Hour One opens Blues Before Sunrise with a smooth, urbane sensibility—a set designed to ease listeners into the night with elegance, swing, and timeless vocal artistry. The hour showcases the intersection of blues, jazz, and popular music in the post-war era, where sophisticated piano trios, polished vocalists, and subtle humor all share the spotlight.

The King Cole Trio leads the opening, beginning with “Wouldn’t You Like to Know,” “Bring Another Drink,” “Any Old Time,” and “Too Marvelous.” Nat King Cole’s trio sound—a blend of piano, bass, and guitar—was both intimate and forward-thinking, giving listeners rhythmic drive and melodic sophistication without overwhelming the ear. Their final track in this block, “Just About Knock Me Out,” perfectly balances playful charm with technical finesse.

Ella Johnson steps in next with “Stand Back & Smile” and “When My Man Comes Home,” showing her ability to swing lightly while delivering emotional punch. Her storytelling is subtle, her timing impeccable, and the band frames her voice like a polished spotlight. “Somebody’s Knockin’ on My Door” and “I Don’t Know What’s Troubling Your Mind” continue her set, blending humor, sass, and the classic blues lyricism that connects with both intimate and radio audiences.

Una Mae Carlisle takes the next turn, bringing a crisp, versatile voice to “Don’t Try Your Jive on Me,” “Now I Lay Medown to Dream,” “Walking by the River,” “You’re So Mean to Me,” and “Swinging on the Strings.” Carlisle bridges jazz phrasing and blues storytelling effortlessly, proving why she was one of the most admired performers of the era. Her numbers keep the hour lively and varied, showcasing swing-era sensibilities while staying grounded in blues themes.

The Inkspots’ “A Steady Time Special” provides a moment of harmonic perfection, their smooth, signature style offering a contrast to the energetic trio and vocal performances earlier in the hour. It’s a reminder of the range of Black popular music in this period—from playful to polished, intimate to theatrical.

Deryck Sampson’s “Tired of Eating in Restaurants” brings a touch of humor and narrative flair, a whimsical pause before the hour closes with Bert Williams’ “This Is Always” and Don Byas’ “This Is Always.” Williams’ performance, decades after his prime, reminds listeners of the theatrical and storytelling roots embedded in early blues and popular song, while Byas’ saxophone adds a lush, reflective jazz sensibility.

Hour One sets the stage for the night ahead—showcasing vocal sophistication, pianistic mastery, and a gentle nod toward both blues and jazz traditions. It’s the perfect warm-up for the deeper dives, high-energy jump blues, and Yazoo pre-war explorations to come.

HOUR #1 — PLAYLIST

TROUBLES GOOD-BYE — Jimmy Liggins

WOULDN’T YOU LIKE TO KNOW — King Cole Trio

BRING ANOTHER DRINK — King Cole Trio

ANY OLD TIME — King Cole Trio

TOO MARVEILOUS — King Cole Trio

JUST ABOUT KNOCK ME OUT — King Cole Trio

STAND BACK & SMILE — Ella Johnson

WHEN MY MAN COMES HOME — Ella Johnson

SOMEBODY’S KNOCKIN’ ON MY DOOR — Ella Johnson

I DON’T KNOW WHAT’S TROUBLING YOUR MIND — Ella Johnson

DON’T TRY YOUR JIVE ON ME — Una Mae Carlisle

NOW I LAY MEDOWN TO DREAM — Una Mae Carlisle

WALKING BY THE RIVER — Una Mae Carlisle

YOU’RE SO MEAN TO ME — Una Mae Carlisle

SWINGING ON THE STRINGS — Inkspots

A STEADY TIME SPECIAL — Deryck Sampson

TIRED OF EATING IN RESTAURANTS — Bert Williams

THIS IS ALWAYS — Don Byas