This week on Blues Before Sunrise, Steve Cushing shines the spotlight on one of the most distinctive sounds in American popular music—the close vocal harmonies of the great “hep harmony” groups that flourished during the swing era. These vocal ensembles blended jazz, blues, gospel, and popular song into a uniquely American style that influenced everyone from rhythm & blues pioneers to early rock and roll performers. Hours One and Two celebrate a dozen of the finest groups ever assembled, featuring three or more recordings from each and reminding listeners why these sophisticated harmony groups remain among the most overlooked treasures of twentieth-century music.

The Mills Brothers, Ink Spots, Charioteers, Delta Rhythm Boys, Four Vagabonds, Five Red Caps, Jubilaires, Spirits of Rhythm, Cats & the Fiddle, Basin Street Boys, Ravens, and Deep River Boys all make appearances, illustrating the remarkable variety that existed within the harmony tradition. Some specialized in smooth ballads, others leaned toward jazz or novelty material, while gospel influences flowed naturally throughout many of their performances. Together they created a musical style that was polished, inventive, and endlessly entertaining.

Hour Three returns to the prewar blues with a rich collection of recordings from many of the genre’s foundational artists. From Blind Lemon Jefferson and Charley Patton to Victoria Spivey, Big Bill Broonzy, and Dr. Clayton, the program explores the remarkable diversity of blues recording during its formative decades. These performances showcase everything from Delta blues and urban blues to vaudeville blues and early Chicago recordings, providing another reminder of the extraordinary depth of America’s blues heritage.

Hour Four offers something different as Steve revisits a memorable interview with authors Mark Hoffman and James Seacrest discussing their acclaimed biography of Howlin’ Wolf. More than simply recounting the legendary bluesman’s career, the conversation explores Wolf’s personality, determination, musicianship, and lasting influence on blues and rock music. For longtime listeners and newcomers alike, the interview provides valuable insight into one of the most commanding figures in postwar blues history.

The broadcast concludes with another wide-ranging musical journey during Hour Five. Jazz organ, sophisticated vocal performances, classic rhythm & blues, Chicago blues, and Louisiana-flavored grooves all combine in a satisfying finale featuring Jackie Davis, Don Byas, Ray Charles, Shirley Horn, Jimmy Smith, Annie Laurie, John Lee Hooker, Jesse Thomas, Bo Diddley, and many others before the traditional closing performance of Fleetwood Mac’s “Albatross.”

As always, Blues Before Sunrise demonstrates that the history of American music is far broader than familiar hits and famous names. Whether celebrating harmony groups that helped shape popular music, revisiting legendary blues artists through historical interviews, or uncovering lesser-known recordings deserving renewed attention, the program continues its mission of exploring, preserving, and popularizing the first fifty years of recorded blues, jazz, gospel, and rhythm & blues.