the closing moments of the broadcast.
As always, the program concludes with Fleetwood Mac’s instrumental masterpiece “Albatross.” Its peaceful melody has become the traditional closing theme for Blues Before Sunrise, providing a fitting farewell after another five hours devoted to preserving and celebrating the rich history of blues, rhythm and blues, jazz, and gospel music.
Hour Five serves as a graceful conclusion to the evening, moving effortlessly from sophisticated jazz standards to soulful blues classics while reminding listeners of the remarkable depth and beauty found throughout America’s musical heritage.
Playlist – Hour Five
Begin the Beguine – Delta Rhythm Boys
Night & Day – Don Byas
Every Hour on the Hour (Treasury) – Duke Ellington
It’s a Blue World – Ella Fitzgerald
Dapper Dan – Lou Donaldson
Comes Love – Sam Cooke
The Bells of St. Mary – Sam Cooke
You’re the One – Jimmy Rogers
She Loves Another Man – Jimmy Rogers
This Is the Blues – Otis Spann
Done Got Lonesome Here – Eddie Boyd
Chains & Things – B.B. King
Ruthie Mae – Little Arthur
Pretty Girls Everywhere – Little Arthur
Wolf Pack #2 – Kid Thomas
Albatross – Fleetwood Mac