This week on Blues Before Sunrise, we do what we do best: let the records speak. No theme. No gimmicks. Just five carefully curated hours of music that moves—early jazz and swing, gutbucket blues, roof-raising gospel, piano pounders, and post-war electrics. From James P. Johnson to B.B. King, the Dixie Hummingbirds to Sonny Boy Williamson I and II, you’re in for the full ride. Here’s what’s coming your way this Sunday:

Hour 1: Stride, Swing & Kansas City Swagger
We kick things off with a joyous celebration of early jazz, stride piano, and sweet swing, setting the stage with Jimmie Noone and Fletcher Henderson. Then it’s over to Kansas City with Jimmy Rushing alongside Bennie Moten’s band—tight, bluesy, and bold. Helen Humes brings sass and smarts, followed by the piano wizard James P. Johnson. Pete Johnson adds KC bounce, and we close with a rare vocal from Josephine Baker.

Hour 2: Juke Joints and Gospel Tents
This hour lives at the crossroads—boogie woogie, bawdy blues, and spiritual fire. Camille Howard brings fire on the keys, Annie Laurie delivers smooth vocals, and Bob Robinson gets risqué. Then the Spirit of Memphis Quartet and the Dixie Hummingbirds raise the roof in glorious gospel harmony.

Hour 3: The Deep Blues Truth
Leroy Carr opens with haunting pre-war classics, Bessie Smith delivers poetic power, and Sonny Boy Williamson I lays down harp-driven truths. Washboard Sam keeps it rowdy, Lil Johnson brings the attitude, and Tampa Red ends it with slide guitar smoothness.

Hour 4: Rough Edges & Electric Fire
Plug in and turn up the volume. B.B. King, Big Boy Crudup, and John Lee Hooker lead this post-war charge with gritty, electrified blues. Detroit gets its moment with the Count, Babyface Turner adds mystery, and JR Parker delivers the groove.

Hour 5: Midnight Cool & Morning Soul
Smooth harmonies, cool jazz, and deep Chicago blues close out the show. The Ravens croon, Muddy Waters burns live from Mr. Kelly’s, and Shirley Scott shakes the Hammond. Sonny Boy II and Eddie Boyd ground it in truth, and Fleetwood Mac’s “Albatross” drifts us gently to the end.