Hour One of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise shines a well-deserved spotlight on the later recordings of the Mills Brothers, one of the most influential and enduring vocal groups in American music history. While their groundbreaking recordings from the 1930s remain widely celebrated, this hour explores a period of their career that is often overlooked, revealing a group that continued to produce remarkable music long after their earliest successes.

The hour begins with Willie Bryant’s cheerful “I Like Bananas,” a lively novelty number that immediately sets a lighthearted mood. The King Cole Trio follows with a remarkable run of recordings including “Got a Penny Benny,” “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” “My Lips Remember Your Kisses,” and “Oh But I Do.” Long before Nat King Cole became a pop superstar, the trio was one of the most sophisticated and influential small jazz groups in America. Their effortless blend of swing, humor, and musicianship remains as appealing today as it was during the 1940s.

Erskine Hawkins takes center stage next with “Tippin’ In,” “Big Wig in the Wigwam,” “Don’t Cry Baby,” and the classic “After Hours.” Hawkins and his orchestra were among the premier dance bands of the swing era, and these selections demonstrate why his recordings remained favorites on jukeboxes and dance floors throughout the country.

The spotlight then turns to the featured artists of the hour: the Mills Brothers. By the time these recordings were made, the group had already spent decades refining one of the most recognizable sounds in popular music. “Out of Love,” “Gather Your Dream,” “After You,” “I Want to Be the Only One,” and “Once Upon a Dream” showcase the warmth, elegance, and remarkable vocal precision that defined their style. Even as musical tastes changed around them, the Mills Brothers maintained their unique identity, delivering performances that were sophisticated, heartfelt, and timeless.

Ella Fitzgerald and the Ink Spots join forces for the delightful “Cow Cow Boogie,” bringing together two of the most beloved names in vocal harmony. The result is a playful and memorable performance that perfectly complements the Mills Brothers feature.

Pete Johnson’s “Hollywood Boogie” injects a burst of energetic boogie-woogie piano into the program. One of the architects of the style, Johnson helped popularize boogie-woogie across America and influenced countless pianists who followed.

The final stretch of the hour includes Bill Robinson’s rendition of “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” a reminder that the legendary dancer was also an accomplished entertainer beyond the stage, while Bill Doggett’s smooth instrumental “Soft” provides a fitting and elegant conclusion.

Hour One highlights the enduring appeal of vocal harmony, swing, and classic popular music. At its center are the Mills Brothers, whose later recordings demonstrate that great artistry does not fade with time. Their ability to blend voices, emotion, and musical sophistication ensured that their legacy extended far beyond their most famous early recordings.

Playlist – Hour One

I Like Bananas – Willie Bryant
Got a Penny Benny – King Cole Trio
Straighten Up and Fly Right – King Cole Trio
My Lips Remember Your Kisses – King Cole Trio
Oh But I Do – King Cole Trio
Tippin’ In – Erskine Hawkins
Big Wig in the Wigwam – Erskine Hawkins
Don’t Cry Baby – Erskine Hawkins
After Hours – Erskine Hawkins
Out of Love – Mills Brothers
Gather Your Dream – Mills Brothers
After You – Mills Brothers
I Want to Be the Only One – Mills Brothers
Once Upon a Dream – Mills Brothers
Cow Cow Boogie – Ella Fitzgerald & Ink Spots
Hollywood Boogie – Pete Johnson
Ain’t Misbehavin’ – Bill Robinson
Soft – Bill Doggett