Category Archives: Blues

Let’s Do It!

This week on Deeper Roots, the records come with instructions. From dance crazes and rhythm commands to songs about not knowing what comes next, we’re asking — and answering — ‘Let’s Do It!.’ Two hours of blues, rock ’n’ roll, soul, and jukebox rhythm from the past century, all with a demand that we get our booties moving or our bodies boogie’n. From Howlin’ Wolf and B.B. King to The Dovells, Chubby Checker and Rosco Gordon, we’re digging deep with some classic blues and rare soul. But we’ve also got some rockin’, stompin’, rompin’, swingin’ to do with dances like the swim, the twist, the slop, and the boomerang…and we’ve even got Bobby Dunn pleading that we “Do The Bobby Dunn”. Nothing’s off limits and it’s nothing but fun on this week’s show as we explore something thematic that we’re excited to share with you. Whether it’s a party you’re hosting or you’re just out there in the yard prepping for the coming summer, turn it up. That’s right…do it!

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1The Four BlazesDo The DoMary Jo195400:00
2Howlin' WolfDo The DoMuddy & The Wolf196905:13
3Mabel FranklinLet's Do The WiggleStompin' 2196507:22
4Lightnin' HopkinsDo The BoogieLightnin' Sam Hopkins196209:37
5B.B. KingLet's Do the BoogieDo the Boogie! B.B. King's Early '50s Classics199414:00
6Rufus ThomasCan Your Monkey Do the DogThe Complete Stax-Volt Singles 1959-1968 (3 of 9)196416:23
7Rufus Thomas(Do the) Push and Pull (Part 1)Stax Number Ones201018:44
8Junior Walker & The All StarsDo The BoomerangThe Ultimate Collection196527:55
9Sugar Pie DeSantoDo The WhoopieBrunswick Lost Soul – Volume 1196730:13
10Sugar SweetDo the DiveRhythm & Blues Goes Rock & Roll Vol 2 [Disc 12]196332:36
11Dee Dee SharpDo The BirdGirls Of Rock & Roll034:56
12Bobby DunnDo The Bobby DunnRare Soul: Groove & Grind 1963-1973 [Disc 4]201537:08
13The OlympicsBaby Do The Philly DogNorthern Soul Originals199940:15
14Jackie LeeDo The Temptation WalkAll Nighter Hits047:19
15Dave Baby CortezDo the SlopHappy Organs Wild Guitars199449:46
16Little Joe CookLet's Do the SlopPeanuts and Other Delicacies: The Little Joe Cook Story (1951-1962)195652:58
17March WindDo The SweetbackStax 50th Anniversary Collection [Disc 3]199455:21
18The Matta BabyDo the Pearl Girl (Part 2)All Night Long: Northern Soul Floor Fillers201658:34
19The 5 RoyalesDo the Cha Cha CherryThe Complete Singles 1952-196219581:05:58
20The HilltoppersDo The BopChills & Fever: The Dot Records Story 1955-196219551:08:10
21Isaac ClarkDo The Dog FunkRare Soul: Groove & Grind 1963-1973 [Disc 4]20151:10:16
22Rosco GordonDo The Chicken (Dance With You)Rockin' Memphis [Disc 1]19561:13:14
23The Isley BrothersDo The Twist [Remastered 1991]Complete United Artists Sessions19631:15:45
24The Staple SingersDo The Cissy [Stingers]The Complete Stax/Volt Soul Singles Vol. 2: 1968-1971 [Disc 2]19691:18:27
25The MetersDo The DirtCabbage Alley19721:21:12
26Bill DoggettLets Do The ContinetalNew Discgems From Warner Brothers19611:27:21
27The DovellsDo the New ContinentalCameo Parkway 1957-1967 Disc 220051:30:00
28Fox HallDo The Rock And RollSugar Jump20191:32:36
29Johnny ThunderEverybody Do The SloopyThe Very Best Of Johnny Thunder19651:35:11
30Bobby Freeman(I Do The) Shimmy ShimmyAmerican Music Library: The Hits Of 196019601:37:49
31Gary U.S. BondsDo The BumpsieGary U.S Bonds – 30 Original Greatest Hits19651:40:19
32Chubby CheckerDo The FreddyClassic Rock 196519651:42:43
33Little Bobby MooreDo The Ginger SnapThe King Records Story Part219621:44:56
34Randy & the RocketsLets Do the Cajun TwistSwamp Gold Volume 119911:47:33
35Dee Dee SharpMashed Potato TimeRare Soul: Groove & Grind 1963-1973 [Disc 4]19671:54:15
36Chubby CheckerLet's Twist AgainOldies But Goodies20221:56:44


Nine Pound Hammer

We’ve got ourselves a musical breadcrumb trail show featuring songs connected by titles, themes, characters, occupations, relationships, Cajun culture, tattoos, grace, summer romance, and a healthy dose of American eccentricity. We’ll be taking our journey from country to rockabilly, some Howlin’ Wolf, classic doo-wop, folk, gospel, swamp pop, and everything in between. It’s a scenic route through a century of American music. Starting with John Prine’s “Nine Pound Hammer,” we’ll follow a trail that winds through the Louvin Brothers, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, The Band, Johnny Cash, John Lee Hooker, Sam Cooke, and many others. Join us for another Friday morning two hours winding through the back roads. Because that’s where the roots run deepest. 

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1John PrineNine Pound HammerSweet Revenge197300:00
2The Louvin BrothersAre You Teasing MeCapitol Country Music Classics005:15
3Willie NelsonHouse Of GoldCountry Music201008:05
4The Grateful DeadOperatorAmerican Beauty197012:37
5Elvis PresleyThe Girl of My Best FriendArtist of the Century Disc 2199914:57
6Ral DonnerGirl Of My Best FriendAmerican Music Library: The Hits Of 1961196117:13
7The BandJemima SurrenderThe Band196919:21
8Johnny CashI Will Rock And Roll With YouThe Legend: Old Favorites And New [Disc 2]197828:06
9Ivory Joe HunterYou Can't Stop This Rocking and RollingIvory Joe Hunter200530:49
10Chuck WillisCaldoniaRoots of Rock 'n' Roll:Rough and Rowdy Vol. 3195233:03
11The DebsWhaddaya WantRhythm 'N' Blues: Early Doo Wop 1943-55 vol. 2200535:22
12VideosTrickle TrickleDoo Wop Box Disc 3199437:52
13Jackie WilsonThat's Why (I Love You So)7 Classic Albums195945:55
14The SheppardsElevator OperatorGolden Classics198947:54
15Howlin' WolfMy LifeSmokestack Lightning /The Complete Chess Masters 1951-1960195649:26
16John Lee HookerOne Bourbon One Scotch One BeerThe Definitive Collection196652:23
17Dusty OwensHello OperatorTalking on the Telephone Vol. 2195355:16
18Freddy CannonBuzz Buzz-A-Diddle ItTalking on the Telephone Vol. 3196157:33
19Steve ForbertComplicationsJackrabbit Slim19791:05:20
20Steve GoodmanSomebody Else's TroublesSomebody Else's Troubles19991:08:59
21Jo-el SonnierCajun WomanThe Complete Mercury Sessions19921:12:40
22Lil' Band Of GoldCajun TwistAmericana Roots Songbook: Louisiana20021:15:12
23Skeets McDonaldThe Tattooed LadyDirty Boogie: The Fortune Records Story19501:19:20
24Sam CookeOut In The Cold AgainThe Rhythm And The Blues19611:25:03
25The Amazing Rhythm AcesAmazing Grace (Used to Be Her Favorite Song)Stacked Deck19751:27:26
26The Blind Boys of AlabamaAmazing GraceHear Music volume 601:30:41
27Edd PresnellAmazing GraceBluegrass Roots20031:34:59
28The Valiants and Sandy ValeSuntan TattooBanana Split for My Baby19591:36:39
29Eddie CochranHallelujah I Love Her SoThe London American Story – 196019591:38:41
30David Bromberg; Dr. JohnSuch a NightThe Last Waltz [Rhino Box Set] Disc 120021:40:58
31The Band(I Don't Want To Hang Up My) Rock 'N' Roll ShoesA Musical History [Disc 4]19711:45:37
32Randy NewmanI'm DifferentTrouble in Paradise19831:55:13
33Randy NewmanMaybe I'm Doin' It WrongSail Away19701:57:43

Tears On The Vinyl

They say that tears are the safety valve of the heart when too much pressure is laid on it. Whether they are shed in the dark of a midnight heartbreak, the overwhelming light of a spiritual awakening, or the quiet ache of a memory that just won’t fade, these tiny drops of salt water carry the weight of our history. Today, we’re tracing those trails down the cheeks of American music. with a show whose theme is ‘tears’.  We’ve got two hours of the lonesome, the joyful, and the broken-hearted. Featured artists include Etta James, Mac Wiseman, Big Maybelle, Faron Young and The Pilgrim Travelers, spanning the past century of America’s music from the mid-1930s to a cover of Tennessee Ernie Ford’s Ocean of Tears from 2019. We’ll experience tears that take us from remorse to pure joy and pleasant surprise full circle to tears brought on by physical pain. So pull up a chair, settle in, and let’s let the music do the weeping for us.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Little Anthony & The ImperialsTears on My PillowThe Best of Little Anthony & The Imperials195800:00
2Chuck JacksonTears Of JoyThe Very Best Of Chuck Jackson 1961-1967196305:35
3Gladys Knight & The PipsLetter Full Of TearsSoul Grooves200208:13
4Tammi TerrellTears At The End Of A Love AffairCome On And See Me: The Complete Solo Collection196910:52
5Smokey Robinson & the MiraclesTears of a ClownMotown: The Classic Years Disc 2197013:48
6Johnny RiversThe Tracks of My TearsGreatest Hits [Capitol]196716:45
7Etta JamesTears Of JoyThe Complete Modern & Kent Recordings 1195624:59
8Bonnie RaittRiver Of TearsGreen Light198227:25
9Big MaybelleOcean Of TearsThe Complete OKeh Sessions 1952-'55195532:10
10Pee Wee CraytonEyes Full Of TearsPee Wee's Blues – The Complete Aladdin And Imperial Recordings195434:37
11Ray CharlesDrown in My Own TearsPure Genius: The Complete Atlantic Recordings (1952-1959) (1 of 8)195936:42
12The Jackson SouthernairesNo Tears in HeavenGreat Gospel – No Tears in Heaven200444:04
13The Pilgrim TravelersGod Shall Wipe All Tears AwayGood News Vol. 4: Glory Glory Hallelujah194949:10
14The Staple SingersI Can't Help From Cryin' SometimeGreat Day196251:27
15Robert Plant and The Soweto Gospel ChoirValley Of TearsGoin' Home: A Tribute To Fats Domino [Disc 2]200753:43
16Jean ShepardCrying Holy24 Greatest Gospel Hits200955:51
17Bad LiversCrying Holy Unto The LordDust On The Bible199857:52
18Mac WisemanCrying Heart BluesGrassroots To Bluegrass19901:07:57
19Country GentlemenSilence or TearsWarped 6119 – Country Gentlemen – 196119611:10:20
20David Grisman; Emory Gordy; Herb Pedersen; Jim Buchanan; Vince GillThe Children Are CryingHere Today19821:12:56
21Dolly PartonEndless Stream of TearsThe Grass Is Blue19991:15:28
22Faron YoungTrail Of TearsHello Walls / The Young Approach19611:18:01
23Dick CurlessTears Instead of CheersA Tombstone Every Mile (7CD Set) CD6 (1950-1969)19961:20:10
24Tennessee Ernie FordOcean Of TearsThe History Of Country & Western Music (Disc 20)01:24:50
25JP HarrisOcean of Tears (feat. Miss Tess)Why Don't We Duet in the Road (Again) – EP20191:27:23
26Skeets McDonaldCurtain Of TearsSkeets McDonald – One Classic Album & Singles Collection19521:29:57
27Ray CampiCurtain Of TearsCountry Boy's Dream19881:32:17
28Ella FitzgeraldCrying My Heart Out For YouCryin' Mood19391:36:02
29Anita O'DayAnd Her Tears Flowed Like WineSentimental Journey: Great Ladies of Song19441:39:08
30Dinah WashingtonYou're Crying (from The Swingin' Miss D)Dinah Washington: Eight Classic Albums19561:42:12
31Chris ConnorTime Out For TearsWarm Cool: The Atlantic Years [Disc 1]19991:45:39
32Dinah ShoreLaughing On The Outside (Crying On The Inside)Your Hit Parade: 194619461:48:18
33Lula ReedI'll Drown In My Own TearsBob Dylan's Theme Time Radio19511:53:57
34Johnny RayCryColumbia Records 125th Anniversary19511:56:47

Backbeat ’50

It’s a 1950 heatwave of rhythm and blues sounds this morning on Deeper Roots. We’ll move away from anything that might be polite or polished and turn our attention to the sweat-soaked, neon-lit world of rhythm and blues, a sound that was the early morning thunder and lightning just ahead of the dawn of rock ‘n roll. We’re focusing on the year 1950 where jump blues started to grow teeth — where the saxophones were honking, the backbeats hitting harder, and indie labels from Memphis to LA were capturing lightning in a bottle. From the smoky corners of the Delta to the high voltage clubs of the North, we’re digging deep into the crates for the some pounding rhythms from Dave Bartholomew, Julia Lee, Bull Moose Jackson, Jimmy McCracklin as well as Buddy and Ella Johnson…oh, and some Tiny Bradshaw’s Breaking Up The House. As Chuck Berry pointed out: “…it’s got a backbeat, you can’t lose it, any old time you use it”.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Sister Wynona CarrDon't Miss That TrainDragnet For Jesus195000:00
2Buddy & Ella JohnsonWalk the Chalk LineRhythm & Blues Goes Rock & Roll/Volume 2 [Disc 7]195005:22
3Ella JohnsonNo More LoveVoodoo Voodoo: Feisty Fifties Females195007:56
4Jimmy McCracklinRockin? All Day (a/k/a Rockin? and Reelin?)Electric Blues?Part 1: Beginnings 1939-1954195010:56
5Bull Moose JacksonBig Fat Mamas Are Back In Style AgainBull Moose Jackson 1947-1950195013:34
6Cleo BrownRoll It BoogieBoogie Woogie Gals – 1939-57195015:54
7Eunice DavisRock Little DaddyBoogie Woogie Gals – 1939-57195025:17
8Austin McCoyHappy Pay Day Part 1More Mellow Cats & Kittens195027:46
9Lucky Millinder & His Orchestra w/Myra JohnsonSilent GeorgeRisque Rhythm: Nasty 50s R&B195030:56
10Jewel King3×7=21Get Hot Sleazy Rhythm & Blues Vol. 3195033:32
11Jewel KingI Broke My Mother's RuleGettin' Funky [Disc 4]195036:04
12Julia LeeCan't Get Enough Of That StuffKansas City Star [Disc 5]195038:17
13Violet HallHe's An Ivory Beating Baby (On The Baby Grand)Boogie Woogie Gals – 1939-57195041:16
14Johnnie BrownI'm Gonna Stop (Foolin' Around)Jumpin' The Blues:MCA Label(ACE CD)195048:49
15Tiny BradshawBreaking Up the HouseBreaking Up the House [Disc 2]195051:12
16Tiny BradshawWell Oh WellBreaking Up the House [Disc 2]195053:51
17Wynonie HarrisI Want To Love You BabyAll She Wants To Do Is Rock195056:29
18Dave BartholomewAin't Gonna Do It (Rest Of My Life)Gettin' Funky [Disc 2]195059:21
19Connie JordanI'm Gonna Rock (Till My Rocker Breaks Down)Jumpin' The Blues:MCA Label(ACE CD)19501:07:07
20Ruth BrownI'll Wait For YouMiss Rhythm Greatest Hits And More Disc 119501:09:52
21Ivory Joe HunterWe're Going to BoogieRhythm & Blues Goes Rock & Roll Vol 2 [Disc 13]19501:12:25
22King PerryEverything's Gonna Be Alright TonightVarious Artists: Rhythm & Blues Goes Rock & Roll/Volume 2/[Disc 1]19501:15:25
23Gene PhillipsWomen Women WomenHot R&B and Cool Blues 1946-5219501:17:46
24Erline HarrisJump And ShoutGet Hot Sleazy Rhythm & Blues Vol. 319501:20:35
25Percy MayfieldStrange Things HappeningPoet of the Blues19501:25:26
26The RobinsIf It's SoThe Dawn Of Doo-Wop Vol. 4: Doo-Wop Dancin'19501:28:12
27The DominoesChicken BluesThe Dawn Of Doo-Wop Vol. 4: Doo-Wop Dancin'19501:31:14
28H-Bomb FergusonRock H-Bomb RockStompin' 1419501:34:02
29Roy Brown & His Mighty Mighty MenLove Don't Love NobodyOriginal Blues/Greatest Hits19501:36:10
30Little Esther & Mel Walker w; Johnny Otis OrchestraCupid's BoogieRoots of Rock 'n' Roll – Rough and Rowdy Vol. 319501:38:51
31The RavensMy Baby's GoneOKeh Rhythm & Blues19501:41:24
32The Three RiffsCherry In My Lemon And LimeHot Harmony Groups 1932-1951: Vol 1: That's the Rhythm19501:44:09
33Harry Van WallsTee-nah-nahAtlantic Rhythm & Blues: 1947-1974 [Disc 1]19501:46:34
34Fats DominoHey La Bas BoogieGettin' Funky [Disc 3] – The Hitmakers19501:53:53
35Fats DominoThe Fat ManGettin' Funky [Disc 3] – The Hitmakers19501:56:14

Country Shed Shakers

This week’s show peels back the velvet curtain of the Golden Age of Country music and introduces some lower chart shed shakers from the outskirts of Nashville. While the charts were full of polished crooners and weeping violins, there was a different sound brewing in and around the perimeter—a raw, frantic energy that didn’t belong in a ballroom. These are the tracks that blurred the line between the honky-tonk and the garage. We’ll deliver the distorted side of that golden age with some familiar names (Buck Owens, Jerry Reed, Johnny Bond) and some of those who were lost to those dusty Ernest Tubb Record Shop dollar bins (Eddie Zack, Jimmy Swan, Benny Barnes), all  in a package meant to get those fingers poppin’. Hope you can join us for some gritty, low-fi country vibes.

No.ArtistTitleAlbum
1Luke Wills' Rhythm BustersShut Up And Drink Your BeerStompin' Singers & Western Swingers ([Disc 3] It Ain't Far To The Bar)
2Luke Wills' Rhythm BustersHigh Voltage GalStompin' Singers & Western Swingers ([Disc 3] It Ain't Far To The Bar)
3Sheb WooleyMule BoogieCountry & Western Nuggets
4Smokey Hogg And His GuitarCrawdadRhythm & Western Volume 1 – When Two Worlds Collide
5Billy StrangeHell TrainHillbillies In Hell (Country Music's Tormented Testament 1952-1974)
6Hawkshaw HawkinsWaitin' for My BabyCountry & Western Nuggets
7Bobby LordNo More No More No MoreCountry & Western Nuggets
8Buck OwensHot DogBound for Bakersfield 1953-56
9Wanda JacksonHot Dog! That Made Him MadQueen Of Rockabilly
10The HurricanesPistol Packin' MamaRhythm & Western Volume 1 – When Two Worlds Collide
11Johnny BondSomebody's Pushin'Put Me To Bed
12Jerry ReedWhen I Found YouCountry & Western Nuggets
13Jerry ReedMister WhizzCountry & Western Nuggets
14Eddie ZackI?m Gonna Roll and RockCountry & Western Nuggets
15Jimmy MurphySixteen Tons Rock `n? RollCountry & Western Nuggets
16Jimmy SwanCountry Cattin?Country & Western Nuggets
17Johnny BondLonesome TrainPut Me To Bed
18Skeets McDonaldI Got A New Field To PlowSkeets McDonald – One Classic Album & Singles Collection
19Dusty PayneMy Walkin' ShoesThe Other Side of Bakersfield Vol. 2; 1950s & 60s Boppers and Rockers from 'Nashville West'
20The Farmer BoysSomehow Someway SomedayThe Other Side of Bakersfield
21Billy WalkerI've Got Leavin' On My MindWhirlpool – Gonna Shake This Shack Tonight
22Jimmie PetersRhythm of LoveCountry & Western Nuggets
23Titus TurnerA Knockin' At My Baby's DoorRhythm & Western Volume 1 – When Two Worlds Collide
24Dave RichTuggin? At My Heart StringsCountry & Western Nuggets
25Freddie HartHeaven Only KnowsCountry & Western Nuggets
26Faron YoungHoney StopCountry & Western Nuggets
27Benny BarnesKing for a DayCountry & Western Nuggets
28Ferlin HuskyWang Dang DoCountry & Western Nuggets
29Little Jimmy DickensHey Ma (Hide the Daughter)Country & Western Nuggets
30Dave RichBurn On Love FireCountry & Western Nuggets
31Lee BondsHome ComingCountry & Western Nuggets
32Johnny DavidRace With The DevilHillbillies In Hell (Country Music's Tormented Testament 1952-1974)
33Steve BledsoeBang Bang You're DeadHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Final Chapter
34Jimmie Pearson And The Melody MakersNobody CaresHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Final Chapter
35Cowboy CopasBury Me Face DownHillbillies in Hell Country Music?s Tormented Testament Volume 5
36Black Jack WayneRed Silk Stockings and Green PerfumeCountry & Western Nuggets
37Mel TillisYou Are The ReasonCountry & Western Nuggets
38Rink HardinWhat Did I DoCountry & Western Nuggets
39Wynn StewartBig Big LoveCountry & Western Nuggets

Berry Covers

This week’s episode finds the heart of rock ‘n roll; that recipe of a rhythm and blues with just the right pinch of just about everything else. Chuck Berry’s legacy stands as one of the most important stories in rock ‘n roll’s 75 or so years. His music, particularly in those early years, was covered ad nauseum but it was always done best in an artist’s own voice. Why? Because the music speaks for itself. We’ll share music from Sleepy Labeef to Nina Simone, Linda Ronstadt to Peter Gammons (!), and Conway Twitty to the late, great John Hammond. Covers include You Never Can Tell, Sweet Little Sixteen, Nadine, and No Money down with another dozen, all honoring the King (or is it the Prime Minister) of Rock ‘n Roll whose 100th birthday will be celebrated later this year.


No.ArtistTitleAlbum
1Aaron NevilleYou Never Can Tell
2Peter GammonsCarol
3Tom Petty & The HeartbreakersAround and Around (Live at the Fillmore 1997)
4Nina SimoneBrown Eyed Handsome Man
5Lyle LovettBrown Eyed Handsome Man
6Elvis PresleyMaybelline
7Marty RobbinsMaybelline
8Hard Working AmericansSchool Day (Ring! Ring! Goes The Bell)
9Elvis PresleyMemphis Tennessee
10George BensonMemphis Tennessee
11Angela StrehliYou Never Can Tell
12Emmylou HarrisYou Never Can Tell
13George Thorogood & The DestroyersNo Particular Place To Go
14Jerry Lee LewisRoll Over Beethoven
15Sleepy LabeefRoll Over Beethoven
16Buck OwensJohnny B. Goode
17Tom Petty & The HeartbreakersJohnny B. Goode (Live at the Fillmore 1997)
18Arlen RothSweet Little Sixteen
19Jerry Lee Lewis; Ringo StarrSweet Little Sixteen
20Ronnie Wood with his Wild FiveRock 'n' Roll Music (featuring Imelda May)
21Linda RonstadtBack In The U.S.A.
22Reckless KellyBack In the USA
23Kevin RussellNadine
24John HammondNadine
25John HammondNo Money Down
26Duane AllmanNo Money Down
27Conway TwittyReelin' and Rockin'
28Johnnie AllanPromised Land
29The BandPromised Land
30Ronnie Hawkins & The HawksThirty Days
31Jeff LynneLet It Rock
32DionSweet Little Rock and Roller (Album)

Heavenly Day

It’s a free form morning as Dave once again digs out some favorites and some deep tracks from the last century of America’s music. He’ll be paying his respects to Doug Sahm’s keyboard master, Augie Meyers, while at the same time picking on some thematic tones, including that of heaven, an early century legend by the name of Lulu, early rhythm and western from 1950 as well as a collection of soul tracks that glistened in the winds from 1967. Tune in for The Ink Spots, Jimmy Newman, John Prine, The Castaleers and Fats Waller…a sampler from the past one hundred years. Free form mornings here on KOWS occur only once in a blue moon so you’ll want to be tuning in for more music discovery from all genre corners. You’re invited to come on up to the house where we’re ready, willing and waiting to entertain, putting the madness of a wannabe king behind you for a two-hour joyful jaunt where you’ll find three chords and the truth.

The Hijacked Jukebox

Join Dave Stroud for a look at a fascinating, if somewhat cringey, slice of music history, where white cover versions of black R&B nuggets were whitewashed across the pop charts in the 1950s. While the ‘cover version’ was a standard industry practice, so were the ‘sanitized’ versions of R&B hits by black artists that made them more ‘palatable’ for white radio audiences, spotlighting white artists while the original creators stayed in the shadows. It’s certainly something that could be the topic of numerous Deeper Roots episodes but we’ll limit our scope to a two hour exploration, measuring the original against the cover. On one side of the house we’ll hear from Fats Domino (a popular source for the practic), Big Joe Turner, The Moonglows and a handful of others. The other side of the house has the names of Pat Boone, Art Mooney, The Fontane Sisters and others among the dubious roster ‘favorites’. Radio and media helped to democratize the landscape but today’s parallels with the frothing ‘look over thereness’ of right wing hate is unmistakable and hard to ignore. It was George Santayana who observed that “those who do not learn from history, are bound to repeat it.“

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1The Fontane SistersHearts Of StoneVintage Music " Vols 3 & 4Amazon
2The JewelsHearts of StoneDoo Wop Box Disc 1Amazon
3The Fontane SistersRock LoveThey Tried To Rock – The Popsters Vol.4Amazon
4Lula ReedRock LoveRhythm & Western Volume 4 – I Hang My Head and CryAmazon
5Eileen BartonFujiyama MamaThey Tried To Rock – The Popsters Vol.4Amazon
6Annisteen AllenFujiyama MamaFrom the GhettoAmazon
7The Crew CutsSh-Boom (Life Could Be A Dream)Magic Moments: Best Of 50's Pop (Disc 2)Amazon
8The ChordsSh-BoomGlory Days Of Rock 'N' Roll: Doo-Wop [Disc 1]Amazon
9The McGuire SistersSincerelyMagic Moments: Best Of 50's Pop (Disc 2)Amazon
10The MoonglowsSincerelyPure R&B: Vol. 1- Got My Mojo Workin [Disc 2]Amazon
11The Crew CutsDon't Be AngryHigh School FavoritesAmazon
12Nappy BrownDon't Be Angry [1955 Version]Down In The Alley – The Complete Savoy Singles A's & B'sAmazon
13The Fontane SistersPlease Don't Leave MeThey Tried To Rock – The Popsters Vol.3Amazon
14Fats DominoPlease Don't Leave MeRock And RollinAmazon
15Pat BooneThe Fat ManThey Tried To Rock – The Popsters Vol.4Amazon
16Fats DominoThe Fat ManMartin Scorsese Presents The Blues: Piano Blues – A Film By Clint EastwoodAmazon
17Pat BooneLong Tall SallyThe London American Story Disc 1Amazon
18Little RichardLong Tall SallySpecialty Profiles: Larry WilliamsAmazon
19Art MooneyTutti FruttiThey Tried To Rock – The Popsters Vol.4Amazon
20Little RichardTutti FruttiLoud, Fast & Out of Control: The Wild Sounds of the '50s [Box] Disc 3Amazon
21Johnnie RayFlip Flop And FlyThey Tried To Rock – The Popsters Vol.4Amazon
22Big Joe TurnerFlip Flop And FlyBig Joe Turner: The Definitive Blues Collection [[Disc 2]]Amazon
23Bill Haley & His CometsShake, Rattle and RollFrom The Original Master TapesAmazon
24Big Joe TurnerShake, Rattle & RollLoud, Fast & Out of Control: The Wild Sounds of the '50s [Box] Disc 1Amazon
25Teresa BrewerTweedle DeeThe Best Of Teresa BrewerAmazon
26LaVern BakerTweedlee DeePure R&B: Vol. 5- Pioneers [Disc 2]Amazon
27Gale StormWhy Do Fools Fall in LoveThe London American Story Disc 1Amazon
28Frankie Lymon & The TeenagersWhy Do Fools Fall in LoveGems from the Columbia Vaults, Pt. 1Amazon
29Georgia GibbsDance With Me HenryGeorgia Gibbs Greatest HitsAmazon
30Etta JamesThe WallflowerThe Best of Etta James [EMI-Capitol Special Markets]Amazon
31Jean DinningBo DiddleyThey Tried To Rock – The Popsters Vol.4Amazon
32Bo DiddleyBo DiddleyPure R&B: Vol. 2- Somethings Got a Hold on Me [Disc 2]Amazon
33The HilltoppersTeardrops From My EyesThey Tried To Rock – The Popsters Vol.4Amazon
34Ruth BrownTeardrops From My EyesRuth Brown: The Definitive Soul Collection [[Disc 1]]Amazon
35Jaye P MorganBaby Don't Do ItThey Tried To Rock – The Popsters Vol.3Amazon
36The 5 RoyalesBaby Don't Do ItThe Complete Singles 1952-1962Amazon
37Perry ComoKo Ko MoThey Tried To Rock – The Popsters Vol.4Amazon
38The FlamingosKo Ko MoThe Best Of The FlamingosAmazon
39Ricky NelsonI'm Walkin'Legacy [Disc 1]Amazon

Party Goin’ On

Spring’s just around the corner but we’re all holding out with rain, wind and more California sunshine in our forecast until then. Don’t you think that this might call for a party? Well, some of us do and we’re going to mix up the country with the blues, the rock with the rockabilly, and the brassy with the sass as we prepare for the holiday known as President’s Day. I suppose the toddler in the basement wants that named after him, too. Can someone explain the rules of common decency and sense to President McFuddlepants? Please. I beg of you. We’ll leave him out of the party today, though, as we hang in there with a delicious spread of the very best music from the past century, including Mitty Collier, Dr. John, Marty Stuart, Merle Haggard, John Fogerty and Elvin Bishop. We’ll also hear from a local favorite, Doug Blumer and The Bohemian Highway, with a reminder that “The Party’s At Our House”.



No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Marty Stuart and His Fabulous SuperlativesSad House Big PartySaturday Night / Sunday MorningAmazon
2Roque BañosParty at the RestaurantSexy BeastAmazon
3Dr. JohnParty HellfireThe Best Of The Parlophone YearsAmazon
4Amos MilburnHouse Party (Tonight)Amos Milburn RocksAmazon
5Amos MilburnLet's Have A PartyABC Of The Blues Vol 30Amazon
6Hugo and LuigiRockabilly PartyThe Forgotten 45s 1957-1959 (CD1)Amazon
7Eddy "The Chief" ClearwaterParty at My HouseMean Case of the BluesAmazon
8Jesse AllenLet's PartyStompin' 34Amazon
9Sam CookeHaving A Party100 Northern Soul ClassicsAmazon
10Mink DeVilleParty GirlsCabrettaAmazon
11Helena FergusonWhere Is The PartyDave Godin's Deep Soul Treasures – Vol. 5Amazon
12Claudine ClarkParty LightsThe Best Of The Girl Groups, Vol. 1Amazon
13Tammi TerrellTwo Can Have A PartyCome On And See Me: The Complete Solo CollectionAmazon
14Mitty CollierMy PartyTalking With Her Man: The Chess Singles 1961-1968Amazon
15Lesley GoreIt's My Party20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Lesley GoreAmazon
16Charlie Wilson & His Hayloft GangThe Beer Party (1933)Work Hard, Play Hard, Pray Hard: Hard Time, Good Time, And End Time Music, 1923-1936Amazon
17Dale WatsonPity PartyThe Best of the HighTone YearsAmazon
18Don GibsonGive Myself A PartyThe Complete Recordings 1952-1962Amazon
19Doug Blumer And The Bohemian HighwayThe Party's At Our HouseDoug Blumer And The Bohemian HighwayAmazon
20Charline ArthurI'm Having A Party All By MyselfWelcome To The ClubAmazon
21Wanda JacksonThere's A Party Going OnThere's A Party Goin' OnAmazon
22Elvin BishopParty Till The Cows Come HomeTulsa ShuffleAmazon
23Whitney RoseThe Last PartyHeartbreaker of the YearAmazon
24Merle HaggardGoin' Away PartyUnforgettableAmazon
25Rosanne CashI Don't Want To Spoil The PartyHits: 1979-1989Amazon
26Porter WagonerThe Party & Dolly Parton1967-1968 (Warped 6797)Amazon
27John FogertyGarden Party (With Don Henley and Timothy B. Schmidt)The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides AgainAmazon
28Charlie Faye & The FayettesYou Gotta Give It up (Party Song)The Whole ShebangAmazon
29The Jades with the Pacer's MusicThe Big Beach PartyBanana Split for My BabyAmazon
30AnnetteBeach PartyCowabunga! The Surf Box Disc 3Amazon
31The Super StocksMuscle Beach PartySurf Route 101Amazon
32Fats DominoWhat a PartyMy Blue Heaven: The Best of Fats DominoAmazon
33Smiley LewisCaldonia's PartySmiley Lewis Vol 1Amazon

Luck and Fortune

It may be Friday the 13th but that won’t stop us from fortifying ourselves with a ‘luck and fortune’ theme in today’s show. Hopefully, that will tip the scales. May our luck and fortune hold out until the next election. You’re welcome to drop in to our slightly superstitious edition of Deeper Roots on a day that usually sends people dodging ladders and eyeing black cats with suspicion. Whether you’re a believer in the ‘unlucky’ stigma or you consider yourself a master of your own fate, we’ve curated a playlist designed to explore the highs and lows of the cosmic dice roll. We’ll be spinning tracks that dive deep into the world of luck and fortune with some high-stakes anthems of the casino floor to the soulful laments of those down on their luck, we’re covering every corner of the wheel of fate. But…knock on wood…just in case.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Robert GordonWheel of FortuneRock Billy BoogieAmazon
2The CardinalsWheel Of FortuneAtlantic Rhythm & Blues: 1947-1974 [Disc 1]Amazon
3Vic DamoneSomething's ComingJackpot! The Las Vegas StoryAmazon
4Joe LigginsWhiskey, Women And Loaded DiceJoe Liggins & The HoneydrippersAmazon
5The Fabulous ThunderbirdsRoll Of The DiceRoll Of The DiceAmazon
6Little MiltonWe Got the Winning HandGreatest Hits (Chess 50th Anniversary Collection)Amazon
7T-Bone WalkerYou're My Best Poker HandBest Of Black & White & Imperial YearsAmazon
8Helen HumesFortune Tellin' ManHe May Be Your ManAmazon
9The StokesCrystal BallUp All Night! 56 Northern Soul ClassicsAmazon
10Benny SpellmanFortune TellerOn The Soul SideAmazon
11Robert Plant & Alison KraussFortune TellerRaising SandAmazon
12Lamont DozierFortune Teller Tell MeOriginal Sound Of Detroit – Vol 1Amazon
13Elvis PresleyGood Luck CharmThe Top Ten Hits Disc 2Amazon
14ZZ TopViva Las VegasRancho Texicano: The Very Best Of ZZ Top [Disc 2]Amazon
15Jimmie DolanPlayin' Dominoes And Shootin' DiceJuke Box BoogieAmazon
16Marty RobbinsAin't I The Lucky OneThe Essential Marty Robbins: 1951-1982Amazon
17Paul EvansHappy-Go-Lucky-MeRadio Radio Vol.5 [Disc 3] Bob DylanAmazon
18IguanasFortune TellerIguanasAmazon
19Chris IsaakWaiting for My Lucky DayBaja SessionsAmazon
20Nick Lowe & His Cowboy OutfitLucky DogThe Rose of EnglandAmazon
21J.J. CaleLady LuckTravel LogAmazon
22DootonesTeller Of FortuneThe Dootone & Dooto Records StoryAmazon
23Ella FitzgeraldI'm Just A Lucky So And SoElla Fitzgerald: A 75th Birthday Salute [Disc 1]Amazon
24Nat King ColeI'm Shooting HighUltra-Lounge: Vegas Baby!Amazon
25Dean MartinWho's Got the Action?Ultra-Lounge: Vegas Baby!Amazon
26Jack JonesThis Could Be the Start of SomethingUltra-Lounge: Vegas Baby!Amazon
27Frank SinatraLuck Be a LadySinatra Reprise: The Very Good YearsAmazon
28Dinah WashingtonBad LuckDinah Washington Sings The BluesAmazon
29Chuck BerryI'm Just a Lucky So and SoThe Chess Box Disc 2Amazon
30Gale StormLucky LipsDark Moon * The Best Of Gale StormAmazon
31Sticks McGheeWhiskey Women And Loaded DiceStick McGhee Volume 2 – (1951-1960)Amazon
32Kay StarrWheel Of FortuneYour Hit Parade – 1952Amazon
33Tony BennettWith Plenty of Money and YouUltra-Lounge, Vol. 15: Wild Cool & Swingin' TooAmazon