The year was 1947: World War II was over and there was music in the air, with
Frank Sinatra
making teenagers swoon. On other airways, primarily black radio stations, another, earthier music was being played which would become the foundation for what is now called
rock & roll
. Back then it was called the
blues
and
rhythm & blues
, and its voices had names like
Wynonie Harris
,
Willie Dixon
, and
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
. Among its musicians were
Big Bill Broonzy
Hosea Sapp
Thunder Smith
. This CD, released in 2001, is part of a series that chronicles the history of this music that was to have such an impact on
. This volume collects some of the great hits of 1947, when many baby boomers were born, who would go on to become the major supporters of the idiom. Included in the selections are the famous and the obscure:
"Freight Train Boogie"
by
Red Foley
Louis Jordan
's
"Barnyard Boogie,"
"You Got to Run Me Down"
Jazz Gillum
"Polly Put Your Kettle On"
Sonny Boy Williamson
"Why Don't You Do Right?"
sung by
Peggy Lee
"Cigareete, Whuskey, & Wild Wimmen"
the Sons of the Pioneers
. This is a colorful look at
's spiritual forbears that can only enhance one's appreciation for the music of today. ~ Rose of Sharon Witmer