Often hailed as the “Father of the Memphis blues” guitar style, Frank Stokes recorded dozens of 78 RPM sides for Paramount and Victor Records in the 1920’s. Under his own name and as part of the Beale Street Sheiks, Stokes introduced a touch of show biz professionalism to what had been a mainly folk music tradition. Playing the southern minstrel and vaudeville circuit, he influenced not only blues artists, but also country singers like Jimmie Rodgers. “I’m Going Away Blues” features a country fiddle with Stokes’ acoustic blues strumming and sublime vocal performance.
Country music founding father Gene Autry recorded “Atlanta Bound” in 1931. In his long career, Gene Autry was a star as each of the mediums of radio, movies, and television matured. This song is a humorous take on the serious matter of cheatin’ and it’s consequences! Playfully rendered on banjo, guitar, and Gene’s own inimitable voice.
Jug music pioneer and Memphis blues great Will Shade created most of his over 100 recorded sides as leader of the Memphis Jug Band. But he also created a few solo tracks along the way, including this piano blues gem called “Better Leave That Stuff Alone.” A classic 78 RPM record with a timeless message.
Walter “Buddy Boy” Hawkins is one of those great pre-war blues artists for whom it is hard to find biographical info. What is known is that he recorded several sides for Paramount in the late 1920’s, capturing his sublime vocal and guitar style for posterity. “Snatch It Back Blues” tells of a life of train-hopping and vagabonding in the American south, and is a folk blues classic.
The Carter Family were the first Country Music singing stars, and in fact they were among the very first recording artists, in any style. Their magnificent performance of the American classic, “Wildwood Flower” was captured at Victor Records’ Camden, New Jersey studio, on May 27, 1928. Originally penned in 1860 by Maud Irving and Joseph Philbrick Webster, the song has been covered by June Carter, Iris DeMent, Joan Baez, and too many others to list here. This clean MP3 from the original 78RPM vinyl is yours to enjoy.
A peculiar detail about Chicago Blues legend Joe McCoy is that he 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, to name just a few. Joe was married for a time to blues guitar great Memphis Minnie (who’s real name was Lizzie Douglas) and they made this classic record together in 1929. This song was much later recorded by Led Zeppelin. Here’s the timeless original, hot off the 78RPM vinyl.
Often hailed as the “Father of the Memphis blues” guitar style, Frank Stokes recorded dozens of 78 RPM sides for Paramount and Victor Records in the 1920’s. Under his own name and as part of the Beale Street Sheiks, Stokes introduced a touch of show biz professionalism to what had been a mainly folk music tradition. Playing the southern minstrel and vaudeville circuit, he influenced not only blues artists, but also country singers like Jimmie Rodgers. “I’m Going Away Blues” features a country fiddle with Stokes’ acoustic blues strumming and sublime vocal performance.
Country music founding father Gene Autry recorded “Atlanta Bound” in 1931. In his long career, Gene Autry was a star as each of the mediums of radio, movies, and television matured. This song is a humorous take on the serious matter of cheatin’ and it’s consequences! Playfully rendered on banjo, guitar, and Gene’s own inimitable voice.
Jug music pioneer and Memphis blues great Will Shade created most of his over 100 recorded sides as leader of the 
Walter “Buddy Boy” Hawkins is one of those great pre-war blues artists for whom it is hard to find biographical info. What is known is that he recorded several sides for Paramount in the late 1920’s, capturing his sublime vocal and guitar style for posterity. “Snatch It Back Blues” tells of a life of train-hopping and vagabonding in the American south, and is a folk blues classic.