Son House – “My Black Mama (Part 1)”
The lyrics and music that Son House put down in the 1920’s and early 30’s left an indelible mark on blues, country, rock, RnB, and just about every genre of American music. His classic “My Black Mama (Part 1)” has been covered and reinterpreted by a who’s-who of blues legends including Robert Johnson, who recorded it as “Walkin’ Blues.” John Lee Hooker called his post-war version “Burnin’ Hell,” based on the lines “Ain’t no heaven, ain’t no burnin’ hell, where I’m goin’ when I die, can’t nobody tell.” This amazing solo vocal and guitar performance has lost none of its power over nearly a century since it was released on 78 RPM discs.
Taylor’s Kentucky Boys – “Forked Deer”
Country blues fiddle pioneer Jim Booker recorded with Taylor’s Kentucky Boys, as well as his own Booker Orchestra. This track called “Forked Deer” showcases his nimble finger technique and energetic, highly melodic musical style. This was definitely dance music at the time of its creation, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself tapping your feet or doing a spontaneous hoe-down! Pure instrumental early bluegrass fun.
The Charleston 7 – “Toodles”
This great performance of the instrumental Roaring 20’s romp, “Toodles,” by Edison Recording Artist, the Charleston 7, stands the test of time on this MP3 from the original Edison Disc. You may recognize a theme or two from this piece, which were later borrowed by the Looney Tunes gang for Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck cartoons! Step into the Wayback Machine in your finest flapper apparel, and dance the Charleston to this high energy combo!
Mamie Smith & Her Jazz Hounds – “Crazy Blues”
How crazy is crazy blues? Well, has you ever been in love? If you has, then you knows! If you hasn’t, then you don’t. This song is but a preview for the uninitiated, and a calming opiate for those in the know. Oh, that trombone makes our knees buckle. This song was huge hit in its day, and ain’t no reason you shouldn’t have it in your iPod or whatever gizmo you kids are runnin’ with. Clean mp3 copy on this one, too.
Ma Rainey – “Don’t Fish In My Sea”
Here’s another great recording by the Mother Of The Blues, Ma Rainey, expertly accompanied by Thomas A. Dorsey on upright piano. The lyrics to this song are pure blues poetry, and Rainey delivers them with unrivaled sincerity, ease and power. Here is a clean digital transfer from 78RPM Shellac for all to enjoy.
George Reneau – “The Lonesome Road”
Here’s a very early version of the American Country and Blues music classic, “The Lonesome Road,” as performed by Country Music pioneer, George Reneau. The song was later recorded under the titles “Goin’ Down the Road Feelin’ Bad,” or “I Ain’t Gonna Be Treated This Way” by Woody Guthrie, Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Roy Hall, Elizabeth Cotten, the Grateful Dead and many others. George Reneau recorded this gem with guitar and harmonica for Edison Records in 1925.
John Philip Sousa Band – “The Stars and Stripes Forever”
Here is John Philip Sousa’s greatest march, staple of Independence Day celebrations across the USA and one of the most popular marches of all time, performed by Sousa’s own band. Happy 4th of July!
Bertha Lee with Charley Patton – “Mind Reader Blues”
Recorded shortly before Charley Patton’s death, “Mind Reader Blues” is a song he performed with his common-law wife, Bertha Lee. In her magnificent voice, Lee scolds Patton for his womanizing even as he lovingly accompanies her on guitar. The lyrics are auto-biographical: “I remember a day when I were livin’ at Lula town, I remember a day when I were livin’ at Lula town, my man did so many wrong things ’til I had to leave the town.” Bertha Lee hailed from Lula, Mississippi, and Patton lived there with her for a time. What exactly he did so they had to leave, one can only wonder! This is a clean transfer from 78RPM platter from 1934.
Annette Hanshaw – “Body And Soul”
Annette Hanshaw’s relaxed, jazz-influenced pop singing style was a hit with the Flappers in the 1920s. Known as “The Personality Girl,” Hanshaw had a prolific career, recording for Columbia, OKeh, and a handful of other labels through the late 1930s. Her early take on “Body and Soul” is a classic, which helped establish the song. Composed by Edward Heyman, Robert Sour and Frank Eyton with music by Johnny Green, this piece been interpreted by literally hundreds of artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Billy Eckstine, Etta James, Sarah Vaughan and Frank Sinatra.
1928 Classic Song Recorded by Dylan and Zeppelin
This great song was written by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy a year after the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. It has since been adapted and recorded by Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin and many others. Dylan’s adaptation appeared on the recording “Modern Times” in 2006. Led Zeppelin included a version of this song on their fourth album, Led Zeppelin IV. Memphis Minnie is credited for her lyrical contribution on this very popular song.
Chicago bluesman Joe McCoy had a lot of stage names. Best known as Kansas Joe McCoy, he also performed and recorded as Georgia Pine Boy, Hallelujah Joe, Hillbilly Plowboy and Mud Dauber. Joe was married to Memphis Minnie (who’s real name was Lizzie Douglas) and they made this classic record together in 1929. Here’s the timeless original, hot off the 78RPM vinyl.
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