I've always been a little fascinated by the story of the Cotton Club, the historic New York night spot that hosted countless musical legends through the years. In fact, I've written about it before, but my subject here is a lady who might -- or might not -- have appeared there. Helen Humes was a … Continue reading Helen Humes And The Cotton Club
Category: Blues
Marchin’ To The Train With King Curtis
So I was listening to some music today -- specifically an old R&B instrumental called "Night Train," by King Curtis -- and as I enjoyed his honkin' sax I kept thinking to myself, why does that song sound so familiar? I don't mean just familiar in the sense that I'd heard it before, because practically … Continue reading Marchin’ To The Train With King Curtis
Bringin’ The Blues — The Butterfield Blues Band
The rise of what came to be known in the 1960s as 'blue-eyed soul' included contributions from a lot of different musicians. One band that should receive more recognition as an important influence in the evolution of the music is the Butterfield Blues Band, the Chicago-based band led by harmonica wiz and vocalist Paul Butterfield. … Continue reading Bringin’ The Blues — The Butterfield Blues Band
The Sound Of Waters
If you've enjoyed listening to any of the numerous lady singers who have performed "Am I Blue" through the years, then you might be interested to find out that it all started with a very special songbird. She introduced it in 1929 in a film called On With The Show, which was not only one … Continue reading The Sound Of Waters
From Poolrooms To Bandstands – Remembering Fats
Recently I happened to catch one of my favorite old movies on TV -- The Hustler, starring Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason -- and it made me reminisce a little about the first time I saw it and how it affected me. The simple fact is that even though Gleason's Minnesota Fats ended up being … Continue reading From Poolrooms To Bandstands – Remembering Fats
The Jive Five — Keepin’ It Alive
The 1950s were volatile years in pop music (although the same could be said of most decades). Everything seemed to be in transition, with early rock and roll evolving from R&B, rockabilly and other influences, and beginning to find an identity of its own. By the end of the decade a lot of popular acts … Continue reading The Jive Five — Keepin’ It Alive
Lloyd Price – Still Workin’ Hard
One of the hardest-working R&B stars to come out of the New Orleans area during the Oldies era would have to be Lloyd Price, who even today - after more than fifty years of performing - still has a few irons in the fire. Growing up in nearby Kenner, young Lloyd's education in the music … Continue reading Lloyd Price – Still Workin’ Hard
The Brothers From Mississippi + One
The Chambers Brothers were one of the best of the family-based R&B groups of the Sixties and they were a little unusual too. At their peak, the group consisted of four black brothers from Mississippi -- and a white drummer. Along with contemporaries such as Sly and the Family Stone, the group helped integrate pop … Continue reading The Brothers From Mississippi + One
Blues Image – A Brief Picture
Occasionally I've written that I think the label 'one-hit wonder' is a little overused, and in addition is sometimes unfairly and inaccurately applied -- but not always. About forty years ago, a group called Blues Image was probably the perfect definition of 'one-hit wonder' with their million-seller, "Ride Captain Ride." It all began in 1966 … Continue reading Blues Image – A Brief Picture
Singing About Sickness In New Orleans
New Orleans has always been home to a rich musical heritage, with a history of influence on almost every kind of music, especially jazz and R&B. Among the performers in the latter genre have been an almost endless parade of locally-grown artists, many of whom went on to major stardom. Names like Fats Domino, Lloyd … Continue reading Singing About Sickness In New Orleans
Geezer Music Club 