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Gus Cannon – “Madison Street Rag”

You can trace much of American popular music back to the blues. This is most obviously evident in Rock n’ Roll. But in tracks like Gus Cannon’s “Madison Street Rag,” you can also hear the roots of Rap and Hip-Hop. Released on the Paramount label in 1927, Gus Cannon’s gravelly voice sounds like he’s freestlying on the street corner as a passerby looks on in amazement. The banjo pickin’ is brilliant too. Ragtime folk blues goodness with a great lyric. Enjoy!

William Moore – “One Way Gal”

One Way Gal” was recorded in Chicago in 1928 by the legendary “barber bluesman,” William Moore. A 78 RPM vinyl copy of this lovely record is almost impossible to find, but you can enjoy this nice clean mp3. The lyrical twist in the song is hilarious, and Bill Moore’s voice and picking style delivers it perfectly. Like Blind Blake and other folk-blues greats of his time, Moore accompanied himself solo on acoustic guitar, dropping gems like this into a single microphone with no effects or post-production. A brilliant moment, captured forever.

Alberta Hunter – “Nobody Knows The Way I Feel This Morning”

Here’s legendary American singer Alberta Hunter’s vintage recording of “Nobody Knows The Way I Feel This Morning.” Originally penned by Tom and Pearl Delaney, this classic was later a hit for Dinah Washington and Aretha Franklin. Alberta Hunter and her small, smart combo, put this song on the musical map forever in 1921, with this unforgettable take.

Memphis Jug Band – “Stealin’ Stealin'”

An American music institution, The Memphis Jug Band was active from the 1920’s all the way through the late 1950’s. Their repertoire over the years encompassed a wide variety of styles – folk, ballads, blues and jazz – and of course, jug music! “Stealin’ Stealin'” was recorded in Memphis, Tennessee in 1928, with bandleader Will Shade presiding on harmonica. A great track from the early stages of this storied band, from the vinyl 78RPM to your eardrums in hi-res mp3 format.

Charley Patton – “Poor Me”

It is impossible to overstate the importance of Charley Patton’s music and its lasting influence. Robert Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker and other key figures in American music were directly and profoundly inspired by Patton in his lifetime. This recording of his own “Poor Me” – made shortly before his passing in 1934, captures Charley Patton’s masterful guitar technique and unique vocal style in a sublime solo performance.