Hour One of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise opens the program with a lively collection of swing, jazz, blues, and vocal harmony recordings that reflect the richness of Black popular music during the 1930s and 1940s. Featuring legendary vocalists, big-band stars, and outstanding instrumentalists, the hour provides an energetic beginning to a broadcast that travels across multiple decades of musical history.

The Delta Rhythm Boys start things off with “I’m Beginning to See the Light,” displaying the smooth harmonies and impeccable timing that made them one of the most respected vocal groups of their era. Their polished style helped bridge the worlds of jazz, pop, and rhythm and blues, and they would return later in the hour to close the set with another memorable performance.

Jimmy Rushing, backed by the Count Basie Orchestra, dominates the early portion of the program with “Evil Blues,” “Baby Don’t Tell on Me,” and “Evening.” Rushing’s booming voice and relaxed phrasing made him one of the defining blues singers of the swing era. His partnership with Basie produced some of the finest blues recordings ever made within a big-band setting, combining sophisticated arrangements with genuine blues feeling.

Helen Humes follows with “The Moon Fell in the River,” “Blame It on My Last Affair,” and “Don’t Worry ’Bout Me.” Humes possessed a remarkable ability to move effortlessly between blues, jazz, and popular song, and her performances here showcase both elegance and emotional depth.

The spotlight then shifts to the remarkable Valaida Snow, whose talents as a singer, trumpeter, and entertainer earned her international acclaim. “I Can’t Dance,” “You Bring Out the Savage in Me,” and “Hi-Hat, Trumpet & Rhythm” highlight her charisma and versatility, revealing why she was considered one of the most dynamic performers of her generation.

Lavaida Carter contributes the delightfully unusual “Jojo the Cannibal,” while Hattie Snow’s “Kid Don’t Say Goodbye” adds a touch of heartfelt sentiment. Instrumentalist Bobby Smith then takes over with “Desert Night,” “Helicopter,” and “Mopsticks,” providing a trio of lively recordings that inject fresh energy into the hour’s second half.

As the program approaches the close of the hour, the Delta Rhythm Boys return with the beautiful “East of the Sun,” reminding listeners of the group’s remarkable vocal blend and enduring appeal. Pete Johnson’s “Answer to the Boogie” showcases the driving piano style that helped popularize boogie-woogie nationwide, while Sissle and Blake contribute “Sweet Henry,” connecting the broadcast to an even earlier generation of Black musical pioneers.

John Schoolboy Porter’s “Break Thru” closes the hour on a strong note, bringing together elements of blues and jazz while setting the stage for the rhythm-and-blues sounds that follow later in the program.

Hour One serves as a celebration of musical sophistication, versatility, and innovation. From vocal harmony groups and swing-era blues shouters to pioneering instrumentalists and entertainers, these recordings demonstrate the extraordinary creativity that flourished during one of the most important periods in American music history.

Playlist – Hour One

I’m Beginning to See the Light – Delta Rhythm Boys
Evil Blues – Jimmy Rushing/Basie
Baby Don’t Tell on Me – Jimmy Rushing/Basie
Evening – Jimmy Rushing/Basie
The Moon Fell in the River – Helen Humes/Basie
Blame It on My Last Affair – Helen Humes/Basie
Don’t Worry ’Bout Me – Helen Humes/Basie
I Can’t Dance – Valaida Snow
You Bring Out the Savage in Me – Valaida Snow
Hi-Hat, Trumpet & Rhythm – Valaida Snow
Jojo the Cannibal – Lavaida Carter
Kid Don’t Say Goodbye – Hattie Snow
Desert Night – Bobby Smith
Helicopter – Bobby Smith
Mopsticks – Bobby Smith
East of the Sun – Delta Rhythm Boys
Answer to the Boogie – Pete Johnson
Sweet Henry – Sissle & Blake
Break Thru – John Schoolboy Porter