At present I’m digging into the history of blues and rock & roll via Josh Alan Friedman’s book Tell the truth until they bleed. Coming clean in the dirty world of blues and rock ‘n’ roll (2008).
When reading these types of books youtube is a blessing (in disguise). As you read you can listen in and find “new” favs along the way. Though I would like to have it as an audiobook with soundclips incorporated.
When doing so I also feel bound to read up on the artists in question – so the next couple of posts are 40s, 50s and 60s bound. The book starts with Jerry Lieber and composer Mike Stoller, american songwriters, known for ‘ Hound dog’ among lots and lots of other hits. Elvis recorded this in 1956 but it was orginally released by Big Mama Thornton in 1952. This is her singing it in 1965.
Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton was born in 1926 and died in 1984) She’s also known for writing and recording ‘Ball ‘n’ Chain’.
Other interesting artist mentioned in the firstchapter is Little Esther (Esther Philips 1935-1984). Great Vocals!
Three tons of joy, Marie Adams and sisters Sadie and Francine McKinley.
I’ve just read the first chapter so there’s more bound to come.
Magnus Reuterdahl
August 25th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
Thanks for those, Magnus; an ex of mine did a Master’s thesis on early blues and is a big fan of Big Mama Thornton, I’d not actually heard her singing before this though. She cuts through the hiss of the records all right doesn’t she!
August 26th, 2011 at 7:42 pm
Yeah great voice and diffrent lyrics – there’s more to come